Esther ‘Ola’ Ayeni, a Nigerian environmental researcher and data analyst, has been honored with the BAT Award of Excellence 2024 in the Sustainability Innovation and Leadership category. The award recognizes her outstanding contributions to environmental research, data-driven sustainability, and community-focused innovation.
With a career that bridges geospatial science, public health, and urban sustainability, Ayeni has consistently used data to drive impactful solutions. Her research focuses on greenspace equity, brownfield redevelopment, and public health disparities, highlighting the connection between environmental conditions and health outcomes in underserved communities.
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“When we talk about public health, we must consider the spaces people live in, how much green space they have, how close they are to pollution sources, or whether they live near a brownfield site,” Ayeni said. “These are not just environmental issues, they are public health emergencies, and data can help us address them effectively.”
Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences at Ball State University, Ayeni specializes in Urban Geography, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and Data Analytics. Her expertise in tools such as ArcGIS Pro, R, and Python has enabled her to conduct research that informs policy decisions and promotes environmental justice.
Her recent publication, “The Relationship between Neighborhood Economic Deprivation and Asthma-associated Emergency Department Visits in Maryland,” is a prime example of her work, linking economic data with health outcomes to highlight systemic inequities.
Beyond her research, Ayeni has played a key role in mentoring students and young professionals in the fields of geospatial science and sustainability. As a judge at the 2023 Dratech Hackathon, she witnessed the innovation and resilience of young African scientists and technologists.
“Supporting African innovation isn’t just a responsibility, it’s a personal mission,” she stated. “I’ve seen firsthand how young African scientists and technologists are solving critical problems with limited resources. We need to give them the global visibility and support they deserve so they can drive meaningful change in their communities and beyond.”
Ayeni’s career has also spanned the corporate sector, including her time as a Data Analyst at Nestlé in Nigeria, where she worked on sales optimization and business intelligence. This experience sharpened her ability to transform large datasets into actionable insights, a skill she now applies to environmental and public health challenges.
Winning the BAT Award of Excellence 2024 further validates the importance of her work. The award highlights leaders who are driving innovation and sustainability, recognizing individuals who are making a significant impact in their fields.
“Receiving the BAT Award of Excellence is a humbling and affirming experience,” Esther Ayeni said. “It’s not just about recognition but about amplifying the importance of sustainability and innovation in solving real-world challenges. This award motivates me to keep pushing boundaries and mentoring others who are passionate about using data for positive change.”
As Esther Ayeni looks to the future, Ayeni is focused on expanding her research, collaborating on innovative environmental solutions, and influencing policy development both in the United States and Nigeria. She also hopes to establish a data innovation lab focused on urban sustainability in Africa, creating a space where researchers, policymakers, and communities can co-create solutions tailored to local contexts.
Her journey from Nigeria to the United States, from geology to geospatial science, and from corporate data analytics to environmental research demonstrates the power of passion, perseverance, and purpose-driven innovation. The BAT Award of Excellence 2024 serves as a testament to her impact on sustainability and leadership in environmental research.
The Bridge Africa Technologies Awards is a prestigious international recognition established to honor Nigerians and Africans, both at home and abroad, who have demonstrated outstanding contributions in their respective fields of study and professional endeavors. Organized by Bridge Africa Technologies Ltd., the awards serve as a platform to celebrate the achievements and impact of African professionals on a global scale.
