Kayla Villon | Undergraduate Researcher & Communications Manager

I am a senior pursuing a B.A. in Environmental Science and Policy at 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. 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

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.

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.

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!

Lauren Gonzalez

I am Lauren Gonzalez, a third-year Environmental Science and Policy student. Last 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.