Prof. Dr. Mintesinot Jiru holds a PhD in Applied Biological Sciences from Gent University and is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Natural Sciences at Coppin State University. He has over 20 years of teaching and research experience in the areas of climate change and environmental systems. He has done extensive work on land degradation, food security, and water management issues in Africa. His research focuses on understanding the socio-environmental and biophysical issues encompassing water quality in Baltimore’s watersheds. Currently, he is leading a research program on emerging environmental contaminants with a focus on microplastics, toxic heavy metals, and pharmaceuticals (mainly estrogen in water). He serves as the Chief Editor of the American Journal of Experimental Agriculture. He also serves as a member of the External Advisory Board for the National Socio-environmental Synthesis Center. He served on various panels and task forces, including the Maryland governor’s task force, to develop a proposal for graduate programs in alternative energy in historically Black colleges and universities in Maryland.