Stony Brook University doctoral student Florence Aghomo has been awarded the Young Women in Conservation Biology Award by the Society for Conservation Biology's Africa Region. Aghomo, who is pursuing her doctorate in the Interdepartmental Doctoral Program in Anthropological Sciences and is a member of the Institute for the Conservation of Tropical Environments, was recognized for her contributions to conservation biology.
Under the supervision of Patricia C. Wright, a Distinguished Service Professor at SUNY, Aghomo has shown leadership and creativity in her field. Her work with the Red Colobus Conservation Network project involves coordinating efforts under various international conservation bodies such as IUCN/SSC/PSG and Re:wild. She oversees collaboration with partners, fundraising activities, and organizes meetings with international stakeholders.
Aghomo’s research includes studying endangered Red colobus monkeys in Cameroon’s Korup National Park. "They [Red colobus monkeys] are so special because they are very beautiful, unique, and perfect indicators of ecosystem health or habitat change since they are usually the first group of primates to leave a habitat when any disturbances or degradation occur," she explained.
Her achievements extend beyond research; she helped establish the Cameroon Primatological Society and organized its assemblies. In Madagascar, she founded a Language and Environmental Center aimed at education and conservation efforts through her foundation Flor’Afrique.
Patricia C. Wright praised Aghomo’s dedication: “Florence is a conservation hero who has already made an incredible difference in saving wildlife in Africa.” The award reflects ongoing efforts to encourage female participation in African conservation science since its establishment by SCB's Africa Region in 2005.