Independent (Linah Ababneh)

As a multidisciplinary scientist (Ph.D. Geosciences, specializing in Paleoecology/Paleoclimatology from The University of Arizona), I delve into Earth's past to understand present and future environmental challenges. My work centers on extracting information from natural archives like sediments and trees, using chemical and statistical analyses to reconstruct ecosystem variability over time, particularly in relation to human activities. This interplay between human action - agriculture, industrialization - and environmental changes, such as the carbon cycle, forms a continuous feedback loop. Understanding this dynamic is central to my research, which directly addresses the core of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and climate change, especially SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG15 (Life on Land), while intersecting with SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG6 (Clean Water and Sanitation). Multidisciplinary research demands a comprehensive understanding of diverse analytical tools. I've honed skills across geosciences and humanities to address complex questions, such as human responses to seasonal variability and climate change mitigation through nature-based solutions. This pursuit has taken me globally, pushing methodological boundaries by consistently integrating physical and social science approaches. This challenging yet rewarding approach has led to participation in COP meetings (2016, 2020) and contributions to the US Climate Change 2018 report, informing crucial policy decisions. In a recent commentary, I provided the potential contribution of AI to further palecological and palaeoclimatological studies, thus constantly evolving to meet the demands of scientific progress. I prioritize effective communication, striving to make complex scientific concepts accessible, inspired by figures like Sir David Attenborough and Jane Goodall. This ability to translate complexity extends beyond public outreach. It’s fundamental to the structured approach I take in project management and overall executive directions. By fostering clear understanding, I lay the groundwork for rigorous and well-defined project plans. Sound project planning, encompassing assessment, monitoring, and evaluation, is vital for achieving research objectives. I excel in creating multi-year plans, ensuring projects remain within budget while generating new avenues for scientific inquiry. This leadership extends to staff training, professional development, data analysis, and science communication through peer-reviewed articles and policy briefs. Science, to me, is a catalyst for human progress. Throughout my career, I've championed equitable education, particularly for immigrants, individuals with disabilities, and veterans. I've participated in research promoting peace in the Near East through cross-border scientific collaboration and contributed to the STAR program, providing educational opportunities to incarcerated Native Americans. Currently, I volunteer as a liaison and translator between immigrant families and the Ithaca, NY school system, leveraging my multilingual skills and cultural understanding to facilitate integration.