{"id":131,"date":"2020-08-30T16:48:36","date_gmt":"2020-08-30T16:48:36","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/myweb.fiu.edu\/mbalajib\/?page_id=131"},"modified":"2025-08-23T23:45:07","modified_gmt":"2025-08-23T23:45:07","slug":"people","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/myweb.fiu.edu\/mbalajib\/people\/","title":{"rendered":"People"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Graduate Students Advised<\/strong>
PhD: Major Advisor (7); Committee member (15)
MS: Major Advisor (6); Committee member (19)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u221eMajor Advisor <\/strong>
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. \u221e<\/em>Ivan Oyege, (PhD Earth Systems Science, Fulbright Student, Summer 2025). Dissertation Title: \u201cEvaluating Vermicompost, Remote Sensing, Deep Learning, and Green Nanopesticides for Fall Armyworm Control in Corn Cropping Systems\u201d<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. \u221e Felica Davis (PhD Environmental Toxicology, Spring 2022). Dissertation Title: \u201cAssessment of soil, water contamination and land cover changes in the urban and suburban watersheds of Houston, Texas\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. \u221e Titilope Bukunmi-Omidiran (PhD Environmental Toxicology, Spring 2020). Dissertation Title: \u201cImpact of natural and anthropogenic factors on the water and soil quality in urban and rural watersheds of Texas\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. \u221eAdeola Mosuro (MS Environmental Toxicology, Spring 2020). Thesis Title: \u201cMonitoring the soil and water contamination in urban watersheds of Harris County, Texas\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. \u221eAdesope Akinsanya (MS Environmental Toxicology, Fall 2017). Thesis Title: \u201cMapping and monitoring the long-term water quality characteristics in Galveston Bay, Texas\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. \u221eHabibur Howlider (MS Environmental Toxicology, Fall 2017). Thesis Title: \u201cChanges in flood plain soil characteristics of Brays and Sims bayou watershed in Texas\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  7. \u221eSegun Adelanke (MS Environmental Toxicology, Fall 2016). Thesis Title: \u201cGeospatial evaluation of landscape factors on the mercury and methyl mercury availability in East Fork Poplar Creek Watershed in Tennessee\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  8. \u221eSharmila Bhandari (PhD Environmental Toxicology, Fall 2016). Dissertation Title: \u201cImpact of landscape changes on the environmental quality of Brays and Sims Bayou Watershed, TX\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  9. \u221eShruti Lakkaraju (MS Environmental Toxicology, Fall 2016). Thesis Title: \u201cImpact of Environmental and Land cover changes on the water quality characteristics of East Tennessee Watersheds\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  10. \u221eGilbert Saah, (PhD Environmental Toxicology, Fall 2016). Dissertation Title: \u201cAnalysis of urban sprawl and its effect on environmental characteristics using spectral reflectance and Landsat data in Harris County, Texas\u201d <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  11. \u221eBo Wei (PhD Environmental Toxicology, Expected Fall 2016). Dissertation Title: \u201cGeospatial characterization of environmental pollution and its impact on human health in the Houston Ship Channel Region\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  12. \u221eFabrice Fankem Fandom (MS Environmental Toxicology, Fall 2013). Thesis Title: \u201cEnvironmental exposures and impact of asthma on pregnancy\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  13. \u221eNjekeh Franklin Caspa, (PhD Environmental Toxicology, Spring 2013). Dissertation Title: \u201cThe Impact of environmental stressors on maternal and infant health outcomes\u201d <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Current Students<\/strong>
    \u221e<\/strong>Jordan Prats (PhD Candidate Earth Systems Science, Expected Fall 2025).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u221e<\/strong>Kiwanuka Moses (PhD Candidate Earth Systems Science, Expected Spring 2026).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u221e<\/strong>Priyanka Belbase (PhD Earth Systems Science, Expected Spring 2026).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u221e<\/strong>Kai Lopez (MS Geoscience- Non-Thesis, Expected Summer 2026).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u221e<\/strong>Daisy Pineda (PhD Earth Systems Science, Expected Summer 2028).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u221e<\/strong>Biplov Oli \u2013 Presidential Fellow- (PhD Earth Systems Science, Expected Summer 2028).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u221e<\/strong> Patrick Otema \u2013 Fulbright Student (PhD Earth Systems Science, Expected Summer 2028).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u221e<\/strong>Divya Sree Govada (PhD Earth Systems Science, Expected Summer 2028).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Committee Member<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    1. Rosario Vidales, (PhD Earth Systems Science, Summer 2025). Dissertation Title: \u201cCharacterization of red mangrove and the coastal marshes it inhabits in changing south Florida environments\u201d<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. John Kerigan, (MS Biology, Summer 2025). Thesis Title: \u201cThe effects of temperature and dissolved oxygen on marine sponge filtration in the Florida Keys FL, USA\u201d<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n
    3. Nasim Mohamadiazar, (PhD Civil Engineering, Spring 2025). Dissertation Title: \u201cintegrated flood risk, social equity and environmental justice assessment for the prioritization of bridge construction activities using spatial, data-driven, multi-criteria decision analysis\u201d<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n
    4. Vagheeswari Venkadesh, (PhD Earth Systems Science, Summer 2024). Dissertation Title: \u201cDevelopment of a novel electrochemical sensor for measuring nutrients in surface runoff for effective nutrient management\u201d<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n
    5. Pedro Gonzalez, (MS Environmental Studies, Summer 2024). Thesis Title: \u201cAssessing the Effects of Saltwater Intrusion and Silicon Amendment on the Ecophysiological Traits of Cabbage Palm and Trumpet Tree\u201d<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n
    6. Gisselle Gutierrez-Zuniga, (MS Environmental Engineering, Fall 2022). Thesis Title: \u201cDevelopment of a high-resolution digital elevation model of a pilot study area in basin 6, located near the waste isolation pilot plant (WIPP), New Mexico, USA.\u201d<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n
    7. Folasade Adedoyin, <\/em>(PhD Environmental Toxicology, Spring 2021). \u00a0Dissertation Title: \u201cMicrobiological assessment of soil samples from Houston area watershed\u201d<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n
    8. Hanan Ali, <\/em>(PhD Environmental Toxicology, Spring 2021). \u00a0Dissertation Title: \u201cMicrobiological assessment of water samples in Houston, Texas\u201d<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n
    9. Theodora Jacobs, (MS Environmental Toxicology, Spring 2021). Thesis Title: \u201cThe analysis of the concentration of Arsenic, Cadmium, Lead and Mercury in Cannabis oil using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry\u201d<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n
    10. Sadith Mosquera, (MS Environmental Toxicology, Spring 2021). Thesis Title: \u201cIdentification, isolation, and characterization of bacteria isolates from Houston, Texas watershed\u201d<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n
    11. Dayana Abdullah-Smoot, <\/em>(PhD Environmental Toxicology, Fall 2020). \u00a0Dissertation Title: \u201cSeasonal cytotoxic effects of urban watersheds in the greater Houston area\u201d<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n
    12. Cynthia Turner, <\/em>(PhD Environmental Toxicology, Fall 2020). \u00a0Dissertation Title: \u201cAssessment of Hepatitis C virus emergent variants and associated predictive factors\u201d<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n
    13. Pavani Gonnabathula, <\/em>(PhD Environmental Toxicology, Fall 2020). \u00a0Dissertation Title: \u201cAssessment of emerging contaminants – Multiple pesticides and hormonal compounds in water: Effects on biomolecules and application on green nanotechnology for remediation\u201d<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n
    14. Djene Keita, (PhD Environmental Toxicology, Spring 2020). Dissertation Title: \u201cThe effect of triclosan on signaling pathways involved in inflammation\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    15. Sarah Sejoro, (MS Environmental Toxicology, Spring 2020). Thesis Title: \u201cInvestigating the effects of environmental heavy metals on tolerance and survival of human gut cells\u201d <\/li>\n\n\n\n
    16. Hasin Fahad Jinna, (MS Transportation Planning and Management, Spring 2020). Thesis Title: \u201cCounter measures for reducing truck congestion at marine terminals\u201d <\/li>\n\n\n\n
    17. Sedigheh Heydari, (PhD Environmental Toxicology, Fall 2019). Dissertation Title: Involvement of PPAR\u03b3 in alteration of mechanisms of autophagy pathway in Acrolein toxicity\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    18. Amoge Uwalaka, (MS Environmental Toxicology, Spring 2018). Thesis Title: \u201cAnalysis of pond water for heavy metal and pesticide contamination in Harris County, Texas\u201d <\/li>\n\n\n\n
    19. Felica Davis, (MS Environmental Toxicology, Spring 2018). Thesis Title: \u201cSpatial temporal patterns of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons contamination in the Houston Ship Channel\u2019s Sediment\u201d <\/li>\n\n\n\n
    20. Theresa Jibunor (PhD Environmental Toxicology, Fall 2017). Dissertation Title: \u201cBombax cieba: A potential source for biodiesel production\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    21. Durelle Jacob, (PhD Environmental Toxicology, Fall 2017). Dissertation Title: \u201cAnimal fat residue and cooking oils: The transesterification and purification of a potential source for biodiesel production\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    22. Matthew Fiala, (PhD Environmental Toxicology, Spring 2017). Dissertation Title: \u201cDevelopment of transport model for heavy metals from non-exhaust traffic emissions\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    23. Kimyattia Smith, (MS Environmental Toxicology, Spring 2017). Thesis Title: \u201cEvaluation of local environmental isolates and their response to dust\u201d <\/li>\n\n\n\n
    24. Obinna Nlemedim, (MS Environmental Toxicology, Spring 2017). Thesis Title: \u201cOrganic chemical compounds in different brands of different smoke\u201d <\/li>\n\n\n\n
    25. Christabel Ebuzoeme (MS Environmental Toxicology, Fall 2016). Thesis Title: \u201cThe photochemical effects of LED lights on various cooking oils\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    26. Qing Li, (PhD Environmental Toxicology, Fall 2016). Dissertation Title: \u201cImpacts of weaving segment design on environment and public health\u201d <\/li>\n\n\n\n
    27. Olufunmilayo A. Owopetu (MS Environmental Toxicology, Spring 2016). Thesis Title: \u201cCaenorhabditis elegans as a model organism for studying the toxic effects of Bromacil\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    28. Parise Henry (MS Environmental Toxicology, Spring 2016). Thesis Title: \u201cCaenorhabditis elegans as a model for fatty acid biomarkers of exposure to an arsenic herbicide\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    29. David Ijoni-Animadu (MS Environmental Toxicology, Spring 2016). Thesis Title: \u201cInvestigation of natural antioxidant products from extract of Fenugreek seed\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    30. Djene Keita (MS Environmental Toxicology, Spring 2015). Thesis Title: \u201cFate and transport of triclosan in upper bayou, Houston, Texas\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    31. Sandeel Ahmed (MS Biology, Spring 2015). Thesis Title: \u201cThe role of ribonucleases in various Yersiniae stress responses\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    32. Gloria Okome, (PhD Environmental Toxicology, Fall 2013). Dissertation Title: \u201cModels of fate and transport of pollutants in surface waters\u201d <\/li>\n\n\n\n
    33. Chakravarthy Koricherla (MS Chemistry, Fall 2013). Thesis Title: \u201cSynthesis and characterization of ruthenium complex containing hypoxanthine as equatorial ligand\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    34. Chioma Ihemadu (MS Environmental Toxicology, Fall 2013). Thesis Title: \u201cAnalysis of persistent organic compounds and trace metals in urine samples of young adults\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      Mentor and Advisor – NSF Funded Summer Internship Undergraduate Students <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n
      1. Nori Gammons (BS Agr. Engineering- Sophomore; Summer 2024) \u2013 USDA-REEU Grant<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      2. Randy Leslie (BS Civil Engineering- Sophomore; Summer 2024) \u2013 USDA-REEU Grant<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      3. Kimberly Gutierrez (BS Biology- Sophomore; Summer 2023) \u2013 USDA-REEU Grant<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      4. Rafael Carbonell (AA Env. Science \u2013 Sophomore; Summer 2023) \u2013 NASA Grant<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      5. Andrea Bustos (BA Geosciences \u2013 Sophomore; Summer 2023) \u2013 NASA Grant<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      6. Samarah Martin (BS Environmental Studies- Junior; Fall 2022) \u2013 NSF- EIR Grant<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      7. Gabriella Tavera (BS Biology- Senior; Summer 2020) \u2013 NSF- EIR Grant<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      8. Jessica Okwudi (BS Biology- Senior; Summer 2020) \u2013 NSF- EIR Grant<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      9. Ogeche Anene (BS Biology- Senior; Summer 2020) \u2013 NSF- EIR Grant<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      10. Ebony Wiltz (BS Chemistry-Senior; Summer 2020) \u2013 NSF-EIR Grant<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      11. Torye Smith (BS Biology- Junior; Summer 2019) \u2013 NSF-TI Grant<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      12. Ebony Wiltz (BS Chemistry-Junior; Summer 2019) \u2013 NSF-TI Grant<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      13. Alexander Cruz (BS Transportation-Sophomore; Summer 2019) \u2013 NSF-TI Grant<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      14. Esther Sey (BS Biology- Senior; Summer 2019) \u2013 NSF-TI Grant<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      15. Nikole Hernandez (BS Chemistry-Junior; Summer 2018) \u2013 NSF-TI Grant<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      16. Esther Sey (BS Biology- Junior; Summer 2018) \u2013 NSF-TI Grant<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      17. Leanna Mack (BS Biology- Junior; Summer & Fall 2018) \u2013 NSF-TI Grant<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      18. Thaddeaus Johnson (BS Chemistry-Sophomore; Summer 2018) \u2013 NSF-TI Grant<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      19. Adriana Rodriguez (BS Biology- Senior; Spring & Summer 2018) \u2013 NSF-TI Grant<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      20. Malikiya Roberson (BS Transportation-Sophomore; Summer 2017) \u2013 NSF-TI Grant<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      21. Naomi Walker (BS Civil Engineering-Junior; Summer & Fall 2017) \u2013 NSF-TI Grant<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      22. Jericho Johnson (BS Chemistry-Junior; Summer & Fall 2017) \u2013 NSF-TI Grant<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      23. Ibrahim Adeyemi (BS Biology- Junior; Summer 2017) \u2013 NSF-TI Grant<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      24. Adriana Rodriguez (BS Biology- Junior; Summer 2017) \u2013 NSF-TI Grant<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      25. Chioma Anugwam (BS Biology- Sophomore; Summer 2016) \u2013NSF-RIA Grant<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      26. Nancy Osazuwa (BS Biology- Sophomore; Summer 2016) \u2013 NSF-RIA Grant<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      27. Reginald Johnson (BS Biology- Junior; Summer 2015) – NSF-RIA Grant<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      28. Alex Torres (BS Chemistry-Senior; Summer 2015) – NSF-RIA Grant<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

        Graduate Students Advised PhD: Major Advisor (7); Committee member (15) MS: Major Advisor (6); Committee member (19) \u221eMajor Advisor Current Students\u221eJordan Prats (PhD Candidate Earth Systems Science, Expected Fall 2025). \u221eKiwanuka Moses (PhD Candidate Earth Systems Science, Expected Spring 2026). … Continue reading →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3257,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-131","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/myweb.fiu.edu\/mbalajib\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/131","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/myweb.fiu.edu\/mbalajib\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/myweb.fiu.edu\/mbalajib\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/myweb.fiu.edu\/mbalajib\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3257"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/myweb.fiu.edu\/mbalajib\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=131"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/myweb.fiu.edu\/mbalajib\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/131\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/myweb.fiu.edu\/mbalajib\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=131"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}