Water UCI Fellows

Water UCI hosts fellows each year who bring expertise to the center in a variety of areas.  Fellows conduct research, develop programs and provide new perspectives on a range of water issues.  

Water UCI Field Study fellows are:

Kayla Villon | Director of Communications, Field Study
Liaison, Researcher & Lab Assistant

I hold a B.A. in Environmental Science and Policy from UCI. I began working with Water UCI as an undergraduate research assistant, contributing to the IDEAL project by accumulating and analyzing existing programs and studies that aim to amplify diversity in the water workforce. In addition to research, I have been working collaboratively to compose a research paper in reference to the IDEAL project. I have been involved with organizing and aiding in the facilitation of Water UCI events such as workshops and act as a representative of Water UCI at other water-related events. Water is crucial to everyone and everything on Earth and with the onset effects of climate change accompanied with the decline of professionals in water-related occupations, effective training and diversity for the water workforce is in high demand. My research helps to ensure that the knowledge gap in water education and training is addressed in the development of IDEAL to produce an effective and inclusive training program leading to a stronger, more diverse, forward-thinking water workforce.

Lauren Gonzalez

I am Lauren Gonzalez, a senior Environmental Science and Policy student. I am currently working on Water UCI’s IDEAL Project report! During the Winter 2024 Quarter, I participated in a research project called the Bay Area Air Quality Project, which aims to identify trees in the Bay Area with high biogenic volatile compounds (BVOCs). I was also a secretary for the Environmental Awareness Club at Saddleback College. In my free time, I like to hang out with friends and family, read, watch TV, and play video games. 

Araam Abutaha

I’m a senior majoring in Urban Studies, set to graduate this fall quarter 2024. I enjoy creating latch hook rugs and watching movies and shows. I’m excited to contribute to the work being done by Water UCl, particularly in the areas of outreach and event planning. With a passion for community engagement and sustainability, I look forward to making a meaningful impact alongside the incredible team at Water UCl.

Matthew Muyot

I’m a 4th year Environmental Science and Policy major at UCI, and I’m very excited to work with Water UCI for my first research experience! I enjoy being outside in nature, cooking, and watching wrestling. Addressing water issues and working towards its protection is a way for me to contribute to such an important topic. I am looking forward to taking the first step into the field and planting the seeds for future career plans.

Lydia Kim

I am a fourth-year Environmental Science and Policy major at UCI. I enjoy finding new matcha cafes, listening to music, watching shows, and hanging out with friends. I became interested in environmental science in high school and am hoping to eventually work for a city water district. I hope that my experiences here will help me be more knowledgeable on the water sector and help others by spreading awareness through media.

Madison McDonald

Hi everyone! My name is Madison (Maddy) McDonald and I am a fourth year Environmental Science and Policy major with a minor in International Studies. At Water UCI, I was able to join this amazing team to conduct research that focused on the PEER2PEER Transboundary Project. Apart from doing research for Water UCI, I am also the President of the UCI Student Alumni Association as well as the Marketing Commissioner for The ASUCI Green Initiative Fund! I am from a small town near Sacramento which is where I found my love for the environment and sustainability through opportunities related to the agriculture industry and other environment-related programs. I have been fortunate enough to experience the educational side of environmental science through the Newport Beach Conservancy and am ready to grow my research experience with Water UCI!

Nicholas Brooks

My name is Nicholas Brooks, and I’m a 4th year Environmental Science & Policy major. I’m from the island of O’ahu in the State of Hawai’i, and love to go to the beach, dive, hike, and play with my dog at our neighborhood park in our free time. I’ve worked one internship collecting data from drinking water sample points across the island of O’and, and recently did another as an Environmental Scientist where I received lots of field experience. I’ve always been passionate about sustainability and doing environmental work, so I’m looking forward to being a part of Project Nexus as part of the Water UCI team!

Naithan Castro

I am Naithan Castro and I am a 3rd year Environmental Science and Policy major at UCI. I enjoy spending time outside, playing video games and watching football. I am excited to join the Water UCI team and contribute to their cause. I believe it is important for everyone to have equal access to clean water and hope for the world to transition to a sustainable future. I hope to discover more about myself from this experience and have an impact during my time here at Water UCI.

Sophie Margot Lauren Amblard

I am a 2nd year Urban Studies major. I was raised in both France and the United States. In my free time I enjoy hiking, swimming and rock climbing. My passion for the outdoors has led me to care very deeply for the environment and sustainability. I am very excited to work on Water UCI’s IDEAL project. 

Sara Kadkhodai

I am a fourth-year Environmental Science and Policy major, on track to earn my Bachelor’s Degree in June 2025. With a deep passion for sustainability and environmental protection, my academic journey has been both enlightening and transformative. I look forward to continuing my education in graduate school. I’m excited and grateful for the opportunity to work with Water UCI, where I can further develop my understanding of water management and address critical issues in the field.

Cristopher Castillo

I am a fourth-year Anthropology and Social Ecology double major at UCI. I enjoy hanging out with friends, watching movies, reading a good book, and going out to eat. Growing up I always had an interest in the environment and sustainability so joining Water UCI feels like a natural fit for me. Recently I have become interested in environmental justice and I hope that my time here will be a small stepping stone towards my career!

Amrita Vijay Jain | Ph.D. Candidate, Urban Planning & Public Policy

I am a Phd Candidate in the Department of Urban Planning and Public Policy at University of California, Irvine. Before coming to UCI, I was a researcher at the Office of Economic Opportunity, Minnesota Department of Human Services, Minnesota. My research focuses on urban inequality related to infrastructure access, housing, and land use regulation. My dissertation is a mixed-methods investigation on land use regulation reform in Minneapolis, Minnesota. I have presented my work and methodologies at the Indian Institute of Human Settlements, Bangalore and the Laboratoire D’Urbanisme in Paris, France. I hold a graduate degree in Development Practice from the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota. While at Humphrey, I focused on demography, program evaluation and urban development. At Water UCI, I am excited to contribute to the IDEAL project’s goal of inclusive education, training and capacity building in California’s water sector.

Qi Bing | Ph.D. Candidate, Urban & Environmental Planning & Policy

Qi Bing obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Engineering with a major in Urban and Regional Planning from Northern China University of Technology. She earned her Master’s degree in Urban Planning from University of California, Irvine. Currently, she is a fifth-year Ph.D. candidate in Urban and Environmental Planning and Policy at UCI. Her research interests focus on 1) evaluating the regulative effectiveness of Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). The corresponding policy implications in terms of improving the protectiveness of the act, 2) to what extent noncompliance with the SDWA influences public health and potentially causes environmental justice issues.

Spencer JaQuay | Ph.D. Student, Social Ecology

I’m a Ph.D. student at UC Irvine, using my background in Social Ecology, Psychology, and Education to tackle California’s water sustainability issues. My focus on organizational behavior, team dynamics, and learning analytics stems from a strong belief in the power of collective action to create meaningful change. I’m driven to enhance the water sector, aiming for equitable water access and job opportunities that empower people to live fulfilling lives in every community. Additionally, I’m committed to understanding the evolving job landscape and fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, diversity, and inclusiveness. I believe my contribution to the IDEAL project will aid in the development of a more inclusive and equitable water sector in California.

Kathryn Moore

I am a senior at the University of California, Irvine majoring in Environmental Science & Policy! I transferred to UCI from the Bay Area after earning my Associates degree in Liberal Arts & Sciences: Mathematics and Science at Las Positas College. I’m looking forward to graduating this spring and finding a career that relates to environmental consulting and/or conservation. I would love to stay in California after I graduate either in the Bay Area where I grew up, or in Orange County. I enjoy being by the ocean, reading, and going on walks!

Max McQuarrie

I am a third-year Environmental Science and Policy major. I like to go on walks outside, watch horror movies, and listen to music. I plan on pursuing a career in environmental planning or working for an environmental nonprofit once I graduate. This is my first research opportunity on campus, so I am very excited to be working with Water UCI!

Carlos Huang

I’m a second-year Environmental Science and Policy major, Mathematic minor student. I’m a deep sports lover, especially basketball and badminton. Joining Water UCI is my first research experience on campus and its work is so interesting and attractive for me. I’m going to graduate in the 2nd quarter of my third year and really enjoy studying in California !!!

Liam McCarthy

I am a senior studying Environmental Science and Policy at UCI, and I’m involved in research on campus including with Water UCI. I spend my free time enjoying the outdoors, biking, going to the gym, and woodworking. I am passionate about creating a sustainable present and future for myself and the people around me. My research and career goals are centered around this goal, with a special focus on a just transition and clean energy.

Kailey Gharavi (they/she)

Hi, I’m a 4th year Environmental Science and Policy major student at UCI who’s currently working with the wonderful team of Water UCI, specifically the IDEAL program. My passion for equity, environmental justice, and reform to various environmental sectors expands beyond the classroom. Other passions of mine include music, singing, art, photography, poetry, as well as other creative outlets to express my inner thoughts and feelings, which is also connected to my desire to speak out about social problems. My goal is to dedicate my life’s work towards social-environmental issues in California, helping in anyway I can to achieve milestones leading closer to true environmental equality and conservation.

Chris Guo

A third year transfer Environmental Science and Policy Major. They come from a diverse academic background, with degrees in art, communications, and geology. Their interest in water policy comes from a lifetime of living in Los Angeles county under drought conditions and experiencing the stress of limited water management firsthand. They volunteer with Amigos de los Rios on the Emerald Necklace project to create green space along the river and conducted research using GIS for flood control mapping on the LA river at CSULA. In their free time, they like to volunteer at the ASUCI garden, cook, and participate in ecological communities such as the Los Angeles Mycological Society. 

Kalilla Soeweno

Hi everyone! My name is Kalilla Soeweno and I am majoring in Environmental Science and Policy with a minor in Urban Studies. I was born and raised in Jakarta, Indonesia but I spent two years in Seattle before transferring to UCI. Additionally, I am involved in ASUCI and I am also a Campus Representative, so you might see me around campus giving tours! Growing up, I have always had a passion for sustainability so I am really excited about working with Water UCI!

Donate to Water UCI Fellows

Research support for Water UCI Masters and PhD students.

If you are interested in sponsoring a fellow, please contact:
cgim@uci.edu