Current Graduate Students
Information on our graduate students is provided here to facilitate communication between enrolled students as well as to inform and encourage prospective students. Photos may be of the student or of their research interest.
Osman Yussuf Ahmed
oyahmed@syr.edu
- Undergraduate Institute (Major):
Egerton University, Njoro, Kenya (BSc Agricultural Engineering: Soil and Water option) - Graduate Degree Sought at ESF:
M.S. - Graduate Advisor:
Associate Professor Chuck Kroll - Graduate Research Topic:
Drought Trends in Northern Kenya - Quote on Graduate Experience:
" I would feel more optimistic about a bright future for man if he spent less time proving he can outwit Nature and more time tasting her sweetness and respecting her seniority- (E. B. White)"
Russ Aicher
rpaicher@syr.edu
- Undergraduate Institute (Major):
SUNY-ESF (Environmental Studies) - Graduate Degree Sought at ESF:
M.S. - Graduate Advisor:
Professor James M. Hassett - Graduate Research Topic:
Hyperspectral Imaging of Forests - Opportunities for Classification to Species and Tree Level. - Quote on Graduate Experience:
" ERE has provided a graduate program that actively joins GIS and natural sciences and engineering."
Danielle Benati
dsbenati@syr.edu
- Undergraduate Institute (Major):
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (Environmental Resources and Forest Engineering) - Graduate Degree Sought at ESF:
M.S. - Graduate Advisor:
Associate Professor Douglas Daley - Graduate Research Topic:
Ecological Engineering - Quote on Graduate Experience:
" My graduate experience has been one that I will never forget."
Maria-Theresa Isla Cabaraban
mtcabara@syr.edu
- Undergraduate Institute (Major):
Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan, Philippines (Chemical Engineering) - Graduate Degree Sought at ESF:
Ph.D. - Graduate Advisor:
Associate Professor Chuck Kroll - Graduate Research Topic:
Application of an appropriate decision support tool that integrates ecological conservation and economic costs in the assessment of strategies and options for energy and/or waste management. - Quote on Graduate Experience:
" It felt kind of strange at first to be back sitting on this side of the classroom. Nonetheless, I am excited to be learning and relearning concepts in a multidisciplinary environment, from faculties who are diverse in background and expertise. I am thrilled to have access to such vast educational resources, and looking forward to making full use of the exceptional facilities for research."
Dan Coyle
dccoyle@syr.edu
- Undergraduate Institute (Major):
SUNY ESF - Graduate Degree Sought at ESF:
M.S. - Graduate Advisor:
Professor James M. Hassett - Graduate Research Topic:
Analysis of Hydrologic records in the Vicinity of the Tully Valley Mud-Boils - Quote on Graduate Experience:
" Hassett, like the other ERE faculty, is an advisor that will join you in the field."
Mark Fabian
mwfabian@syr.edu
- Undergraduate Institute (Major):
University of Vermont (Environmental Sciences) - Graduate Degree Sought at ESF:
M.S. - Graduate Advisor:
Associate Professor Ted Endreny - Graduate Research Topic:
Surface Water Hydrology - investigation of how dewatering a tropical mountain stream for a rural community water supply in Honduras affects riparian and hyporheic gradients and exchange rates. - Quote on Graduate Experience:
" It's great to be back in school after working overseas. ESF has a lot to offer in research opportunities, and a great wealth and diversity of faculty resources. I'm thoroughly excited to be here, learning great science!"
Binglei Gong
BGong@syr.edu
- Undergraduate Institute (Major):
Beijing Normal University (GIS & RS) - Graduate Degree Sought at ESF:
M.S. - Graduate Advisor:
Assistant Professor Jungho Im - Graduate Research Topic:
Environmental Remote Sensing - Quote on Graduate Experience:
" Explore the data behind the visual world"
Bangshuai Han
hbs1982@yahoo.com.cn
- Undergraduate Institute (Major):
Lanzhou University - Graduate Degree Sought at ESF:
Ph.D - Graduate Advisor:
Associate Professor Ted Endreny - Graduate Research Topic:
Hydraulic laboratory, field and computer work to investigate water resources engineering methods for channel and related land resources restoration. - Quote on Graduate Experience:
" never stop"
Satoshi Hirabayashi
shirabay@syr.edu
- Undergraduate Institute (Major):
Undergraduate Institute (Major): Musashi Institute of Technology (Electronics and Communication Engineering) - Graduate Degree Sought at ESF:
Ph.D - Graduate Advisor:
Associate Professor Chuck Kroll - Graduate Research Topic:
Estimating hydrologic and hydrogeologic indices with geostatistic and remote sensing techniques for prediction and estimation of low streamflow characteristics. - Quote on Graduate Experience:
" Three 'C's in my gratudate experience, comfortable, challenging, and computing."
Sean Huckins
huckinss@upstate.edu
- Undergraduate Institute (Major):
Syracuse University (Industrial Design, BID, 1989), SUNY at Buffalo (Biomaterials Science, MS, 1992) - Graduate Degree Sought at ESF:
Ph.D. - Graduate Advisor:
Professor James M. Hassett - Graduate Research Topic:
Fusion of Images for the Human Brain Opportunities for Improved Diagnostic and Surgical Interventions - Quote on Graduate Experience:
" My experience as a graduate student at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry has been tremendously positive. The faculty, including Professor James M. Hassett, have always been exceptionally enthusiastic and supportive of my goal to explore a cross-disciplinary approach to human brain mapping as it relates to neurosurgical diagnostics and intervention. My affiliation and current program of study with SUNY ESF has always been a source of pride to me, and I am looking forward to the fact that my graduate education is not only preparing me to investigate the physical topography of the earth on which we live, but to also go spelunking into the depths of the human brain. The faculty in the mapping sciences program at SUNY ESF have not only made this possible, but have done so with sincere enthusiasm."
David Kalenak
dskalena@syr.edu
- Undergraduate Institute (Major):
Institute of Optics, University of Rochester (BS/MS, Optics) - Graduate Degree Sought at ESF:
Ph.D. - Graduate Advisor:
Professor James M. Hassett - Graduate Research Topic:
Comparative Study of Optical Properties of Freshwater Lakes in Upstate New York for the Propose of Developing Remote Sensing Water Monitor Capabilities. - Quote on Graduate Experience:
" If you are perseverant in your desire to make a difference, ESF has many significant (albeit sometimes hidden) opportunities, accompanied by talented people that are sincerely willing to help you succeed."
Yinghai Ke
yke@syr.edu
- Undergraduate Institute (Major):
Environmental Science, Wuhan University - Graduate Degree Sought at ESF:
Ph.D - Graduate Advisor:
Assistant Professor Lindi Quackenbush - Graduate Research Topic:
Investigating new advances in forest species classification - Quote on Graduate Experience:
" Never give up"
Sarah Kelsen
skelsen@syr.edu
- Undergraduate Institute (Major):
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (Environmental Resources and Forest Engineering) - Graduate Degree Sought at ESF:
M.S. - Graduate Advisor:
Assistant Professor Stewart Diemont - Graduate Research Topic:
Ecological Engineering - Quote on Graduate Experience:
" Our faculty is supportive and dedicated, classes are intimate and diverse, we have the best comprehensive environmental coursework in the country, full of opportunities for hands on learning, preparing us to be insighful leaders, to -be the change we wish to see in the world- and take on the vast challenges facing our generation."
Shriya Kulkarni
shkulkar@syr.edu
- Undergraduate Institute (Major):
Mumbai University (Environmental Science) - Graduate Degree Sought at ESF:
Master of Professional Studies - Graduate Advisor:
Associate Professor Ted Endreny - Graduate Research Topic:
Environmental Science for Business Applications - Quote on Graduate Experience:
" Life is busy and full in graduate school!"
Andy Lee
amlee02@syr.edu
- Undergraduate Institute (Major):
ESF (Environmental Studies, Information Technology) - Graduate Degree Sought at ESF:
M.S. - Graduate Advisor:
Associate Professor Ted Endreny - Graduate Research Topic:
Watershed Modeling - Quote on Graduate Experience:
" ESF: The Ivy League of the Environmental Field"
Hui Lin
hlin17@syr.edu
- Undergraduate Institute (Major):
Tsinghua University (Environmental Engineering) - Graduate Degree Sought at ESF:
M.S. - Graduate Advisor:
Assistant Professor Stewart Diemont - Graduate Research Topic:
Ecological Engineering - Quote on Graduate Experience:
" Spend less, learn better~"
Zhenyu Lu
zlu03@syr.edu
- Undergraduate Institute (Major):
Lanzhou University(Geography Science) - Graduate Degree Sought at ESF:
Ph.D - Graduate Advisor:
Assistant Professor Jungho Im - Graduate Research Topic:
Cutting-edge environmental problems by properly utilizing geographic information system modeling technologies and remote sensing of environment - Quote on Graduate Experience:
" Treat this learning experience as my best; and make this learning experience be most memorable"
Li Luo
liluo@syr.edu
- Undergraduate Institute (Major):
Beijing Information Technology Institute, Information management and Information System(major), Bachelor; Peking University, Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing(major), Master Graduate Degree Graduate Degree Sought - Graduate Degree Sought at ESF:
Ph.D. - Graduate Advisor:
Assistant Professor Giorgos Mountrakis - Graduate Research Topic:
GIS, Remote Sensing - Quote on Graduate Experience:
" When something is used to its full potential it will break."
Adao H. Matonse
ahmatons@syr.edu
- Undergraduate Institute (Major):
Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany (Physics) - Graduate Degree Sought at ESF:
Ph.D. - Graduate Advisor:
Associate Professor Chuck Kroll - Graduate Research Topic:
Development and evaluation of hillslope discharge models at a watershed scale. - Quote on Graduate Experience:
" SUNY ESF, the right place for studying and undertaking research with its dynamic environment that can bring together science, technology and society for a cleaner and more sustainable world. What an exciting experience!"
Rebecca Maurer
rmaurer@syr.edu
- Undergraduate Institute (Major):
Clarkson University (Interdisciplinary Engineering & Management) - Graduate Degree Sought at ESF:
MPS in Environmental & Resource Engineering - Graduate Advisor:
Assistant Professor Lindi Quackenbush - Graduate Research Topic:
Using GIS for bridge information - Quote on Graduate Experience:
" It is challenging going back to school while working full time, along with all of life's other commitments, but it is a rewarding experience."
Eben Pendleton
mpendle@syr.edu
- Undergraduate Institute (Major):
Juniata College (Engineering Physics and Environmental Science) - Graduate Degree Sought at ESF:
M.S. - Graduate Advisor:
Associate Professor Chuck Kroll - Graduate Research Topic:
Sustainable Water Resources - Quote on Graduate Experience:
" Its amazing what I’ve already learned in one semester; challenges, frustrations and success in an extremely supportive environment."
Donnie Rayome
ddrayome@syr.edu
- Undergraduate Institute (Major):
University of Oregon (Biological Anthropology, Environmental Studies) - Graduate Degree Sought at ESF:
M.S. - Graduate Advisor:
Assistant Professor Stewart Diemont - Graduate Research Topic:
Ecological Engineering - Quote on Graduate Experience:
" Simply put, ESF is the best place to be a graduate student"
Caroline Romano
caromano@syr.edu
- Undergraduate Institute (Major):
SUNY ESF, BS in Environmental Resources and Forest Engineering - Graduate Degree Sought at ESF:
MS - Environmental Management - Graduate Advisor:
Associate Professor Douglas Daley - Graduate Research Topic:
Energy Balance of Alternative Landfill Cover Systems - Quote on Graduate Experience:
" I came back to ESF for a reason - it's one of the best environmental schools in the country. I'm glad I took the opportunity to continue my education to earn a Masters degree from ESF."
George Schmitt
gschmitt@morrisengineers.com
- Undergraduate Institute (Major):
ESF, FEG - Graduate Degree Sought at ESF:
M.P.S. - Graduate Advisor:
Assistant Professor Lindi Quackenbush - Graduate Research Topic:
Survey distances vs Grid coordinates - Quote on Graduate Experience:
" Course work and overall experience has been well worth it."
Kyle Thomas
kethomas@syr.edu
- Undergraduate Institute (Major):
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY - Graduate Degree Sought at ESF:
Ph.D. - Graduate Advisor:
Associate Professor Ted Endreny - Graduate Research Topic:
Designing sustainable development through hydrologic model sensitivity to land use spatial heterogeneity - Quote on Graduate Experience:
" This program of study has pushed me to go beyond model application and get into designing tools for sustainable development."
Chris Travis
cdtravis@syr.edu
- Undergraduate Institute (Major):
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY (Biology) - Graduate Degree Sought at ESF:
M.S. - Graduate Advisor:
Associate Professor Douglas Daley - Graduate Research Topic:
Ecological Engineering - Quote on Graduate Experience:
" ESF prepares you to sustain the world."
Jida Wang
wangjida288@gmail.com
- Undergraduate Institute (Major):
Beijing Institute of Petrochemical Technology (Major Environmental Economics and Managements) - Graduate Degree Sought at ESF:
M.S. - Graduate Advisor:
Assistant Professor Giorgos Mountrakis - Graduate Research Topic:
GIS - Quote on Graduate Experience:
" A Combination of Learning and Exploring."
Jing Wang
jwang15@syr.edu
- Undergraduate Institute (Major):
Shandong University (Environmental Science) - Graduate Degree Sought at ESF:
M.S. - Graduate Advisor:
Assistant Professor Wendong Tao - Graduate Research Topic:
Partial Nitrification and Anaerobic Ammonium Oxidation in Constructed Wetlands - Quote on Graduate Experience:
" I hope my life is full of freshness and challenges."
Jianfeng Wen
jwen01@syr.edu
- Undergraduate Institute (Major):
Shaanxi Normal University, Environmental Science, BS; Nanjing University, Environmental Management, MS - Graduate Degree Sought at ESF:
Ph.D. - Graduate Advisor:
Assistant Professor Wendong Tao - Graduate Research Topic:
Ecological Engineering - Quote on Graduate Experience:
" Cherish the opportunity, enrich my life!"
Mi Yan
myan@syr.edu
- Undergraduate Institute (Major):
Central South University(GIS, BS); Central South University (Cartography and GIS, MS) - Graduate Degree Sought at ESF:
Ph.D. - Graduate Advisor:
Associate Professor Chuck Kroll - Graduate Research Topic:
GIS and Hydrologic modeling - Quote on Graduate Experience:
" Winners never quit and quiters never win"
Sheng Yang
syang16@syr.edu
- Undergraduate Institute (Major):
Nanjing University (Geographic Information Science) - Graduate Degree Sought at ESF:
M.S. - Graduate Advisor:
Assistant Professor Giorgos Mountrakis - Graduate Research Topic:
Forestry Engineering - Quote on Graduate Experience:
" A new style of the life and a fresh taste of the world"
Yang Yang
yyang31@syr.edu
- Undergraduate Institute (Major):
Xi'an Jiaotong University (Electronic Science and Engineering) - Graduate Degree Sought at ESF:
Ph.D. - Graduate Advisor:
Associate Professor Ted Endreny - Graduate Research Topic:
Incorporating bioclimatic feedback loops into the Urban Forest Effects models, linking anatomy, biogenic emissions, carbon sequestration, deposition of pollutants, energy use impacts, and hydrology. - Quote on Graduate Experience:
" Trust yourself and your data."
Wenhua Zhang
wzhang11@syr.edu
- Undergraduate Institute (Major):
Northeast Forestry University of China (Forestry) - Graduate Degree Sought at ESF:
M.S. - Graduate Advisor:
Assistant Professor Lindi Quackenbush - Graduate Research Topic:
GIS - Quote on Graduate Experience:
" It is good to make sure if you could go a little bit further before you stop."
Tian Zhou
tizhou@syr.edu
- Undergraduate Institute (Major):
Lanzhou University (Physical Geography) - Graduate Degree Sought at ESF:
Ph.D. - Graduate Advisor:
Associate Professor Ted Endreny - Graduate Research Topic:
Water Resource Engineering - examining through computer simulation, laboratory exercises, and field monitoring the impact of in-channel restoration structures on channel migration processes. - Quote on Graduate Experience:
" I am obtaining a key to the unknown natural world."
Wei Zhuang
wezhuang@syr.edu
- Undergraduate Institute (Major):
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (Environmental Resources and Forest Engineering) - Graduate Degree Sought at ESF:
PHD - Graduate Advisor:
Assistant Professor Giorgos Mountrakis - Graduate Research Topic:
Environmental Resources Engineering - Quote on Graduate Experience:
" Working with passion, not impulsion!"
Yue Zuo
yzuo@syr.edu
- Undergraduate Institute (Major):
Wuhan University (Geographic Information System) - Graduate Degree Sought at ESF:
M.S. - Graduate Advisor:
Assistant Professor Lindi Quackenbush - Graduate Research Topic:
GIS - Quote on Graduate Experience:
" I come here to bring out the secrets of nature and apply them for the happiness of man; I come here to get a friendship in the multi-cultural world and regard it as a gem of my lifetime."