Advancing Climate Research at USM with Naomi Jankee
April 15, 2026
After five years studying in the Netherlands, Naomi Jankee returns home to USM to conduct her thesis research, contributing to climate adaptation efforts and strengthening the university’s role as a hub for regional research.
For Naomi Jankee, sustainability was not always a clear path but looking back, it was always part of her journey.
Originally from St. Maarten, Jankee has spent the past five years studying in the Netherlands and is now in the final stage of her Master’s in Sustainable Development at Utrecht University. As part of this final phase, she has returned home to conduct her thesis research in collaboration with the USM Research Institute, focusing on climate adaptation on the island.
While she did not initially know this would be her path, her upbringing on St. Maarten played a defining role.
“Growing up on an island, even if we don’t always acknowledge it, we develop a deeper connection to nature,” she shared. “Looking back, I realized I was already preparing for this path without even knowing it.”
Returning Home with Purpose
Now back on St. Maarten, Jankee describes her work as both meaningful and personal.
“I feel proud to return not just as a local, but as a researcher who wants to contribute something meaningful,” she said. “Small islands often rely on outside experts to study them, but local voices matter. We care deeply about this place.”
Her work reflects a strong sense of responsibility, not just to study challenges, but to be part of the solution.
Understanding Heat as a Climate Challenge
Jankee’s current research focuses on how residents in St. Maarten cope with increasing heat, an issue that is often overlooked.
“Hurricanes are intense and visible, but heat is a slower, constant threat,” she explained. “People are already adapting by changing routines, avoiding certain hours, and adjusting how they work, but they don’t always recognize it as adaptation.”
She also highlights that extreme heat is not just an environmental concern, but a public health and human rights issue, particularly for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, outdoor workers, and low-income households.
“If people don’t have access to cooling, water, or safe working conditions, their ability to live with dignity is affected,” she noted.
Small Islands, Big Challenges
Through her studies in sustainability and Earth System Governance, Jankee has come to understand how deeply climate change affects small island states.
“Small islands face a disproportionate amount of risk, not just environmental, but also economic and institutional,” she said. “These challenges are not abstract. They are happening here, at home.”
She also points out that while small islands are often recognized in global climate discussions, real support and tailored solutions are still lacking.
Inspiring the Next Generation
During her time on island, Jankee engaged with students, including CAFY participants, encouraging them to think critically about sustainability and their role in shaping the future.
“It starts with empathy,” she advised. “Sustainability is about caring for people, ecosystems, and future generations.”
She emphasized that students from St. Maarten have an important voice in global conversations.
“They understand climate change as a lived experience, not just a concept. That perspective is incredibly valuable.”
Looking Ahead
Despite the challenges, Jankee remains hopeful.
“What gives me hope is the growing number of people across the region working on solutions researchers, activists, policymakers, and community members,” she said. “There is real commitment.”
Through her work with the USM Research Institute, Jankee continues to bridge academic research with real-world impact, contributing valuable local insight to global climate discussions.
Her journey reflects not only academic achievement, but also a deep-rooted connection to home and a commitment to creating meaningful change.
Latest News →
Originally from St. Maarten, Jankee has spent the past five years studying in the Netherlands and is now in the final stage of her Master’s in Sustainable Development at Utrecht University. As part of this final phase, she has returned home to conduct her thesis research in collaboration with the USM Research Institute, focusing on climate adaptation on the island.
While she did not initially know this would be her path, her upbringing on St. Maarten played a defining role.
“Growing up on an island, even if we don’t always acknowledge it, we develop a deeper connection to nature,” she shared. “Looking back, I realized I was already preparing for this path without even knowing it.”
Returning Home with Purpose
Now back on St. Maarten, Jankee describes her work as both meaningful and personal.
“I feel proud to return not just as a local, but as a researcher who wants to contribute something meaningful,” she said. “Small islands often rely on outside experts to study them, but local voices matter. We care deeply about this place.”
Her work reflects a strong sense of responsibility, not just to study challenges, but to be part of the solution.
Understanding Heat as a Climate Challenge
Jankee’s current research focuses on how residents in St. Maarten cope with increasing heat, an issue that is often overlooked.
“Hurricanes are intense and visible, but heat is a slower, constant threat,” she explained. “People are already adapting by changing routines, avoiding certain hours, and adjusting how they work, but they don’t always recognize it as adaptation.”
She also highlights that extreme heat is not just an environmental concern, but a public health and human rights issue, particularly for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, outdoor workers, and low-income households.
“If people don’t have access to cooling, water, or safe working conditions, their ability to live with dignity is affected,” she noted.
Small Islands, Big Challenges
Through her studies in sustainability and Earth System Governance, Jankee has come to understand how deeply climate change affects small island states.
“Small islands face a disproportionate amount of risk, not just environmental, but also economic and institutional,” she said. “These challenges are not abstract. They are happening here, at home.”
She also points out that while small islands are often recognized in global climate discussions, real support and tailored solutions are still lacking.
Inspiring the Next Generation
During her time on island, Jankee engaged with students, including CAFY participants, encouraging them to think critically about sustainability and their role in shaping the future.
“It starts with empathy,” she advised. “Sustainability is about caring for people, ecosystems, and future generations.”
She emphasized that students from St. Maarten have an important voice in global conversations.
“They understand climate change as a lived experience, not just a concept. That perspective is incredibly valuable.”
Looking Ahead
Despite the challenges, Jankee remains hopeful.
“What gives me hope is the growing number of people across the region working on solutions researchers, activists, policymakers, and community members,” she said. “There is real commitment.”
Through her work with the USM Research Institute, Jankee continues to bridge academic research with real-world impact, contributing valuable local insight to global climate discussions.
Her journey reflects not only academic achievement, but also a deep-rooted connection to home and a commitment to creating meaningful change.
Latest News →
