An undergraduate journalism student at the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB) has demonstrated how pollen analysis can help researchers trace historical climate patterns, environmental changes and ecosystems, highlighting the role of interdisciplinary research in understanding the past.
The presentation by Fahmida Nilufar Monisha, a student of ULAB’s Department of Media Studies and Journalism (MSJ), was delivered at a seminar titled “Tiny Clues, Timeless Tales” on Monday, 12 October. The ULAB Forum for Science (UFS), Center for Archaeological Studies (CAS) and Department of General Education (GED) jointly organised the event, the university said in a press release.
Monisha explained pollen structures, pollination processes across plants, trees and crops, and methods of analysing pollen from scientific, archaeological and geographical perspectives.
She also demonstrated how pollen data collected from different locations can help researchers identify environmental conditions and weather patterns across historical periods.
Opening the seminar, ULAB’s GED Head and CAS Director Shahnaj Husne Jahan said the initiative reflected the university’s interdisciplinary approach to research, teaching and learning, enabling students to explore subjects beyond their academic majors.
She also introduced Monisha as the seminar’s main speaker.
ULAB Vice-Chancellor Shamsad Mortuza and UFS Director and scientist Muhammad Ibrahim attended the event alongside faculty members and students from various departments.
The presentation was followed by an interactive question-and-answer session and a segment titled “Question Bazaar”, conducted by Ibrahim to encourage scientific discussion and inquiry-based learning.
The university said the initiative supported the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 on quality education, by promoting interdisciplinary research and interactive learning.
It also highlighted the relevance of pollen science to SDG 13 on climate action and SDG 15 on life on land, as the study of historical vegetation, climate patterns and ecosystems helps build awareness of long-term environmental changes.
The seminar concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Ibrahim.
