Climate Change

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.

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.

Mukta Kelkar is a marine ecologist who bridges foundational ecology with applied conservation and social science in order to inform marine conservation approaches for a changing climate.

Lupe Franco explores how unhoused individuals experience and navigate extreme weather conditions, with a focus on the systemic barriers that exacerbate their vulnerability. Her work sits at the intersection of climate justice, environmental justice, and homelessness.

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.

Sarah Sarfaty Epstein is interested in landscape-scale climate resilience decision making in California’s agricultural sector, particularly at the agriculture-energy-water nexus. Her current research uses geospatial analysis to create decision support tools at the groundwater basin level. Born and raised in the East Bay, she is proud to call California home.

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.

Hasibe Caballero-Gómez is an environmental health scientist and community advocate. Driven by her lived experiences and a vision of equity, she combines research with grassroots engagement to create meaningful, inclusive solutions for environmental challenges.