Sophie Ebot Agborabang is a JSPS Postdoctoral Research Fellow jointly affiliated with UNU-IAS and the University of Tokyo.
She works under the supervision of Prof. Nunoura’s lab at the University of Tokyo and is an affiliate of the UNU-IAS Water Resource Management (WRM) team. Her research explores how improper solid waste management impacts the water quality of rivers used for drinking and community health in rural areas, combining field water quality analysis (microbiological and physiochemical), household surveys and participatory engagement to develop locally appropriate interventions.
Dr. Agborabang's graduate research focused on environmentally sound solid waste management, with an emphasis on public awareness and participation. She also studied the informal waste management sector and gender dynamics, including how recycling and waste-related livelihoods can empower women in African contexts. Her earlier engineering research examined drying kinetics of tropical fruits to reduce post-harvest losses and food waste by providing evidence-based drying protocols (slice thickness, drying time, temperature, air velocity and pre-treatments) using convective oven drying (OVD), aiming to preserve nutritional and sensory quality while reducing drying time and energy use.
Before joining UNU-IAS, Dr. Agborabang completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Sophia University, where she conducted research on multiple topics related to waste management and gender, published peer-reviewed articles in collaboration with other researchers, coordinated academic seminars, handled some administrative duties, and mentored master’s and PhD students. Some of her work from this period was featured in Sophia Magazine. During her doctoral studies, Dr. Agborabang served as a teaching assistant, supporting course instruction and student learning.
Dr. Agborabang aims to translate scientific findings into actionable recommendations through collaboration with local public health agencies, NGOs and community leaders.
Research Interests
Circular economy
Ecosystem-based management
Environmental impact assessment
Environmental sustainability
Sustainable development frameworks
Waste management and gender
Water quality and monitoring