People

Dr. Jacqueline Gerson (she/her), Lead PI of the Watershed Biogeochemistry in the Anthropocene Lab
Assistant Professor
Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY
[email protected]

Jacqueline is an aquatic biogeochemist. She is interested in understanding how human activity alters the biogeochemical cycling of nutrients and contaminants across the watershed. Her interdisciplinary approach recognizes humans as part of the ecosystem and investigates the impact of ecosystem perturbations on humans and wildlife. She has worked in vineyards in California, the Adirondack Mountains of New York, mountaintop coal mining areas of West Virginia, and gold mining areas of the Peruvian Amazon and Senegal. She is committed to increasing justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in STEM by embedding it within her teaching, mentoring, and research. Jacqueline earned her PhD in Ecology from Duke University, MS in Environmental Engineering Science from Syracuse University, and BA in Biochemistry from Colgate University.

Jenna Hynes, PhD student
Jenna Hynes is interested in the biogeochemical cycling of contaminants from anthropogenic sources and how those contaminants affect ecosystem functions and services in the surrounding watershed. She is also interested in working with communities to better understand the impact of these contaminants on people. Her research investigates the cycling of mercury from artisanal gold mining in Ghana, focusing on crop uptake of the mercury. Previously, Jenna worked as a technician on The National COVID-19 Wastewater Surveillance Project in North Carolina measuring levels of COVID-19 in Wastewater Treatment Plants and also investigated potential sources of fecal contamination within a local estuary in the Southern Outer Banks, NC. Jenna earned her B.S. in Environmental Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-Chapel Hill). Following the completion of her B.S., Jenna worked as a technician at the Institute of Marine Science UNC-Chapel Hill. Check out Jenna's personal website here.

Samantha Davies, PhD student
Samantha Davies is excited to explore the biogeochemical cycling of mercury in the Gerson Lab. She is examining the relationship between methylmercury and methane production in aquatic ecosystems. Previously, she used oyster shells to reconstruct Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary climate in the southern United States. This project included field work in Mississippi and Texas. Samantha also worked on a Lake Erie-based project to determine the role of hydrogen peroxide in the production of microcystin in harmful algal blooms. Samantha earned her B.S. in Earth and Environmental Science at the University of Michigan.

Donovan Vitale, PhD student
Donovan Vitale is a hydrogeologist focused on the fate and transport of contaminants and their impacts on human and ecosystem health. He currently conducts research in the Gerson Lab, investigating the link between methylmercury production and harmful algal blooms. His previous research emphasized applied hydrogeology, with a particular focus on the environmental behavior of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). His master’s thesis examined PFAS concentrations and compositions in naturally occurring surface water foams, evaluating their use as a PFAS sampling matrix to understand PFAS distribution and transport in aquatic systems. Donovan holds a B.S. in Geophysics and an M.S. in Geosciences from Western Michigan University.

Casey Iwamoto, Postdoctoral scholar
Casey Iwamoto is a biogeochemist interested in the restoration of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems impacted by anthropogenic activity. Her dissertation research evaluated the physiochemical role of biochar in post-mined soil restoration and reforestation, as well as key drivers of carbon cycling in Costa Rican tropical headwaters. Casey earned her PhD in Forest Resources at Mississippi State University and a B.S. in Environmental Science and Secondary Education from the University of Nevada, Reno.

Axel Hanley, Wundergrad
Axel Hanley is an undergraduate student studying Environment & Sustainability and Biology. He is driven by work that directly creates solutions for impacted communities and contributes to the science of global change. Before joining the lab, he worked on a study investigating the presence of lead in Oakland, CA, his hometown. Axel is excited to be a part of the Anthropocene Lab team!

Evelyn Calle, Wundergrad
Evelyn Calle is an undergraduate student studying Environment & Sustainability. She is excited about how environmental factors impact human health. Before joining the lab, she interned for Lamont Doherty’s Next Generation program which sparked her interest in environmental pollutants as well as how the alteration of climate affects local communities. She is excited to be a part of the lab and to learn more about the cycling and impact of methylmercury.

Shalini Ramakrishnan, Wundergrad
Shalini Ramakrishnan is an undergraduate student studying Global and Public Health Sciences. She is passionate about exploring the connection between environmental determinants and human health. Before joining the lab, she interned at Hackensack Meridian Health and worked on health disparities and colorectal cancer research. Shalini is excited to be a part of the team!

Aidan Visconti, Wundergrad
Aidan Visconti is an undergraduate student studying Environmental Engineering. He is particularly interested in water quality engineering and sustainable energy systems such as hydropower. Before joining the lab, he was an intern for Cornell Cooperative Extension and worked on designing and constructing artificial reefs to improve coastal water quality. He is excited to be part of the lab and become more familiar with mercury chemistry in organic and inorganic materials.

Lily Heslam, Wundergrad
Lily Heslam is an undergraduate student studying Environment & Sustainability. She is interested in the impact of anthropogenic activity on biogeochemical cycling. Before joining the lab, she participated in a study abroad program in New Zealand, where she researched biogeochemical cycling in a coastal wetland, inspiring her to further explore this field. Lily is excited to be a part of the lab and continue her research pursuits!

Lila Cypers, Wundergrad
Lila Cypers is an undergraduate student studying Biological Sciences. She is interested in biogeochemical cycles and how human activity alters them across ecosystems. Lila is excited to contribute to the lab and its research on the connections between human influence and ecosystem processes.

Gaia
Field Assistant