Adebanke L. Adebayo

Describe your dissertation, thesis, or capstone (if you completed one):

My dissertation is a mixed-methods exploration of young Nigerian women's understanding of climate change and its effects on maternal and prenatal health outcomes.

How did you choose your specific area of study?

Alongside my passion, it was a process of finding and asking relevant and timely questions, exploring ideas around me, and clearly communicating those questions and ideas in exploring the lived experiences of vulnerable and at-risk populations.

How did your academic experiences in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences impact you?

In my academic experience at the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, I was able to find and build my scholarship through the collective learning experiences that ensued between myself, my peers, and the faculty. The receptiveness to learning, unlearning, and relearning defined my scholarship as a social scientist. #MASONCOMM

Of which accomplishment(s) during your time at Mason are you most proud?

There are quite a few proud accomplishments. However, in this moment, the Supplemental Research Support Award and the Dissertation Completion Grant from the Department of Communication and the Provost Office, respectively, were both part of the driving factors for the timely completion of my dissertation.

Are there faculty or staff members who made a difference during your Mason career?

I genuinely appreciate Gary Kreps, Ed Maibach, Kevin Wright, Melissa Broeckelman-Post, Katherine Rowan, Brittany Sanders, and Maria Carabelli for their immeasurable support.

What advice would you give to an incoming cohort of graduate students?

This journey is ultimately yours! Do not pursue it in the shadow of others.

What are your current career plans following graduation? What are your long-term career goals?

In the fall, I will be starting a new position as an assistant professor of communication at Washburn University.