911±¬ÁÏÍø

I am a PhD student in the Geography, Environment Science & Policy program starting Fall 2023. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Environment Sciences from the University of Colombo, Sri Lanka. My research interests encompass GIS, Remote Sensing, Machine Learning, Ecological Epidemiology, and Conservation. I am passionate about leveraging advanced technologies to address environmental challenges and contribute to sustainable development. In my free time, I enjoy reading books and exploring new places.

I am a Master of Arts in Geography student, specifically Geographic Information Systems and Spatial Analysis. I have a Bachelor’s in Geomatics Engineering from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology – Ghana. My interest lies in applying GIS and spatial analysis tools to address environmental challenges, particularly flooding. My experiences using these tools across various environmental issues, coupled with my exposure to flooding, motivate me to focus on enhancing resilient planning in vulnerable communities through flood risk assessment. Specifically, I use GIS and Machine Learning (ML) techniques to improve flood inundation mapping. My research includes meta-analysis to showcase current knowledge on ML applications to flood modeling. It also includes using real-time data for ML modeling and traditional modeling approaches to assess models' sensitivity and suitability for different flood types.

Awards/Conference presentations:

• Best Poster Presenter on the project, Machine Learning Applications Integrated with GIS for Flood Prediction, C. Atta Amponsah & D. Barnali Florida Society of Geographers Annual Conference, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 2025

I am beginning my Ph.D. in Geography, Environmental Science & Policy at the University of South Florida in Fall 2024. I hold a bachelor’s degree in urban planning from Khulna University of Engineering & Technology and a master’s degree in Geography from Texas State University. My research is driven by a deep interest in the spatial dimensions of healthcare accessibility, focusing on how spatial analysis can address health disparities and improve access to healthcare. I enjoy playing soccer, cricket, and various other outdoor games in my spare time, finding balance and inspiration through sports.

Megan is a Graduate Student in the MA Geography program at USF. She graduated from Central Michigan University with her BS in Meteorology in May of 2023. With interests in complex weather systems and how society reacts to them, she has participated in various internships throughout her undergraduate career. Those include the Targeted Observations of Radars and UAS of Supercells 2022 Field Campaign out of the University of Nebraska as well as the Eaton County Emergency Management internship in 2023. Throughout her undergraduate studies Megan was also a Teaching Assistant for introductory Meteorology and Environmental Science courses, and a Research Assistant under direction from CMU faculty studying the Long Term Spatiotemporal Trends in Michigan Rainfall. Megan has a passion for improving our watches and warning systems for severe weather, especially Hurricanes, so that the affected population can make appropriate and informed decisions.

When Megan isn’t pursuing research or studying for her Masters, she enjoys traveling, going to concerts, and spending time with her family, boyfriend, and dog.

A graduate of Sarah Lawrence College, Victoria comes from 6 years in the coffee industry, where she worked as a content writer about inequality in the coffee supply chain before starting her PhD. She studies agroecology on coffee farms.

I am a Ph.D. student in Geography and Environmental Science and Policy with an academic and professional background in GIS, remote sensing, land cover change, energy transition, and environmental management and policy. My research focuses on the intersection of geospatial technologies, energy transition, and forest conservation, with an emphasis on forest carbon stocks, land cover dynamics, and REDD+ monitoring. I hold an M.A. in Geography from Ohio University and an M.Sc. in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) from the University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. My master's research at Ohio University assessed the impact of land cover change on community access to fuelwood and the prospects for a just rural energy transition in Tanzania's Eastern Arc Mountains. This study integrated remote sensing analysis of Landsat satellite imagery with household surveys to examine deforestation trends and their implications for sustainable energy access. Beyond energy transitions, I have conducted research on participatory GIS (PGIS) for urban solid waste management, demonstrating how spatial data can enhance community-driven environmental planning. My current doctoral research builds on these themes, focusing on Assessing the Impact of Energy Transition on Forest Carbon Stocks Using Remote Sensing and GIS-Based REDD+ Monitoring. This interdisciplinary study explores energy transition's spatial and temporal effects on forest carbon stocks, utilizing remote sensing, GIS, and REDD+ monitoring frameworks to analyze forest conservation and climate mitigation strategies. Through my research, I aim to advance evidence-based environmental policy and sustainable resource management, particularly in tropical regions vulnerable to deforestation and climate change. By leveraging geospatial technologies and policy insights, my work seeks to contribute to a deeper understanding of how energy transition impacts forest ecosystems and carbon dynamics.

He is also a researcher at the Tanzania Forestry Research Institute (TAFORI)

Awards/Conference Presentations:  •Isaac Sindiga Memorial Fund Award for Geography 911±¬ÁÏÍø ($950) – Ohio University (2022)

•College of Arts & Sciences Travel Grant for Research Activities ($500) – Ohio University (2022)

•College of Arts & Sciences Travel Grant for Global Swahili Promotion Conference ($500) – Ohio University (2022).

Conference Presentations:

•Eliamini, F.N.A. & Lubua, F.A. (2022). Geographic Information Systems for Swahili Language Studies and Data Storage. Global Swahili Promotion Conference, Washington D.C.

•Eliamini, F.N.A. (2023). Tanzania's Rural Energy Transitions as a Dimension of Adaptation. 7th Adaptation Futures International Conference, Canada.

Lyndsey (or Zee for short) is a Master's student in the Environment Science and Policy program. She is researching atmospheric microplastic pollution in the Tampa Bay area. As a Florida native and University of Tampa alum, her goal is preserving the unique biodiversity of local ecosystems through scientific research.

Alizé is a Geography, Environmental Science & Policy, Ph.D. student. Her research focuses on various isotope concentrations in seagrass-associated molluscan communities throughout Tampa Bay and how they can create effective paleoenvironmental reconstructions to inform conservation management.

Education:
Interdisciplinary Ecology, MSc
Marine Biology and Freshwater Ecology, BSc

I'm a second-year PhD student in the GEP program, specializing in remote sensing and GIS. A "green warrior" since I was 7, I am putting that passion to practice by exploring the effectiveness of carbon reduction policies in the aviation industry, as well as seeking greener fuel alternatives, such as algae-based biodiesels.

My research utilizes a mixed-methods approach, synergizing remote sensing and GIS, statistical analysis, and qualitative methods to evaluate sustainability policies, with a particular interest in CORSIA, an international aviation carbon reduction scheme. This work is rooted in the framework of the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals, carefully including perspectives of the environment, the economy, and human rights.

In my spare time, I enjoy visiting new wineries, staying active and trying new fitness classes, performing violin gigs back home, gaming, and fantasizing about space travel.

Mahu Kamal started her PhD in Geology in Spring of 2024. Her research focus in in hydrogeology, specifically in water quality and its relationship with karst environments.

Awards/Conference presentations:

• 2022-2023 SSTEM Scholarship Recipient 
• The 2023 Craig B. Hutchinson Memorial Scholarship (School of Geosciences) 
• 2023 The Sinkhole Conference Presenter
• 2023 Conference of Florida Graduate Schools
  First Place Poster Presentation
  Physical Sciences and Engineering Category
• 2023 Winner of USF Annual Virtual Graduate Student Research Symposium
• Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society Associate Member 
• 2023 AGU Presenter-Water chemistry variability in Peacock Springs cave system and spring basin: Impacts on continuous monitoring of karst aquifers 
• 20249^th Biennial UF Water Institute Symposium Presenter- Aquifer Water Chemistry Variability and Continuous Monitoring Sensor Comparison

I am interested in climate modeling, with a focus on the monetary impact of sea level rise damages on the coastal US.

Awards/Conference Presentations:

Sydney presented a poster at AGU24, received the Student Success Fellowship Award

I am doing my PhD in the School of Geosciences, USF. I completed my graduation and post-graduation at Jahangirnagar University, Bangladesh. After that, I served as an assistant professor in one of the public universities in Bangladesh. My concentration on research is sustainable environmental development by using Geographic Information System (GIS) and remote sensing.

The commitment to contributing to environmental management to build a better environment has pushed me to pursue higher studies. I have a wide range of experiences in research, leadership, and social activities.

Graduate Assistant/ Environmental Science Lab Instructor

My research has focused on the interplay of applied science, ecological transformation, and managerial trepidation. I'm an alumnus of Stetson University in DeLand, FL where I completed my undergraduate degree in Environmental Science and Geography, as well as, SUNY Buffalo State College where I attained a Master's degree in Great Lakes Environmental Science. Professionally, I've spent time working for a variety of scientific organizations that range from local non-profits to federal agencies including NASA, as part of their DEVELOP initiative.

I am a Ph.D. student in the School of Geosciences at the USF, conducting research under the supervision of Dr. Yi Qiang. I began my academic studies in Austria, where I concentrated on GIS and environmental sciences for my undergraduate degree. Later, I advanced my education in the United States and completed a Master’s in Geography at the USF in 2022.

My research interests include spatio-temporal data analysis, disaster risk assessment, community resilience, climate justice, and environmental health. Currently, I am focused on geospatial studies of extreme heat waves, examining disparities in heat-related health outcomes, the impact of heat on human mobility, and the role of green spaces in heat mitigation strategies.

In my free time, I enjoy scalloping, tubing, playing badminton and tennis, singing, and spending time with my dog and cats.

Cassie is a PhD student in Geography, Environmental Science and Policy. She got her BS in meteorology and a minor in environmental science from Florida Institute of Technology in 2022. There, she did a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) with Columbia University, investigating short and medium term anticipatory action and policy development in climate security and food systems in Mozambique. From this, this ignited her passion for research in the cross section between the social sciences and meteorology. She was also part of her American Meteorological Society student chapter, holding officer positions including the inaugural social media manager, vice president, and president.

She got her MS in rural sociology from Auburn University in 2024, where her thesis was on Alabama agricultural stakeholders perceptions of weather and climate based information and their influence on decision making. She was part of an NRCS project examining the barriers to adoption of climate-smart agriculture in row crop producers in Alabama. She was part of an NSF Traineeship in climate resilience during her time at Auburn as well.

She is a co-chair of the American Meteorological Society Board on Student Affairs Student Outreach and Engagement committee, helping to provide professional development information for students and celebrating students milestones. At USF, she hopes to take her meteorology and sociology knowledge from her other degrees to do research on severe weather perceptions in Floridians and how they make decisions in the event of weather events such as tornadoes and hurricanes.

In her free time, Cassie likes going to Disney, playing video games, and watching TV.

My research interest is focused on the restoration and conservation of wetlands. I received my undergraduate degree in biology (ecology and evolution concentration) from USF- St. Pete in December 2021. I worked for 2 years in a lake and wetland management company, and 1 year at the Florida Department of Agriculture before returning to school. I would like to better understand the impact of development on wetlands and waters in Florida. Currently, I 'am exploring potential research projects, including the development of decision support tools related to wetland management across broader landscapes in Florida. Ultimately, my goal is to improve our understanding and management of wetland environments. In my free time I enjoy going to the beach, reading books, and exploring county parks.

Education                      Ph.D. (First year) Texas State University, Aquatic Resources and Integrative Biology
M.S. Marine Science - Marine Biotechnology, The Marine Science Institute, University of the Philippines
Thesis title: Paralytic Shellfish Toxin (PST) Removal by Algal Polysaccharide Gels
B.S. Chemistry, University of the Philippines Visayas
Thesis Title: Phytochemical Screening and Molluscicidal Activity of Excoecaria agallocha Bark Extracts

Work History

Dave was a Sr. Research Assistant at the Seaweed Chemistry Laboratory-UP MSI working on the effects of salting and brining on seaweed preservation. While in the same laboratory, he also worked as a Chemist and Marine Science consultant for GHD and the Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources focusing on marine ecotoxicological data analysis and toxicity data compilation of marine pollutants.

Before his transfer to the US, he worked as the Principal Chemist of the Water Quality Control Department of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System - Regulatory Office (MWSS RO), Metro Manila's water regulatory agency. He primarily supervised the drinking water quality compliance of Metro Manila's water Concessionaires to different legal requirements. He has been working with and alongside different stakeholders to effectively ensure the safety and potability of drinking water in Metro Manila. During this time, he also served as an Internal Quality Auditor (ISO 9001:2015) and Water Safety Plan Secretariat and Reviewer.

At Texas State University, he served as the Doctorate Instructional Assistant of the Department of Biology, primarily teaching Functional Biology for SY 2023-2024.

Awards and Recognitions

Texas State University Run to R1 Assistantship
International Society for the Study of Harmful Algae Travel Grant AwarD
Best Poster Presentation (Environment and Health Summer School Program)

Certifications
Philippine Regulatory Commission Licensure for Chemists
Department of Health Water Sampler
Texas Stream Team Standard Core Water Quality Citizen Scientist

Publications
Olano DEB, Salvador-Reyes L, Montano MNE, Azanza RVA. 2020. Sorption of Paralytic Shellfish Toxins (PSTs) in Algal Polysaccharide Gels. Algal Research (45).  
Andres JKQ*, Yniguez AT, Maister JM, Turner AD, Olano DEB, Mendoza J, Salvador-Reyes L, Azanza RV. 2019. Paralytic Shellfish Toxin Uptake, Assimilation, Depuration, and Transformation in the Southeast Asian Green-Lipped Mussel (Perna viridis). Toxins 11(8).  

Ogugua Sandra Onochie is a researcher in urbanization, development, and sustainability management, focusing on how cities evolve in response to social, economic, and environmental factors. Her work examines urban growth patterns, conflict impacts on development, and strategies for sustainable city management, particularly in 911±¬ÁÏÍøst Africa. Her research explores how rapid urbanization and land-use changes affect infrastructure, population distribution, and environmental sustainability. She has analyzed the relationship between conflict and urban resilience, highlighting how migration patterns influence city expansion despite socio-political challenges. Ogugua is also interested in sustainable urban planning, with a focus on climate adaptation, resource management, and equitable development. Her work applies geospatial analysis and policy research to improve urban governance and sustainability strategies.

I am a geographer studying a road development project in Belize. When on a trip to Belize, I found the project, and thought...is this something I can study? And well, here I am a few years later very eagerly making it happen.

My research interests lie in studying Political Ecology and Economy in Belize, and the Caribbean and Latin America region. In my research I will practice Qualitative Research techniques such as utilizing unstructured and semi-structured interviews, ethnographic observations, and cataloging visual imagery.

I also have interests in football(soccer), exercising, motorcycle riding, hiking, swimming, canoeing and spending quality time with my family and friends.

My name is Juan Carlos Pena Philippides, I am a Doctoral Candidate in the School of Geosciences at the 911±¬ÁÏÍø in Tampa, I bring a robust academic background to the table. My journey began with a bachelor's degree in Biology and a minor in Chemistry from the University of New Mexico, where I graduated Suma Cum Laude. I then honed my expertise with a Master's in Water Resources, specializing in Hydroscience and the implications of water quality on human health.
Between my undergraduate and master's degrees, I devoted 21 years to biomedical research in lung immunology, with a specific focus on the effects of nicotine and cigarette smoke, both primary and secondary exposure. Later, I ventured into neurosurgical research, investigating the inhibition of mir 155 to promote recovery post-stroke in murine models. This extensive research journey ignited my interest in water issues and their potential impact on human health. I was fortunate to have Dr. Floyd Frost as a colleague and later as my mentor, whose work on cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis significantly influenced my research direction.
My doctoral research is not just the culmination of my academic journey, but a testament to my unwavering commitment to addressing pressing global issues. Water-related issues have always been a personal passion, and I am deeply grateful for the support and guidance of Professor Alsharif, whose insights have deepened my understanding of the current global water crisis.
My research interests are not just a professional pursuit, but a personal passion deeply rooted in the crucial study of our current global context. I am particularly fascinated by how megacities can promote IWRM and water governance to mitigate human disparities. My focus on water governance, integrated water resources management, water justice, and water diplomacy at the international level is driven by a profound understanding of how water quality and quantity can impact human populations, potentially leading to a state of hydro vulnerability. This topic is of utmost importance, and I am unwaveringly committed to contributing to its understanding and resolution.

Sierra Raines is a dedicated and passionate environmental scientist currently pursuing a PhD in Geography, Environmental Science, and Policy at the 911±¬ÁÏÍø. Sierra holds a Bachelor's degree in Public Health and a Bachelor's in Environmental Science & Policy, as well as a Master's degree in Global Sustainability, all from USF. Sierra’s research examines the adverse effects of extreme heat on vulnerable populations, with a focus on marginalized communities in Pinellas County, Florida. Her research explores how residents perceive and experience extreme heat and the social and economic barriers they face in adapting to rising temperatures. By highlighting these challenges, her work aims to inform more effective and equitable disaster policies and heat adaptation strategies. Sierra is committed to addressing pressing environmental challenges and is dedicated to advancing knowledge and solutions that protect vulnerable populations from the negative effects of climate change. As a research assistant for the Storm Squad and CRIS, she has contributed to research on storm impacts and resilience, helping to develop strategies to mitigate the effects of extreme weather events at the community-level.

I graduated from the University of Dhaka with both my B.S. and M.S. degrees in Geography and Environment. My master’s thesis focused on rooftop solar energy for electricity generation and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Currently, I am pursuing a Ph.D. in the GEP program at the School of Geosciences, USF, where I am also a TA. My research centers on nature-based solutions for water management and utilizes GIS and Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA).

I am a master's student working with USF's Ecohydrology Research Group. I am interested in applying my GIS knowledge to wetland restoration and conservation projects.

Taha Sadeghi Chorsi is a PhD candidate in Geology who specializes in geodesy and remote sensing. With over three years of experience in doing research in USF, I have been published two journal papers and four conference abstracts. I also have some field experience relating to volcano, earthquake and permafrost monitoring. I have been used satellite radar, optic and LiDAR data as well as ground-based radar to monitor earthquake, volcano and permafrost.

I am MD Zakaria Salim, a Geospatial Data Scientist with expertise in spatial modeling, geostatistics, and machine learning, especially in natural disaster and environmental applications.

I hold a Master’s degree in Geography from the 911±¬ÁÏÍø (USF), where I specialized in advanced geospatial techniques like Multivariate Statistics and GeoAI, and a Bachelor’s in Urban and Regional Planning from Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (KUET), Bangladesh. I am currently doing my Ph.D. in Geography, Environmental Science and Policy and working as a Research Associate under supervision of Dr. Yi Qiang. I assessed spatial patterns of building damages in Hurricane Ian and associated socio-economic factors in my master's thesis. I am currently focused on downscaling population data to the household level and mapping corresponding socioeconomic indicators. This approach will enhance the granularity of vulnerability assessments in disaster scenarios, allowing for a more precise understanding of community risks and needs.

My professional experience includes roles as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at USF, an Associate GIS Analyst at Tiller Easing Spatial Solution, and a Research Assistant at Image Research & Consultancy Ltd., where I led GIS database development, data analysis, and socio-economic assessments for urban planning and environmental management projects. I have authored several research papers on topics like climate change, water resource management, and spatial epidemiology, contributing to sustainable development and public health.

Proficient in Python, R, C, and various GIS tools, I am committed to using data-driven approaches to tackle complex urban and environmental challenges. As a member of Phi Kappa Phi Society and Financial Officer for the USF GIS Club, I actively engage in promoting geospatial education and professional growth.

I am a Master's student studying the applications of geochemistry in ecology. My thesis focuses on carbon-nitrogen stable isotope analysis to track dietary changes in freshwater fish over time. Other research interests of mine include marine ecology, conservation science, and applied biogeochemistry.

Denise Wright is a Master’s student in Geography whose research focuses on using remote sensing and GIS analysis to address real-world challenges. Her graduate project examines historic and modern shoreline data at Cumberland Island National Seashore to predict future coastal changes and assess heritage sites at risk. By integrating GIS with heritage conservation, her goal is to enhance asset management strategies for sites impacted by coastal erosion and environmental change.