Asmeret Asefaw Berhe

Asmeret Asefaw Berhe Speaking Topics

• What's Soil Got to Do With Climate Change? Unearthing Solutions Beneath Our Feet

  This engaging presentation reveals the critical but often overlooked role of soil in climate change mitigation. Drawing from extensive research on soil carbon dynamics, this talk explores how soil erosion, fire, and land management practices impact carbon sequestration in our landscapes. Audiences will gain a new appreciation for the ground beneath their feet as a powerful natural climate solution. The presentation combines cutting-edge science with accessible explanations, making complex biogeochemical concepts relatable to diverse audiences, from policy makers to community groups.

  Attendee Results:

  • Understand soil's fundamental role in global carbon cycling and climate change mitigation
  • Learn how natural processes like erosion and fire affect soil carbon storage
  • Discover climate-smart land management practices that enhance carbon sequestration
  • Recognize soil health as a win-win strategy for addressing food security and climate challenges
  • Gain actionable knowledge to advocate for soil-centered climate policies and practices

• Building Healthy Research Environments to Enable Inclusive Excellence in STEM

  This transformative talk addresses the persistent lack of diversity in scientific fields and provides practical strategies for creating more inclusive research environments. Based on Dr. Berhe’s published work on building health scientific workplaces and experience in academic leadership, this presentation offers concrete actions that individuals and institutions can take to improve equity in STEM fields. Through compelling case studies and evidence-based approaches, attendees will gain tools to dismantle barriers to inclusion and cultivate scientific excellence.

  Attendee Results:

  • Understand systemic barriers to inclusive excellence in scientific fields
  • Learn practical, implementable strategies for creating equitable research environments
  • Develop approaches to mentorship that support scientists from communities underrepresented in the academy or broadly STEM fields
  • Identify policies and practices that promote inclusive excellence
  • Build skills to effectively respond to and prevent hostile workplace behaviors

After the Flames: The Journey of Carbon in Fire-Affected Landscapes

This illuminating presentation explores the fascinating afterlife of carbon following wildfires. Drawing from pioneering research on pyrogenic carbon transport and persistence, this talk reveals how fire transforms organic matter and how erosion redistributes carbon through landscapes. With wildfires increasing in frequency and intensity worldwide, understanding these processes is crucial for carbon accounting and ecosystem management. Through vivid imagery and compelling scientific narratives, audiences will follow carbon's journey from flames to soil and beyond.

Attendee Results:

• Understand how fire transforms carbon in natural systems
• Learn about the movement of pyrogenic carbon through watersheds
• Discover implications for ecosystem recovery following wildfires
• Recognize connections between fire regimes and carbon sequestration potential
• Identify research needs and management approaches for fire-affected landscapes

From Soil to Science Policy: Navigating a Non-Linear Path in Scientific Leadership

This inspirational talk chronicles a remarkable journey from studying soils to shaping national science policy. Drawing from personal experience leading major scientific institutions while maintaining research excellence, this presentation offers insights into effective scientific leadership and navigating non-traditional career paths. Particularly valuable for early-career scientists, women in STEM, and those considering leadership roles, this talk provides candid reflections and practical advice for building a meaningful scientific career while creating positive change.

Attendee Results:

• Gain strategies for effective mentorship and building professional networks
• Learn approaches to overcome common barriers in scientific career advancement
• Understand how to maintain research excellence while taking on leadership responsibilities
• Develop skills for communicating science to policy makers and diverse audiences
• Recognize opportunities to shape scientific institutions while staying true to personal values

Land Degradation and Human Security: Environmental Dimensions of Conflict and Recovery

This thought-provoking presentation examines the interconnections between land degradation, climate change, and human security challenges. Drawing from research on how land degradation both contributes to and results from armed conflicts, this talk explores environmental dimensions of human security often overlooked in traditional security frameworks. Through compelling case studies and interdisciplinary analysis, audiences will gain a deeper understanding of how environmental restoration can contribute to peacebuilding and sustainable development in conflict-affected regions.

Attendee Results:

• Understand linkages between land degradation, climate change, and conflict
• Learn how environmental factors influence human migration and security
• Recognize how post-conflict environmental restoration can support peacebuilding
• Identify opportunities for integrating environmental considerations into security planning
• Develop a framework for addressing interconnected environmental and security challenges