Bright Olunusi

About

Bright Olunusi is a Ph.D. student in Global Development at Cornell University, specializing in human-wildlife conflict and coexistence. She began her academic journey at the University of Ibadan, graduating with honors in Wildlife and Ecotourism Management. Her passion for conservation was sparked by the disappearance of iconic species at the university's zoological garden, leading her to address conservation challenges.

Olunusi's professional experience includes internships at Kainji and Okomu National Parks, where she observed the impacts of human encroachment on wildlife habitats. Her undergraduate thesis on Nigeria's bushmeat market provided insights into the socioeconomic drivers behind wildlife exploitation. She has authored articles on hunters' behavior, consumer preferences for bushmeat, and the environmental justice issues of wildlife trade.

At Boston University, Olunusi researched human-wildlife interactions in Massachusetts, focusing on bear and coyote encounters. Supported by the Institute of Global Sustainability and the Pardee School of Global Studies, her studies highlighted significant seasonal and geographical patterns, emphasizing the need for innovative mitigation strategies. Olunusi also explores food security, agricultural expansion, environmental sustainability, and environmental degradation. 

Her Ph.D. research at Cornell involves modeling human-wildlife conflicts and coexistence in Africa amidst climate change and development scenarios. She is mentored by Prof. Andrew Reid Bell, an expert in agent-based modeling.

Her long-term goals include advancing biodiversity and environmental conservation as a researcher and supporting aspiring researchers in Africa through international collaborations and funding initiatives. Being part of Cornell's Department of Global Development aligns with her dedication to improving environmental health, biodiversity conservation, and global development.

When not working, Olunusi likes to travel and bake sweet treats.