ASSISTANT PROFESSOR

Rachel is an assistant professor in the Penn State Department of Geoscience and an associate of the Penn State Earth and Environmental Systems Institute. Her research uses field data and numerical models to understand groundwater flow and transport processes in complex hydrologic systems. She aims to apply her work to understand water resource availability and improve predictions of environmental hazards, such as flooding and erosion. Outside of work, she loves to hike, play pick-up sports, and bake.

PHD STUDENT

Amina is PhD student in the Departmentof Geosciences. Amina is a water scientist and climate enthusiast with broad interests in environmental and water resources management, effects of land use and changes, climate dynamics impacts, and sustainable management practices. Currently, her research examines nutrient pollution along the Pennsylvania coastline of Lake Erie, specifically evaluating how agricultural practices in grape farming and groundwater discharge contribute to the Lake’s eutrophication. Through her work, Amina aims to identify sources of nutrient runoff and analyze the spatial and temporal dynamics of nutrient distribution in the region.

Before joining the Geosciences Department at Penn State, Amina earned a Master of Science in Geological Sciences with a certificate in Geographic Information Systems from Illinois State University, where she researched the impact of tile drainage water on groundwater nitrate concentrations within a saturated riparian buffer zone. She also holds a Bachelor of Technology in Applied Geology from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria. Passionate about fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange, Amina actively participates in professional organizations and community outreach. Her dedication to bridging scientific research with practical applications underscores her commitment to advancing sustainable environmental management. Outside of her academics and research pursuits, Amina enjoys watching documentaries, and law and medical series.

PHD STUDENT

Christian is a PhD student in the Department of Geosciences. His research focuses on tracking contamination and promoting remediation in groundwater, primarily through fieldwork and computer modeling. He’s interested in hydrogeology research as a way to protect natural water resources and minimize human impacts on hydrologic systems. Outside of work, he enjoys reading, singing in choir, and spending time with his wife, Chloe, and two cats, Dottie and Stella.