Southern Miss Welcomes Two New Professors to the School of Ocean Science and Engineering
Fri, 01/31/2025 - 12:11pm | By: Gabriela Shinskie
Dr. Songjie He
The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) continues to meet the needs of an R1 university by providing students with opportunities for research, collaboration and skills upon graduation, thanks to its dedicated faculty and staff.
The School of Ocean Science and Engineering (SOSE) is pleased to welcome two new additions to its faculty this semester, Dr. Songjie He in the Division of Coastal Sciences and Dr. Wokil Bam in the Division of Marine Sciences, bringing extensive research-based experiences to the classroom.
Dr. He’s academic and scientific training in biogeochemistry, allows her to research several critical issues in the Mississippi Sound, Gulf of Mexico and beyond. She has published 22 peer-reviewed articles along with navigating diverse topics, focusing on nitrogen, carbon, phosphorus and trace metal fluxes within coastal systems. Her work will engage research technicians and students to learn about the nature of chemical interactions in our region and to educate the next generation of marine scientists.
Dr. Wokil Bam
Bam’s research focuses on chemical oceanography and radiochemistry, along with identifying coastal and open-ocean dynamics. He has published 14 peer-reviewed articles and continues to show interest in climate change effects.
Dr. Robert Leaf, SOSE director, expressed that both professors are the perfect fit for the program, where he strives to maximize student research opportunities with unique hands-on coastal experiences.
“USM’s SOSE is very fortunate to welcome Drs. He and Bam to our faculty. Their research in chemical oceanography in the world's oceans and Mississippi’s coastal zone will help us better understand natural variation in chemical cycling and human impacts. Their research complements our current and diverse research focus,” said Leaf.
Dr. Zachary Darnell, associate director for Coastal Sciences, described Dr. He as someone who will contribute to the overall goal of the program and student success.
“We’re very excited to welcome He to the Division of Coastal Sciences. He’s expertise in carbonate chemistry and biogeochemical fluxes will expand the research foci of the Division, contribute to a better understanding of estuarine and coastal systems, and provide unique educational opportunities for both graduate and undergraduate students at USM,” said Darnell.
Christopher Hayes, Marine Science professor, acknowledged the importance of Bam’s expertise in SOSE.
“We are very excited for the expertise Dr. Bam brings to SOSE. With interests in the ocean’s ability to take up carbon dioxide and experiences ranging from the Gulf of Mexico to the South Pacific, USM is lucky to have this global researcher and educator join our ranks,” said Hayes.
To learn more about USM’s Coastal Sciences and applied research opportunities, visit Coastal Sciences - Master's and Doctorate | Graduate Programs | The University of Southern Mississippi.