New England

Sena Wazer is a community organizer and advocate from Connecticut. Her work centers around community organizing as a mechanism for creating policy change, particularly at the state level.

Karam Sheban supports agroforestry adoption through targeted science that builds toward effective policy, viable economies, and cultural revitalization. He sees his work as part of a larger reimagining of our agricultural and forested landscapes for a more just and equitable world.

Nargis Mirzaie studies the impacts of climate extremes—particularly droughts and floods—on communities and water systems. Her research focuses on understanding hydrological changes, improving drought assessment tools, and promoting equity in climate adaptation and water resource planning.

Timothy Onuh researches innovative approaches to improve the removal efficiency of nanoparticles (an emerging contaminant) from wastewater systems and promote sustainable water treatment. He strives to integrate his research with policy advocacy, with the overarching goal of practically translating science and engineering principles into socially and environmentally responsible policies.

Mica Caine is the co-founder of Helix, a circular fashion marketplace focused on keeping clothing, care, and stories in motion within local communities. A Central Ohio native, Mica’s work is deeply rooted in place and relationships, spanning circular economy, community-led climate resilience, and decentralized energy systems.

Malika Kounkourou serves as a managing editor of the Harvard Environmental Law Review and is a research assistant at the Harvard Environmental and Energy Law Program. Her interests lie at the intersection of alternative dispute resolution systems, corporate accountability, and climate justice, with a focus on extractive industry governance.

Jonisha Aubain researches the design, construction, and techno-economic analysis of tidal energy technology for application in isolated island communities. Her goal is to increase technical opportunity for enhancing local energy systems with emphasis on community involvement and independence.

Bryan Plankenhorn (Port Gamble S’Klallam) is an Indigenous scientist exploring harmful algal bloom drivers and reintroducing Indigenous narratives and knowledge into marine resource management. They are deeply committed to supporting Indigenous communities across the United States by amplifying Indigenous perspectives in scientific research and federal policy.

Sanjana is an engineer, environmental justice researcher, and systems thinker working at the intersection of infrastructure, climate, and technology. She is a PhD student at MIT, where her research focuses on renewable energy, energy justice, and the electric grid. She is the co-founder of Rooted Futures Lab, a research and action collective advancing environmental justice in technology, and Earth Hacks, a nonprofit harnessing hackathons as a form of climate action. Her work has ranged from atmospheric science software engineering at NASA to passing decarbonization policy at the local level. She holds a BS in electrical engineering and physics, and a Master’s in City Planning from MIT.