Estella Atekwana

Estella Atekwana (née Estella Akweseh Nkwate; born 13 September 1961) is a geophysicist studying biogeophysics and tectonophysics. She is currently Dean of the College of Letters and Science at University of California, Davis. She previously served as Dean of the College of Earth, Ocean and Environment at the University of Delaware. She is also an adjunct professor at both the University of Waterloo and the Missouri University of Science and Technology.

Quotes

 * I encourage students to think of themselves first as scientists that are equipped with problem-solving skills.
 * ESTELLA ATEKWANA, INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION (8 March 2018)


 * We don’t know what the problems of tomorrow are going to be, but I’m convinced that analytical and problem-solving skills will be key to solving tomorrow’s grand challenges.
 * What she thinks about the future


 * I see myself as a scientist. When you think about the scientific method, whether your discipline is environmental science, marine science, geology, or something else… it doesn’t really matter.
 * Her reply when asked what is the parallel between Marine sciences and Geology


 * Students today want to have an impact in the world, to take science a step further and create usable solutions for society.
 * Reason for her interest in expanding the impact of Earth sciences on students


 * The geosciences are of growing importance to addressing societal concerns about climate change, natural resources, geohealth, ocean security, and food and water security, among other things.
 * Her reply when asked why she is interested in expanding the impact of Earth sciences on society


 * Today’s problems are complex and require a variety of viewpoints to innovate new solutions. Diversity can be seen in different ways: gender, race, disability, but also in discipline and thought process.
 * Her explanation on how diversity is critical to achieve advances in science