Our Team
Antonia Hadjimichael
Assistant Professor, Group PI
Dr. Hadjimichael is an interdisciplinary scientist studying complex human-Earth systems, specifically in the domain of water and planning under uncertainty. She holds a BSc in Mathematics from the University of Leicester, UK, a MSc in Environmental Modeling from University College London (UCL), UK, and a PhD in Water Science and Technology from the University of Girona, Spain.
Gabriela Gesualdo
Postdoctoral Associate
Dr. Gabriela Gesualdo is a Postdoctoral Researcher specializing in water resources planning within complex human-earth systems. Her research primarily revolves around the intriguing realm of compounding events within the context of systemic complexity. Gabriela's academic journey includes a BSc in Environmental Engineering and an MSc in Water Resources and Environmental Technologies from the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. She further pursued her passion by earning a PhD in Hydraulic Engineering and Sanitation from the University of São Paulo, Brazil.
Alexander Thames
PhD Student, Geosciences and Climate Science Dual Title
Alex Thames is an interdisciplinary scientist with interests ranging from the influence of weather on water resource planning to the evolution of Earth's volatile flux as a function of its deep water cycle. Specifically, he is interested in how synthetically generated data sets can provide exploratory insights into poorly constrained physical processes. When not acting as a scientist, Alex can be found watching and critiquing science-fiction, fantasy, and horror content with his wife, doting on his dog, and coding small videogame projects.
Ava Spangler
PhD Student, Geosciences and Climate Science Dual Title
Ava is pursuing a PhD in Geosciences and Climate Science. Her interdisciplinary research focuses on using decision-making tools to understand how urban environments can most effectively build resiliency against climate change and other stressors. Ava previously earned a B.Sc. in Civil Engineering from the University of Colorado, where her studies focused on hydrology and water resources. Ava is a big fan of chocolate chip cookies, trail running, and cold brew coffee!
Ethan Heidtman
PhD Student, Geosciences
Ethan Heidtman is pursuing his Ph.D in Geosciences at Penn State. Before coming to PSU, he attended the University of Maryland, College Park, and received a BSc in Geology and a BSc in Atmospheric & Oceanic Science. His research interests include exploratory modeling of human-natural systems, hydrology, and meteorology. In his free time, Ethan enjoys watching and playing soccer, golfing, and spending time with family.
Enock Bunyon
MSc Student, Geosciences
Enock Bunyon was born and raised in Ghana. He attended Adisadel College an all-male Anglican boarding high school ranked top 10 in Africa. After graduating from high school, he moved to the United States for his undergraduate studies at Utica University. He was a peer tutor, geology lab technician, and Utica men’s soccer team member. He graduated from Utica University with a Bachelor of Science in Geosciences. Following his graduation from Utica, He worked in the environmental consulting industry as a Junior Geologist for three years. Enock worked on several EPA, U.S Army Corp, and private projects as a geologist. Enock is currently pursuing his master’s in Geosciences at Penn State University. He is a member of Hadjimichael Research Group, and his research focus is on water resources, Hydrogeology, and Hydrology. He enjoys playing soccer, cooking, and listening to music in his free time.
Enock Bunyon
MSc Student, Geosciences
Enock Bunyon was born and raised in Ghana. He attended Adisadel College an all-male Anglican boarding high school ranked top 10 in Africa. After graduating from high school, he moved to the United States for his undergraduate studies at Utica University. He was a peer tutor, geology lab technician, and Utica men’s soccer team member. He graduated from Utica University with a Bachelor of Science in Geosciences. Following his graduation from Utica, He worked in the environmental consulting industry as a Junior Geologist for three years. Enock worked on several EPA, U.S Army Corp, and private projects as a geologist. Enock is currently pursuing his master’s in Geosciences at Penn State University. He is a member of Hadjimichael Research Group, and his research focus is on water resources, Hydrogeology, and Hydrology. He enjoys playing soccer, cooking, and listening to music in his free time.
Madison Hernandez
MSc Student, Geosciences
Madison Hernandez is pursuing her master’s in Geosciences at Penn State. Prior, she received a B.S. in Earth and Environmental Sciences at Lehigh University. Her research interests include hydrogeology, water resources, and planning under uncertainty. She enjoys learning how climate change and anthropogenic forces affect water resources in communities. Outside of research, she often spends her time doing yoga, hiking, and reading.
Carlin Blash
B.Sc Student, Earth Science
Carlin is a fourth-year undergraduate student pursuing a bachelor’s in Earth science with minors in climatology and political science. She is working with Ava to study pluvial flooding in Baltimore, Maryland, and the effectiveness of grey and green infrastructure in flood control. In her free time, Carlin loves to read, spend time with family and friends, and cheer on Penn State’s football and hockey teams.
Rayna Palkewicz
B.Sc Student, Geobiology
Rayna Palkewicz is pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Geobiology at Penn State. Her research interests include hydrogeology, water availability, and the influence of climate change on ecosystems. She enjoys drawing, listening to music, and writing in her spare time.
Past Members
Hollin Williams
BSc Student, Geobiology
Sierra Wright
BSc Student, Geoscience