United States-based Nigerian geoscientist and data innovation advocate, Mathew Ogieva, continues to solidify his presence on the global stage, championing excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education and innovation. Ogieva’s latest recognition came as he served as a Grand Award Judge at the 75th Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), held in Columbus, Ohio, USA.
Speaking during a telephone interview on Tuesday, Ogieva described his role at the global science fair as a humbling opportunity to contribute to shaping the future of scientific thought among youth. The ISEF, owned and organised by the Society for Science—a Washington, DC-based non-profit—is the largest annual pre-college STEM competition in the world, drawing nearly 1,700 young innovators from over 60 countries.
At this year’s event, which ran from May 10 to May 17, Ogieva lent his expertise to the Earth and Environmental Sciences category, where he evaluated over 70 cutting-edge student-led projects. According to him, the experience not only showcased the boundless creativity of young minds across the globe but also reinforced his commitment to fostering scientific growth across borders.
Ogieva, who has become a notable figure in the American science fair circuit, also participated in the 2025 California Science and Engineering Fair (CSEF) at California Lutheran University, where he judged the same Earth and Environmental Science category. His judging influence has extended to various states and platforms, earning him a seat on the 2026 CSEF Judging Advisory Committee.
Beyond California, Ogieva has actively contributed to several other STEM-focused events including Ohio’s State Science Day and STEP Fair (April 2025), the Terra NYC STEM Fair held at New York University’s Tandon School of Engineering (March 2025), the Technovation Girls Global Competition (2025) which evaluates innovative tech solutions by young women in over 60 countries, and the Virginia Junior Academy of Science (VJAS, May 2025), where he advocates for scientific excellence among secondary school students.
What sets Ogieva apart is not just his deep scientific knowledge, but his deliberate commitment to mentorship and youth development. He views each judging opportunity as a platform to ignite purpose and cultivate the next generation of global problem-solvers.
Despite being based in the United States, Ogieva maintains a strong connection to Nigeria and remains keen on building scientific collaborations and mentorship opportunities for Nigerian students. He reiterated his vision to strengthen ties between Nigeria and the global science community, noting that scientific progress in the country depends on inspiring young innovators and giving them access to global platforms.