We are proud to introduce the undergraduate students selected to participate in the 2024 Summer Undergraduate Research Program!
Erika Adjei, Environmental Policy and Environmental Science ’25
Project: Tropical Monsoons During the Last Glacial Maximum
Mentors: Bronwen Konecky and Andrew Flaim, Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences
Erika Adjei is a rising senior from Dallas, Texas studying Environmental Policy and Environmental Science. Her academic interests strongly align with climate science, environmental geology, public policy, and environmental justice. On campus, she participates in organizations including the Student Sustainability Board, African Students Association, and Washington University Green Ambassadors. In her free time, Erika enjoys upcycling thrifted clothing, powerlifting, and reading. She is looking forward to conducting research with Professor Konecky’s Climate and Paleoclimate lab this summer!
Juliet Ainsley, Environmental Science and Anthropology: Global Health and the Environment ’26
Project: Exposure to Pollutants and Pathogens and Impact on Health
Mentors: Liz Mallott and Carlye Chaney, Biology
Juliet is passionate about exploring the ways human health is impacted by the environment, specifically environmental contaminants on children’s health. As an interdisciplinary thinker, she is eager to find solutions in law, medicine, science, and education. Through the Center for the Environment Summer Undergraduate Research Program, she looks forward to learning more about WashU’s current sustainability and environmental initiatives. In her free time, she loves to hike, read, collect rocks and minerals, and go to concerts.
Zhimeng Bao, Biology ’27
Project: Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs)
Mentors: Young-Shin Jun and Minkyoung Jung, Energy, Environmental & Chemical Engineering
Zhimeng Bao is a freshman graduating in 2027 in the College of Arts & Sciences. She intends to major in Biology. She came from China. She has always been interested in nature, and in particular, the possible interactions between humans and the environment. She is looking forward to participating in research this summer!
Natasha Igic, Systems Engineering and Computer Science ’26
Project: Energy Efficiency and Emissions Study of Sustainable Aviation Fuels for Green Aviation
Mentors: Ramesh Agarwal and Mike Kiely, Energy, Environmental & Chemical Engineering
Natasha is from Madison Wisconsin, and a sophomore engineering student at Washington University in St. Louis pursing a degree in systems engineering with a minor in computer science. She plays soccer for the WashU women’s club soccer team, and is a member of the design build fly club. She is passionate about environmental issues, and is super excited to be a part of the Center for Environment Program this summer, as a part of Dr. Agarwal’s research team.
Phoenix Jarosz, Computer Science + Math ’27
Project: Computer Vision for Ecology
Mentors: Nathan Jacobs and Srikumar Sastry, Computer Science
Phoenix is a first-year double majoring in Computer Science + Math and Earth Science with a minor in Geospatial Science. He is interested in finding applications of computer science in climatology and ecology research, so he is excited to do computer vision research for the Center for the Environment this summer. Outside of class, Phoenix is involved in the Wind Ensemble and is secretary for both Run Club and Game Design and Development Studio. In his free time, he likes to play the drums and guitar.
Jamie Kamp, Chemical Engineering ’27
Project: Wildfires
Mentor: Lu Xu, Energy, Environmental, and Chemical Engineering
Jamie is a first-year chemical engineering student from Houston, Texas. In her
free time, she loves to go to the gym, read a good book, or explore new restaurants! She has gained a strong interest in environmental issues throughout her first year at WashU, and she can’t wait to spend the summer continuing to explore this passion!
Lisa Li, Biology ’26
Project: Microbes and the Environment
Mentors: Arpita Bose, Tahina Ranaivoarisoa, and Brian Gallagher, Biology
Lisa was born and raised in Wuhan, China. She is interested in engineering microbes to produce molecules of importance and would like to explore more in this area through this summer research experience. In her spare time, she enjoys dancing and cooking with her friends.
Jill Mark, Biology and Anthropology: Global Health and Environment ’25
Project: Climate Events and Human Health
Mentor: Leyao Wang, Allergy & Immunology
Jill Mark (she/her) is a junior from Chicago, IL, majoring in Biology and
Anthropology on the Global Health and Environment track. At WashU she is involved in many dance productions through the Performing Arts Department and is part of the executive board of WashU Figure Skating Club.
Morasha Rabinowitz, Art History & Archaeology and Fashion Design ’26
Project: Food Globalization in the Bronze Age
Mentors: Xinyi Liu and Melissa Ritchey, Anthropology
Morasha is a sophomore from Silver Spring, Maryland, studying a random collection of things but hoping to eventually be an archaeologist. She loves to sew, play NYT games, and help her friends. She can’t wait to spend the summer in St. Louis!
Sam Schultz, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, and Ancient Studies ’25
Mentors: Jack Hutchings and Alessandro Mauceri, Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences
Sam (he/him) is a rising senior from Saint Paul, Minnesota, studying environmental science with specific interests in geochemical exploration of environmental conditions in the modern day and distant past. Outside of working in the Climate and Paleoclimate lab on campus, he volunteers with Habitat for Humanity and works as a Calculus PLTL Leader. In his free time, he enjoys reading, exercising, and spending time outside.
Jenna Skanberg, Chemical Engineering and Energy Engineering ’26
Project: Chemical Reactions in Aquatic Systems
Mentors: Daniel Giammar and Xicheng He, Energy, Environmental & Chemical Engineering
Jenna Skanberg (she/her) is a sophomore majoring in chemical engineering with a minor in energy engineering. She will be working in Dr. Giammar’s water quality lab this summer. She is interested in applying her chemical engineering knowledge to the environment. Outside of the classroom, She is active in WashU’s pep band as both a percussionist and as secretary, and she has participated in WashU’s AIChe chapter—as well as Studio: TESLA.
Michael Sotirescu, Global Studies, Korean, and Economics ’26
Project: Climate Change and Forced Migration
Mentor: Mitra Naseh, Social Work
Michael is a rising junior from Lancaster, PA majoring in Global Studies (International Affairs) and double-minoring in Korean and Economics. He is passionate about the intersections between immigration and environmental policy, and is particularly interested in examining environmental impacts in urban contexts. Additionally, he works as a photographer for the Athletics Department and helps run WashU’s athletic social media accounts. Outside of school, Michael loves movies, cooking, and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Dhruv Vadapalli, Biology ’25
Project: Chemical and Biological Contaminants in Environmental Systems
Mentors: Kim Parker, Jean Brownell, and Jackie Rogers, Energy, Environmental & Chemical Engineering
Dhruv is from Seattle, Washington. He is currently majoring in Biology and following the pre-med track. His hobbies include playing sports, cooking, and listening to music. He is so excited to participate in research this summer!