Our Team

Antonia Hadjimichael

Assistant Professor, Group PI

Dr. Hadjimichael is an interdisciplinary scientist studying complex human-Earth systems, specifically in the domain of water and planning under uncertainty. She holds a BSc in Mathematics from the University of Leicester, UK, a MSc in Environmental Modeling from University College London (UCL), UK, and a PhD in Water Science and Technology from the University of Girona, Spain.

Gabriela Gesualdo

Postdoctoral Associate

Dr. Gabriela Gesualdo is a Postdoctoral Researcher specializing in water resources planning within complex human-earth systems. Her research primarily revolves around the intriguing realm of compounding events within the context of systemic complexity. Gabriela's academic journey includes a BSc in Environmental Engineering and an MSc in Water Resources and Environmental Technologies from the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. She further pursued her passion by earning a PhD in Hydraulic Engineering and Sanitation from the University of São Paulo, Brazil.

Abhijeet Abhishek

Postdoctoral Associate

Dr. Abhishek is a Postdoctoral Researcher specializing in sustainable agriculture, water resources management, and environmental systems modeling. His work focuses on integrating digital technologies to enhance decision-making in agricultural systems, particularly in response to evolving environmental and resource challenges. Abhijeet earned both his M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Michigan State University, with a focus on Agriculture and Water Resources. Outside of work, Abhijeet enjoys biking, hiking, and exploring new places.

Alexander Thames

PhD Student, Geosciences and Climate Science Dual Title

Alex Thames is an interdisciplinary scientist with interests ranging from the influence of weather on water resource planning to the evolution of Earth's volatile flux as a function of its deep water cycle. Specifically, he is interested in how synthetically generated data sets can provide exploratory insights into poorly constrained physical processes. When not acting as a scientist, Alex can be found watching and critiquing science-fiction, fantasy, and horror content with his wife, doting on his dog, and coding small videogame projects.

Ava Spangler

PhD Student, Geosciences and Climate Science Dual Title

Ava is pursuing a PhD in Geosciences and Climate Science. Her interdisciplinary research focuses on decision-making tools for urban resiliency against climate change, in particular urban flooding. Ava previously earned a B.Sc. in Civil Engineering from the University of Colorado Boulder, where her studies focused on hydrology and water resources. Ava is a fan of chocolate chip cookies, trail running, and yoga.

Ethan Heidtman

PhD Student, Geosciences and Climate Science Dual Title

Ethan Heidtman is pursuing his Ph.D in Geosciences at Penn State. Before coming to PSU, he attended the University of Maryland, College Park, and received a BSc in Geology and a BSc in Atmospheric & Oceanic Science. His research interests include exploratory modeling of human-natural systems, hydrology, and meteorology. In his free time, Ethan enjoys watching and playing soccer, golfing, and spending time with family.

Tejal Shirsat

PhD Student, Soil Science - Visiting Scholar

Tejal is pursuing a PhD in Soil Science and transdisciplinary research in environment and society at the Department of Ecosystem Science and Management. Her research interests include studying high mountain hydrology, water resources management, and transboundary rivers using integrated approach combining quantitative and qualitative methods. Before coming to Penn State, Tejal earned both her B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Geology from University of Pune in India. In her free time, Tejal enjoys reading fiction, watching movies, playing board games, stargazing (and occasionally aurora-chasing).

Mara Grigore

B.Sc Student, Earth Science and Policy

Mara Grigore is pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Earth Science and Policy at Penn State. Her research interests include climate change, political science, and geographic information systems.