Division of Environmental Science
Graduate Programs in Environmental Science (GPES)

Amina Furrkukh Mughal

Amina is a Ph.D. Candidate in Dr. Yaqi You's lab. See below for their student story.

My path to environmental science was through microbiology and immunology before I found my way to freshwater systems. With a BS in Biosciences and an MS in Microbiology and Immunology, I came to SUNY ESF with a strong foundation in molecular biology, but it was here that I discovered how those tools could answer some of the biggest questions about lake ecosystem health.

My research centers on the hidden microbial world of freshwater lake systems, which examines the sediment microbial communities and fish gut microbiomes that quietly shape how these ecosystems function. Using sequencing technologies and bioinformatic analysis, I work to understand how microbial communities respond to environmental stressors and contaminants, from PCBs to the broader landscape of emerging pollutants.

I've had the opportunity to build leadership experience as president of an international student association and to present my research at multiple regional and international conferences. These experiences have shaped how I think about connecting science with community.

For me, GPES has been the space where microbiology, environmental chemistry, and a genuine curiosity about lake ecosystems all come together.
Here is the link to my google scholar to learn about latest research from our group and LinkedIn to get connected.

Andrea Cass

Andrea Cass is a GPES PhD Candidate in the policy, planning, communication, and society track focusing on climate adaptation, relocation from flooding, and long-term disaster recovery in West Virginia. During her 5 months in southern West Virginia, she has conducted over 59 interviews as part of her dissertation as well as supported the development of the West Virginia Flood Resiliency Framework with her PhD advisor, Dr. Jame Shinn. Her dissertation examines the power dynamics of relocation from flooding and examines voluntary buyouts in inland, riverine communities. Alongside her colleague, she recently published a commentary in the Climate and Development Journal on everyday resistance to climate adaptation. Andrea has received three awards from the American Association of Geographers and received funding from the Syracuse University Program for the Advancement of Research on Conflict & Collaboration, R.G. Pack Fellowship, SUNY ESF Alumni Association, and SUNY ESF Graduate Student Association.

Cass, A., & Tasnim, T. (2026). Transformational adaptation from the bottom-up: arts, alternative imaginaries, and everyday forms of resistance. Climate and Development, 18(3), 273–279. Full Article

Harold Jones

Harold Jones is a current GPES MS Student in the Ecosystems: Land, Water and Air (ELWA) Study Area working on an NSF funded project examining the balance between ecological and human demands on water resources. He presented his ongoing research entitled "Effects of Beaver Dam Analogs on Late-summer In-stream Water Level Variability" at the American Geophysical Union (AGU) fall 2021 meeting in New Orleans, which examines the use of small dams to alter the dynamics of riparian ecosystems using a Nature Conservancy site at Red Canyon Ranch in Wyoming. His Major Professor is Dr. Stephen Shaw. He is also a Pathway Intern with the U.S. Forest Service, an innovative program designed to provide students with opportunities to explore Federal careers while they're still in school. His current internship is focusing on abandoned mine drainage, a common water pollution problem.

Kaitlyn Cunningham

Kaitlyn Cunningham is a graduate student in the Master's Program in Environmental Science, working alongside Dr. Christine Georgakakos to understand how the land use relates to the types of emerging contaminants detected. An important area of focus pertains to pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs). While these are typically organic pollutants appearing in low concentrations in aquatic systems as a result of human activity, their presence garners growing concern due to their ecotoxicological effects. For instance, some antibacterial residues from soaps are known to increase the occurrence of antibiotic resistance genes. From natural waters, these compounds can enter municipal drinking water or bioaccumulate in food webs. Kaitlyn's academic studies and field work continue to investigate the complex relationship between emerging contaminants and land use, revealing insights pivotal for seeking solutions to the challenges posed by our continuously evolving world.