In an age where environmental risk mitigation intersects with cutting-edge geoscientific innovation, few exemplify this paradigm as compellingly as Charlotte A. Annan. A Ghanaian-born geochemist and doctoral researcher at Georgia State University, Annan has emerged as a powerful voice in environmental health, specializing in soil contamination, radon transport modeling, and elemental analysis. Her work forms the bedrock of new environmental risk assessments and public health strategies in the United States.
Educational and Scientific Foundation
Charlotte’s academic trajectory reflects deep-rooted excellence. She holds a BSc in Earth Sciences with First Class Honors from the University of Ghana, an MSc in Geology (cum laude) from Ghent University, Belgium, and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Chemistry with a Geology concentration at Georgia State University. Her doctoral research investigates radon gas transport in unsaturated soils using real-time sensor data and advanced geochemical modeling, including HYDRUS-1D.
Pioneering Research in Soil Radon Dynamics
Charlotte has authored peer-reviewed publications that underscore her leadership in environmental geochemistry:
- “Geochemical Controls on Radon Mobility in Soils: Implications for Environmental Risk Assessments”, published in the Journal of Scientific Research and Reports (2025).
- “Empirical Validation of Soil Radon Gas Diffusion Length Using On-Field Underground Sensor Data”, IEEE SoutheastCon 2025.
These works provide key insights into how radon, an invisible yet deadly radioactive gas, moves through different soil horizons, ultimately shaping building codes and public health guidelines in radon-prone regions.
Bridging Research, Public Health, and Policy
Her research is not just academic; it’s mission-driven. Charlotte aims to enhance radon mitigation policies, improve building regulations, and inform community risk management, especially for marginalized populations exposed to environmental hazards. Her proposed endeavor, “Enhancing Public Health and Environmental Safety Through Advanced Soil Contamination Monitoring and Radon Risk Mitigation,” aligns closely with U.S. national interests in environmental justice, health equity, and sustainable land use.
Thought Leadership and Scholarly Recognition
Charlotte has delivered oral and poster presentations at top-tier scientific gatherings, including:
- The 75th Southeastern Regional Meeting of the American Chemical Society
- The National Association of Black Geoscientists Conference
- The Southeastern Biogeochemistry Symposium
Her excellence has been recognized with numerous awards, including first-place academic prizes from General Electric and the University of Ghana, as well as poster awards from leading U.S. research symposia.
Her excellence has been consistently recognized through prestigious awards:
- Third Place Poster Presentation, 11th Annual Southeastern Biogeochemistry Symposium (2024)
- Second Place Award for Outstanding Poster Presentation, Georgia State Graduate Conference for Research and Scholarship (2023)
- General Electric Company Prize, Best Graduating Student in BSc Earth Science (2016)
- Alexandra Amoako-Mensah Prize, Best Graduating Female Student in Earth Science (2016)
- Maccellien Memorial Prize, Best Graduating Student in Earth Science (2016)
- Professor F.T. Sai Prize, Best Level 200 Female Student in Earth Science (2013)
Commitment to Community and STEM Equity
Beyond research, Charlotte actively mentors students, delivers community radon awareness workshops, and teaches Environmental Science courses at Georgia State University. She also serves as a planning committee member for academic symposia, promoting diversity and inclusion in geosciences.
Conclusion: A Visionary Leader in Environmental Science
Charlotte A. Annan exemplifies visionary leadership and stands as a beacon of what scientific leadership can look like in the 21st century: rigorous, interdisciplinary, community-focused, and globally relevant. Her story is one of determination, innovation, and a vision to make science work for people, especially the most vulnerable. As radon and other environmental threats continue to challenge public health systems, leaders like Annan are turning data into action and analysis into impact.
