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NAWM is looking for photos of our members working in the field—whether inside or outside, regulation or restoration, monitoring & assessment—or mapping & management of wetland resources. We would like to feature photos of wetland professionals doing a wide range of activities in the field of wetland science, policy and management. Please email these photos to Laura at laura@nawm.org for use on the NAWM website and/or in our membership newsletter, Wetland News.
The NAWM membership includes state, tribal, federal, and local wetland managers, regulators, researchers, field scientists, academics, private consultants, and more. These wetlanders work across the United States in a wide variety of wetlands and related aquatic resources. To celebrate the important work that NAWM members are doing, each month NAWM shines the Member Spotlight on one member to learn more about the good work they are doing to protect and restore our wetland resources, how they came to work in wetlands, and how being a member of the Association benefits their work. If you would like to nominate a member for a future Member Spotlight, please reach out to Portia Osborne, NAWM Assistant Director, at portia@nawm.org. View Member Spotlight Archive.
Etinosa Igunbor
Etinosa Igunbor is a research assistant at Old Dominion University and a recent recipient of the Jon A. Kusler Student Scholarship Award.
What is your current position?
Currently, I serve as a research assistant at Old Dominion University, where I am partnering with other professional and research institutions to conduct applied research on coastal wetland restoration, with a focus on vegetation and soil characteristics changes over time, and the ecological performance of living shorelines in the Chesapeake Bay. My research integrates geospatial analysis, field monitoring, and modeling to advance resilience-based shoreline management. Previously, I served as a Forest Conservation Officer at the Edo State Ministry of Environment and Sustainability in Nigeria, where I led policy and field-based initiatives in forest and wetland conservation. I also head the LEAD Sustainability Team in Western Colorado University, which I founded to drive institutional climate strategies and environmental sustainability programs.
What is your favorite part of your work?
My favorite part of my work is engaging directly with diverse stakeholders, scientists, policymakers, practitioners, and local communities through research, education, and advocacy. I find great purpose in translating scientific findings into actionable insights that inform wetland policy and restoration practice. Whether in the field, the lab, or a public forum, I’m passionate about building bridges between science and society to advance environmental resilience.
What is one of your biggest professional accomplishments?
One of my most significant professional accomplishments was developing a spatially explicit model to estimate carbon sequestration potential in restored wet meadows, which was accepted for presentations at several national and international conferences. The model integrated field data, soil analysis, and geospatial tools to quantify climate mitigation benefits of wetland restoration. This work not only contributed valuable insight to the science of ecosystem services but also demonstrated the practical value of restoration investments. I believe this innovative contribution played a key role in earning me the Jon Kusler Award for the National Association of Wetland Managers meeting in 2025, recognizing my unique contribution in wetland science and policy.
What is your favorite type of wetland?
Wet meadows are my favorite wetland type because they are small yet critically important ecosystems. They play a disproportionate role in carbon sequestration, water retention, and biodiversity support, despite often being overlooked in larger conservation narratives. My connection to wet meadows deepened during the development of a carbon sequestration model for restored sites, an experience that underscored their value in climate mitigation and landscape resilience. Their quiet complexity and ecological significance continue to inspire my research and advocacy.
How did you end up working in wetlands?
I began in the field of landscape restoration while serving as a Forestry Officer in Nigeria, where I witnessed firsthand the ecological and social importance of forested wetlands. That experience sparked my interest in wetland processes, leading to graduate research in the U.S. on carbon sequestration, wetland restoration, and shoreline ecology. Today, I combine international field experience with cutting-edge research to improve wetland management.
What advice do you have for someone interested in getting started in wetlands work?
I would say start with curiosity and build interdisciplinary skills, especially in ecology, GIS, environmental modeling, and science communication. Wetland work spans science, policy, and community engagement. Get involved early through volunteer projects, fellowships, and professional networks like NAWM. Seek more collaboration, mentorship and never underestimate the value of real-world experience combined with academic rigor.
How long have you been a member of NAWM? How have you participated in NAWM?
I’ve been a member of NAWM since 2024. I actively engage in webinars, technical training, and use NAWM’s resources to support my research and stakeholder engagement. I am currently pursuing opportunities to contribute to project workgroups focused on coastal resilience and restoration monitoring, where I can bring both field and policy experience.
What is your favorite benefit of being a member of NAWM?
NAWM’s ability to convene professionals across sectors is its greatest strength. It serves as a trusted platform for accessing technical tools, policy guidance, and collaborative learning. For someone like me working across continents and disciplines, NAWM offers both relevance and reach connecting research to real-world wetland outcomes.
If you would like to nominate a member for a future Member Spotlight, please reach out to Portia Osborne, NAWM Assistant Director, at portia@nawm.org.
View Member Spotlight Archive.