Graduate Students

Anna Fache
afach004@fiu.edu
Degree Program: PhD in Earth Systems Science
Research: Energy
Advisor: Mahadev Bhat
Master's Degree: MS in Environmental Studies, FIU
Bachelor's Degree: Environmental Studies, FIU
From: Florida

Chloe Vorseth
cvors002@fiu.edu 
Degree Program: MS in Environmental Studies
Research: Ecosystem service valuation, environmental economics
Advisor: Mahadev Bhat
Bachelor's Degree: BS in Natural Resources and Environmental Science, University of Kentucky
From: Crestwood, Kentucky

Rigoberto Olivera
Advisors: Mahadev Bhat, Robert Burgman

Rigoberto Olivera
Advisors: Mahadev Bhat, Robert Burgman

Philip Lamela
plame001@fiu.edu 
Degree Program: PhD in Geosciences
Research: Paleobiology, foraminiferal biogeography of the Paleocene Cannonball Formation, South Dakota
Advisor: Laurel Collins
Bachelor's Degree: Duke University (2010)
From: Miami

Vanessa Londono
vlond002@fiu.edu 
Degree Program: PhD in Geosciences
Research: Paleobiology, Cretaceous deep sea foraminifera
Formation, South Dakota
Advisor: Laurel Collins
Bachelor's Degree: FIU (2015)
From: Florida

Maria Sider
mgudn001@fiu.edu 
Degree Program: PhD in Geosciences
Research: Paleobiology, Holocene foraminifera of Panama
Advisor: Laurel Collins
Bachelor's Degree: FIU (2011)
From: Florida

Adrian Figueroa
afigu083@fiu.edu 
Degree Program: PhD in Natural Resource Science and Management
Research: Plant-animal mutualisms; fire ecology; protected area management; impacts of animal-mediated seed dispersal and fire exposure on plant recruitment in a critically endangered ecosystem
Advisors: Hong Liu, Joel Heinen
Bachelor's Degree: Double major BS in Environmental Studies: Natural Resources Sciences & Interdisciplinary Studies; Minor in Biological Sciences; Certification in Biodiversity Conservation and Management; Worlds Ahead Graduate, FIU
From: Hialeah, FL

Steffanie Munguia
smung008@fiu.edu 
Degree Program: PhD in Earth System Science, Natural Resource Science and Management
Research: Protected area management, policy alignment across regulatory levels to meet conservation goals
Advisor: Joel Heinen
Master's Degree: MA in International Environmental Policy, Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey, CA
Bachelor's Degree: BS in Integrative Animal Biology, University of South Florida; BS in Environmental Science and Policy, University of South Florida

Kim Beck
kbeck001@fiu.edu 
Degree Program: PhD in Geosciences
Research: Geoscience education
Advisor: Rosemary Hickey-Vargas
Master's Degree: FIU (2015)
Bachelor's Degree: FIU (2012)
From: Miami

Eshita Samajpati
esama005@fiu.edu 
Degree Program: PhD in Geosciences
Research: Geochemistry
Advisor: Rosemary Hickey-Vargas
Master's Degree: Indian Institute of Technology, India (2014)
Bachelor's Degree: University of Calcutta, India (2012)
From: Kolkata, India

Blaire Kleiman
bkleiman@fiu.edu 
Degree Program: MS in Environmental Studies
Research: Agroecology, plant-insect ecology
Advisor: Krishnaswamy Jayachandran
Bachelor's Degree: Environmental Studies, University of Central Florida
From: Miami

James Dautel
jdautel@fiu.edu 
Degree Program: MS in Environmental Studies
Research: Remote sensing in agriculture, using remote sensing techniques to predict root zone flooding in avocado groves
Advisor: Krishnaswamy Jayachandran
Bachelor's Degree: FIU
From: Oak Ridge, TN

Ariel Freidenreich
afrei006@fiu.edu 
Degree Program: PhD in Earth Systems Science
Research: Agroecology
Advisor: Krishnaswamy Jayachandran
Master's Degree: MS in Environmental Studies, FIU (2016)
Bachelor's Degree: FIU (2014)
From: Hollywood, FL

Shagufta Gaffar
Advisor: Krishnaswamy Jayachandran

Ganesh Khadka
gkhad001@fiu.edu 
Degree Program: PhD in Earth Systems Science
Research: Soil-plant microbiology
Advisor: Krishnaswamy Jayachandran
Master's Degree: Tribhuvan University, Nepal
Bachelor's Degree: Tribhuvan University, Nepal

Meghan Lenahan
mlena005@fiu.edu 
Degree Program: MS in Environmental Studies
Research: Integrated pest management, agroecology
Advisor: Krishnaswamy Jayachandran
Bachelor's Degree: University of Delaware
From: Allentown, PA

Mary Tiedeman
mtied001@fiu.edu 
Degree Program: PhD in Earth Systems Science
Research: Biological drivers of phosphorus cycling in calcareous soils
Advisor: Krishnaswamy Jayachandran
Bachelor's Degree: Iowa State University
From: Sioux City, IA

Daphne Sugino
dsugi002@fiu.edu 
Degree Program: MS in Environmental Studies
Research: Agroecology
Advisor: Krishnaswamy Jayachandran
Bachelor's Degree: BS in Environmental Science, Loyola University of Chicago, IL
From: Dorado, Puerto Rico

Xinxi Wang
xwang095@fiu.edu 
Degree Program: PhD in Earth Systems Science
Research: Tropical cyclones
Advisor: Haiyan Jiang
Bachelor's Degree: Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology, China (2016)
From: China

Adrian Lopez
alope566@fiu.edu 
Degree Program: PhD in Atmospheric Sciences
Research: Tropical cyclones
Advisor: Haiyan Jiang
Bachelor's Degree: Meteorology

Oscar Guzman
oguzm013@fiu.edu 
Degree Program: PhD in Earth Systems Science
Research: Remote sensing - satellite and ground-based measurements
Advisor: Haiyan Jiang
Master's Degree: MSc Meteorology, National University of Colombia
Bachelor's Degree: Engineer in Geodesy and Cartography, District University of Bogota
From: Bogota, Colombia

Ellen Garcia
egarc279@fiu.edu 
Degree Program: MS in Environmental Studies
Research: Horticulture and conservation biology
Advisor: Amir Khoddamzadeh
Bachelor's Degree: BS in Environmental Studies, FIU
From: Miami

Andrew Mullin
amull032@fiu.edu 
Advisor: Amir Khoddamzadeh

Adrian Figueroa
afigu083@fiu.edu 
Degree Program: PhD in Natural Resource Science and Management
Research: Plant-animal mutualisms; fire ecology; protected area management; impacts of animal-mediated seed dispersal and fire exposure on plant recruitment in a critically endangered ecosystem
Advisors: Hong Liu, Joel Heinen
Bachelor's Degree: Double major BS in Environmental Studies: Natural Resources Sciences & Interdisciplinary Studies; Minor in Biological Sciences; Certification in Biodiversity Conservation and Management; Worlds Ahead Graduate, FIU
From: Hialeah, FL

Haydee Borrero
hborr002@fiu.edu 
Degree Program: PhD candidate
Research: Ecology, endangered orchid demography and plant-insect interactions in a changing landscape
Advisor: Hong Liu
Master's Degree: MS in Environmental Studies, FIU
Bachelor's Degree: BS in Environmental Studies, FIU
From: Miami

Sandra Koi
skoi001@fiu.edu 
Degree Program: PhD in Earth Systems Science
Research: Citizen science, specialist pollinators and lepidoptera in pine rocklands
Advisor: Hong Liu
Master's Degree: MS in Entomology, University of Florida
Bachelor's Degree: BS in Environmental Science/Biology, Nova Southeastern University, FL
From: Florida

Carlos Herdocia
Advisor: Florentin Maurrasse

Jander Socorro
Advisor: Florentin Maurasse

Francisco Pena Guerra
fpena023@fiu.edu 
Degree Program: PhD in Earth Systems Science
Research: 2-D hydraulic modeling, terrain analysis, hydraulic geometry, scaling in hydrology; developing a state-of-the-art urban hydraulic model integrating surface flow, storm drain system, coastal surge and groundwater effect. The case study of Palermo (Italy) and Miami (USA)
Advisor: Assefa Melesse
Bachelor's Degree: Civil Engineering, Autonomous University of Nuevo Leon
From: Monterrey, Mexico

Anteneh Zewdie Abiy
aabiy001@fiu.edu 
Degree Program: PhD in Geosciences
Research: Modeling hydroclimate variability driven groundwater flow and saltwater intrusion dynamics in the Biscayne Aquifer in Miami-Dade County, Southeast Florida; freshwater availability in the Everglades; hydroclimatic data analysis; groundwater modeling; saltwater intrusion modeling
Advisor: Assefa Melesse
Master's Degree: Integrated Watershed Management and Hydrology, Cornell University, NY
Bachelor's Degree: Applied Geology, Mekelle University, Ethiopia
From: Ethiopia

Samuel Kent
skent006@fiu.edu 
Degree Program: PhD in Earth System Sciences: Geoscience
Research: Nutrient modeling, hydrological modeling, and the interaction between agricultural nurseries, groundwater, and canals in South Miami-Dade
Advisor: Assefa Melesse
Bachelor's Degree: Environmental Science, University of Florida
From: Pembroke Pines, FL

Angelica Moncada
amonc002@fiu.edu
Degree Program: PhD in Earth System Sciences: Geoscience
Research: Hydrological modeling and geospatial analysis of phosphorus in Florida
Advisor: Assefa Melesse
Bachelor's Degree: Environmental Science, University of Florida

Berhane Gebreamlak
bgebr004@fiu.edu 
Degree Program: PhD in Geoscience
Research: Hydrology
Advisor: Assefa Melesse
Bachelor's Degree: Geology, Eritrea Institute of Technology
From: Eritrea

Temesgen Kahsai Gebrekidan
tgebr006@fiu.edu 
Degree Program: PhD in Earth System Sciences: Geoscience
Research: Hydrological modeling of extreme events
Advisor: Assefa Melesse
Bachelor's Degree: Agricultural Engineering, Hamelmalo College of Agriculture, Keren, Eritrea
From: Asmara, Eritrea

Ikechukwu Onwuka
ionwu002@fiu.edu 
Degree Program: PhD in Earth Systems Science
Research: Ways of reducing phosphorus to background concentrations to remediate impacted water bodies and in wastewater treatment
Advisors: Leonard Scinto, Assefa Melesse
Bachelor's Degree: Oceanography, University of Ghana

Joseph Sinicrope
jsinicro@fiu.edu 
Degree Program: PhD in Earth Systems Science
Research: Deactivation and decommissioning of nuclear facilities and sites; impacts of climate change/sea level on deactivation and decommissioning of nuclear facilities and sites
Advisor: Pallab Mozumder
Master's Degree: MBA, FIU; MS in National Security Studies, USMC Command and Staff College, VA
Bachelor's Degree: BS in Business Administration, University of Virignia
From: Homestead, FL

Joshua Allen
jalle091@fiu.edu 
Degree Program: PhD in Geoscience
Research: Everglades; water budget and chemical conditions of two areas in the Florida Everglades
Advisor: Rene Price
Master's Degree:University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast Research Lab (2014)
Bachelor's Degree: University of Southern Mississippi (2012)
From: Biloxi, MS

Oriana Calagna
ocala003@fiu.edu 
Degree Program: PhD in Earth Systems Science
Research: Environmental education
Advisor: Kathleen Quardokus Fisher
Bachelor's Degree: BS in Environmental Studies, FIU
From: Caracas, Venezuela

Logan Saucer
lsauc002@fiu.edu 
Degree Program: PhD in Earth Systems Science
Research: Geoscience education
Advisor: Kathleen Quardokus Fisher
Bachelor's Degree: BS in Geosciences, FIU
From: Cedar Rapids, IA

Stephanie Campo
scamp016@fiu.edu 
Degree Program: PhD in Earth Systems Science
Research: Natural resource science and management
Advisor: Kathleen Quardokus Fisher
Master's Degree: MS in Environmental Policy and Management, FIU
Bachelor's Degree: BS in Environmental Studies, FIU
From: Miami

Cody Eggenberger
cegge004@fiu.edu 
Degree Program: MS in Environmental Studies
Research: Mangrove lakes in South Central Everglades and North Florida Bay; movement ecology of the recreationally important fishes of the Everglades and Florida Bay
Advisor: Jennifer Rehage
Bachelor's Degree: Michigan State University
From: Okemos, Michigan

Carissa Gervasi
cgerv002@fiu.edu 
Degree Program: PhD in Earth System Science, Natural Resource Management
Research: Fish ecology, ecological and socioeconomic impacts of marine protected areas
Advisor: Jennifer Rehage
Bachelor's Degree: Roger Williams University, RI
From: Sturbridge, MA

Jordan Massie
jmass041@fiu.edu 
Degree Program: PhD in Earth System Science
Research: Aquatic ecology
Advisor: Jennifer Rehage
Bachelor's Degree: Fisheries and wildlife Science, Oregon State University

Jonathan Rodemann
jrode010@fiu.edu 
Degree Program: PhD in Earth System Science, Natural Resource Science and Management
Research: Fish ecology, effects of seascape changes in Florida Bay on recreational fisheries
Advisor: Jennifer Rehage
Master's Degree: Marine Biology, Northeastern University, IL
Bachelor's Degree: Marine Science and Biology, University of Miami, FL
From: Bridgewater, NJ

Nicholas Castillo
ncast169@fiu.edu 
Degree Program: PhD in Earth System Science
Research: Fish ecology, effects of contaminants on bonefish in South Florida and the Greater Caribbean Basin
Advisor: Jennifer Rehage
Bachelor's Degree: Environmental Science and Policy, Psychology, and Certificate in Marine Science Conservation and Leadership, Duke University
From: Fort Myers, FL

Lydia Cuni
lcuni002@fiu.edu 
Degree Program: MS in Environmental Studies
Research: Plant ecology; effects of light availability, fire history and litter on plant species composition and diversity in the pine rockland-hardwood hammock ecotone
Advisor: Cara Rockwell
Bachelor's Degree: FIU (2014)
From: Hialeah, FL

Marcel Bozas
mboza011@fiu.edu 
Degree Program: PhD in Natural Resource Science and Management
Research: Wildlife and Everglades tree island ecology
Advisor: Michael Ross
Bachelor's Degree: BS in Environmental Studies, FIU
From: Miami

Himadri Biswas
Advisor: Michael Ross

Rosario Vidales
rvida018@fiu.edu 
Degree Program: MS in Environmental Studies
Research: Coastal wetlands of the Southeast Saline Everglades, Florida; intraspecific variation in leaf traits of red mangrove Rhizophora mangle and its environmental drivers
Advisor: Michael Ross
Bachelor's Degree: FIU (2014)
From: Homestead, FL

Mason Bradbury
mbrad045@fiu.edu 
Degree Program: PhD in Natural Resource Science and Management
Research: Restoration, social-ecological systems and historical political ecology
Advisor: Michael Ross
Master's Degree: MS in International Conservation and Development, University of Montana
Bachelor's Degree: BS in Environmental Biology/Anthropology, Michigan State University

Melinda Paduani
mpadu004@fiu.edu 
Degree Program: PhD in Earth Systems Science
Research: Natural resource management, mangrove/estuarine ecology and ecotoxicology
Advisor: Michael Ross
Bachelor's Degree: BS in Biology with Environmental Studies Minor, University of Central Florida
From: Queens, NY

Ikechukwu Onwuka
ionwu002@fiu.edu 
Degree Program: PhD in Earth Systems Science
Research: Ways of reducing phosphorus to background concentrations to remediate impacted water bodies and in wastewater treatment
Advisors: Leonard Scinto, Assefa Melesse
Bachelor's Degree: Oceanography, University of Ghana

Timothy Kirby
tkirb004@fiu.edu 
Degree Program: PhD in Natural Resource Science and Management
Research: Water governance, natural resource economics; social equity and environmental justice in U.S. water governance, social network analysis of climate change professionals and organizations, water-saving technology adoption behaviors, financing mechanisms for water infrastructure investments
Advisor: Michael Sukop
Bachelor's Degree: Sustainable Development, Columbia University, NY (2016)
From: Danville, VA

Ron Hariprashad
rhari002@fiu.edu 
Degree Program: MS in Geosciences: Hydrogeology
Research: Modeling surface water and groundwater interaction
Advisor: Michael Sukop
Bachelor's Degree: BS in Environmental Engineering, FIU

Martina Rogers
mroge044@fiu.edu 
Degree Program: PhD in Hydrogeology
Research: Hydrogeology; analysis of well water level time series data for aquifer parameter estimation
Advisor: Michael Sukop
Bachelor's Degree: BS in Environmental Sciences, Broward College, FL
From: Liptovsky Hradok, Slovakia

Boya Zhang
bzhan018@fiu.edu 
Degree Program: PhD in Geoscience
Research: INSAR
Advisor: Shimon Wdowinski
Master's Degree: Hong Kong Polytechnic University, China
Bachelor's Degree: Capital Normal University, China

Roshan Koirala
rkoir001@fiu.edu 
Degree Program: PhD in Earth System Science: Geoscience
Research: Remote sensing and GI
Advisor: Shimon Wdowinski
Master's Degree: Tribhuvan University, Nepal
Bachelor's Degree: Tribhuvan University, Nepal

Selena Chavez
schav063@fiu.edu 
Degree Program: PhD in Geosciences
Research: Use of LIDAR to model hurricane damage to mangrove forest in the South Florida Region
Advisor: Shimon Wdowinski
Bachelor's Degree: Environmental Science and Policy, University of Maryland
From: Bethesda, MD

Michael Kiflai
mkifl001@fiu.edu 
Degree Program: PhD in Geosciences
Research: Hydrogeophysics; hydrogeophysical characterization and imaging in the Mangrove Lakes Region of Everglades National Park
Advisor: Dean Whitman
Bachelor's Degree: Eritrea Institute of Technology, Eritrea (2011)
From: Asmara, Eritrea

Javiera Hernandez
jhern385@fiu.edu 
Degree Program: PhD in Earth Systems Science
Research: Hurricane impact simulations using idealized catastrophe models
Advisor: Hugh Willoughby
Master's Degree: Geography, University of Florida
Bachelor's Degree: Geosciences, FIU
From: Osorno, Chile

Margie Kieper
margaret.kieper@fiu.edu 
Degree Program: PhD in Geosciences
Research: Rapid intensification; analysis of satellite imagery of tropical cyclones, tropical cyclone life cycle and intensification, tropical cyclone precipitation
Advisor: Hugh Willoughby
Bachelor's Degree: SB, MIT (1979)
From: Minneapolis, MN

Jeremy Lane Katz
jkatz029@fiu.edu 
Degree Program: PhD in Earth Systems Science
Research: Tropical cyclones
Advisor: Ping Zhu
Master's Degree: MS in Geoscience (2016)
Bachelor's Degree: University of Louisiana at Monroe, LA (2013)
From: Mandeville, Louisiana

Zongyao Yang
zyang018@fiu.edu 
Degree Program: PhD in Earth Systems Science
Research: Atmospheric sciences
Advisor: Ping Zhu
Master's Degree: University of Massachusetts Lowell (2014)
Bachelor's Degree: Nanjing University of Information Sciences & Technology, China (2012)
From: China