Gabriel Sunday Ayayia
PhD Student in Biological and Ecological Engineering at Oregon State University
Gabriel Sunday Ayayia is an interdisciplinary researcher, educator and Founder of LIFEWS Foundation. His work focuses on agrivoltaics, climate-smart agriculture, renewable-energy integration, food–energy–water systems, environmental justice, socio-ecological systems and inclusive rural development.
Biography
Gabriel is pursuing a PhD in Biological and Ecological Engineering at Oregon State University. His doctoral research examines agrivoltaics as a pathway for integrating food production, renewable energy, climate resilience and sustainable resource management.
His academic background combines agricultural engineering, philosophy, applied ethics and environmental science. This interdisciplinary training enables him to connect engineering design with ethics, community knowledge, environmental justice and socio-ecological resilience.
As Founder and Executive Director of LIFEWS Foundation, he leads research, education and community initiatives addressing food, water and energy security, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Education
Oregon State University, USA
Oregon State University, USA
Oregon State University, USA
University of Ibadan, Nigeria
Imo State University, Nigeria
Federal College of Agriculture, Ibadan, Nigeria
Research and Professional Experience
Graduate Research and Teaching Assistant
At Oregon State University, Gabriel supports undergraduate instruction while conducting interdisciplinary research across ecological engineering, food systems, ethics and community resilience.
His work includes mixed-methods research, policy analysis, socio-ecological modelling and community-based inquiry. He has contributed to research on food access, food-pantry operations, resource efficiency and equitable community engagement.
Climate Change and Environment Researcher
Through LIFEWS Foundation, Gabriel develops agrivoltaic demonstration models, renewable-powered irrigation systems and climate-adaptation programs intended to strengthen farming livelihoods, energy access and rural resilience.
Founder and Executive Director, LIFEWS Foundation
Since 2018, he has led LIFEWS Foundation in building partnerships and programs addressing food–energy–water security through research, advocacy, education and community action.
Selected Publications and Presentations
LIFEWS Global Publications Ltd., 2024.
A case study of food access, ethical practice and operational systems in Benton County, Oregon.
Current and developing scholarship addresses renewable-energy integration in African agriculture, climate-smart agriculture, agrivoltaics, food security and socio-ecological resilience.
Leadership and Selected Projects
International Agrivoltaics Workshop in Nigeria
In 2025, Gabriel convened the first International Agrivoltaics Workshop in Nigeria, creating a platform connecting government, universities, researchers, industry and civil society around agrivoltaic research, policy and pilot implementation.
AgriShine Initiative in Schools
He originated the AgriShine initiative, which combines environmental education, climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy and hands-on STEM learning for primary and secondary-school students.
Selected Projects
- Benton County Food Security Study, Oregon, USA
- Agrivoltaics for Rural Resilience, Nigeria
- Climate Impact Assessment, Osun State, Nigeria
- Renewable-powered irrigation and agricultural energy systems
- Community-based food access and resource-efficiency research
Research and Collaboration
Connect with Gabriel regarding agrivoltaics, climate-smart agriculture, food–energy–water systems, socio-ecological research, environmental justice and sustainable development.