Opeyemi Ijidale, a ܽƵapp from PCGS, was awarded a scholarship for his efforts in air and waste management

On February 4th and 5th, the Florida Section hosted its 60th annual Conference and Exposition at the picturesque Safety Harbor Resort & Spa in Tampa Bay. Themed “Creating a Safe Harbor: Balancing Regulation, Environment, and Innovation,” the event featured a variety of technical presentations from industry leaders, addressing some of the most pressing topics in the field. Representatives from regulatory agencies across Florida, including the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), along with top consultants and academic professionals, participated in the discussions. This conference was crafted to foster networking and facilitate engaging conversations among experts in air, water, and waste management.
One of the standout presentations was delivered by our esteemed Dr. Pradeep Haldar,
who is Director of Sustainable Business, Courtesy and Adjunct Professor at the Patel
College of Global Sustainability. His talk delved into critical subjects such as trends
in greenhouse gas emissions, opportunities for improvement, and the intricacies of
GHG reporting, tracking, and measurement, along with the latest climate impact trends.
In addition to Dr. Haldar's enlightening talk, we also celebrated one of our talented
ܽƵapps, Opeyemi Ijidale. He received a prestigious scholarship from the Florida
Section of the Air & Waste Management Association, which honors graduate ܽƵapps
in Florida who are dedicated to careers or research in air and waste pollution management.
Opeyemi earned this accolade through his significant contributions to the field and
a compelling essay that outlined his journey in sustainability and waste management,
along with the motivations driving his aspirations.
Ijidale shared that the Patel College of Global Sustainability played a crucial role
in his discovery of the scholarship, which he learned about through an announcement
on his Canvas page. Furthermore, he received an exceptional letter of recommendation
from Dr. Ghebremichael. Ijidale conveyed his thoughts on both the Patel College of
Global Sustainability and the scholarship he received:
"The Patel College of Global Sustainability has been instrumental in expanding my awareness of incredible opportunities like the Florida AWMA scholarship, which I was honored to receive. Through its supportive network, faculty guidance, and emphasis on professional development, the college has connected me with valuable resources that have enriched my academic journey. This scholarship has not only alleviated financial burdens but has also empowered me to focus on my studies and research in sustainable energy. My experience at Patel College continues to reinforce the importance of sustainability-driven education and the impact of investing in future leaders."

This scholarship granted Ijidale a $500 cash prize. He felt honored not only to receive
this award but also to be acknowledged for his dedication to improving air pollution
control and waste management, as well as his contributions to the Air and Waste Management
Association. The opportunity allowed him to connect with industry experts on various
topics, including air regulation, compliance, and gas policy. This recognition has
significantly bolstered Ijidale's academic and professional journey.