Student Researchers
Christina Kastely
Graduate Research Assistant
Research Role:
I am a PhD student and research assistant in the UTSA School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, and Construction Management. Alongside Dr. Brown, I am researching the distribution of urban environmental hazards such as extreme heat and fine particulate matter pollution, and exploring how vulnerability to these risks varies across an urban area. Additionally, I am assisting in compiling information on the Peruvian electricity system for future energy optimization modeling.
Career Goals:
I have a BA in Environmental Sciences from UC Berkeley, and an MA in Biology from Miami University, and spent the last decade working in the informal education field primarily at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. My educational and professional experiences have led me to believe that pursuing the shared needs of people and the environment is a powerful approach to healing our communities and ecosystems because it allows us to identify the root of environmental and human health problems and find solutions that improve the quality of both.
Hobbies:
In my personal time, I love spending time outdoors, which includes walking the San Antonio River with my dog, hiking and backpacking, and playing games in my backyard. I also enjoy almost any card game, and I’m always up to learn a new one!
2022-current
Stanley Ngo
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Research Role:
I analyze of large data sets providing geographical pollution concentrations based on different energy futures. This is done through R Programming language to format the data and present it in a concise and informative manner. I have personally written hundreds of lines of code as part of this research.
Career Goals:
I am passionate about innovating revolutionary methods to increase energy efficiency and prevent the disastrous effects of climate change through renewable energy. I hope my work will play a key role in the passing of future legislation in favor of energy consumption in a more sustainable manner.
Hobbies:
I have been cooking and gaming since as long as I can remember. Some recent interests include working out, coffee brewing, and rock climbing.
2021-current
Alyssa Arcos
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Research Role
I am grateful to be Dr. Brown’s newest researcher on the PM2.5 risk assessment within Bexar County. I am especially keen on the emphasis on Environmental Justice supplementary to our project. My friends find it ironic I’m learning about maps considering how often I get lost.
One lesson to take from Summer ‘22: Everything needs to be reciprocated – our relationships with ourselves, with each other, and with the planet.
Career Goals
My name is Alyssa, and I am an undergraduate Civil Engineering major with an interest in Environmental Engineering. I recently left my career to re-establish myself as a student. When I stepped into a role of leadership at work, addressing climate impact pressed me to shift my mindset from having all the answers to asking braver questions. I knew I couldn’t be the only one to notice we have set some strong targets for reducing emissions without the guidance or understanding of how to get there. For me, college was a given. I chose research because I believe in identifying with each element of a process and recognizing its value to the result. I resonate with the “dirty work” and admire leaders who have pushed themselves up gaining experience in every position. I was guaranteed to find this in Academic Research. Christina and Dr. Brown have become my biggest motivators. There is no hurdle to meet that they haven’t tackled.