Explore the local radio mini-program hosted by Dr. Mónica Ramírez-Andreotta interviewing environmental science students and researchers on KXCI 91.3 as they discuss their scientific interests, career goals and favorite music!
Click the topics below to jump to each research topic and listen to student interviews!
Climate Change and Drought Impacts
Master's Student
Listen to Ariel on KXCI Thesis Thursday
Original air date: 12/13/2018
A bit about myself and my research...
I study soil carbon sequestration in Joey Blankinship's lab.
I have experience in agriculture, forestry, ecology, international development, politics and social justice. Now, I'm passionate about bringing together these interests together.
"I want to find land-based solutions to address climate change that center people’s livelihoods and well-being."
Critical Zone Science
Environmental Science Major
Listen to Diego on KXCI Thesis Thursday
Original Air Date: 6/12/2019
A bit about myself and my research...
I was born in Tucson and love the University of Arizona for all of the opportunities I have received, like working with the National Phenology Network, a herpetology organization, and being a recipient of the NASA Space Grant.
"I've always had an interest in the intersection between people and the environment, and my research interests include phenology, herpetology and science communication."
Master's Student
Listen to Kunal on KXCI Thesis Thursday
Original Air Date: 11/10/2020
A bit about myself and my research...
I am currently a graduate student pursuing my master's in Environmental Science in soil and water science at the University of Arizona on occupied Tohono O’odham and Pascua Yaqui Lands.
"I'm especially passionate about soils, human relationships to land, and analyzing how systems of oppression influence environmental processes."
In the lab, I am looking at inorganic contaminants of soil, water, harvested rain water, and garden plants in Arizona residents' homes and analyzing the levels of lead in these areas. In the future, I aspire to be an experienced pollution and environmental health scientist.
Doctoral Student
Listen to Michael on KXCI Thesis Thursday
Original Air Date: 3/12/2020
A bit about myself and my research...
"I am a soil nerd! I work in the critical zone, which we call the 'zone of life'."
The Earth's critical zone is the surface or near-surface of our world, including the rock, water, soil, air, and all of the organisms that live there.
Currently, I study the effects that wildfires have on soils in the near surface with the Cataline-Jemez Critical Zone Observatory.
Doctoral Student
Listen to Yadi on KXCI Thesis Thursday
Original Air Date: 10/1/2019
A bit about myself and my research...
After working and collaborating with other researchers to find my passion in environmental science, I currently work with Jon Chorover on the Landscape Evolution Observatory in Biosphere 2 looking at how landscapes evolve over time.
"One of my biggest interests is the connection that soil science has to other fields, such as hydrology, microbiology and plant ecology."
In my future, I would like to combine the science skills with my engineering skills and marketing strategies to explore agricultural development with renewable technologies in different industries.
Environmental Quality, Justice and Health
Dual Master's (Environmental Science and Journalism)
Listen to Dominika on KXCI Thesis Thursday
Original Air Date: 8/11/2018
A bit about myself and my research...
I am working towards my dual Master's degrees in the Department of Environmental Science and the School of Journalism.
"I want to use my multimedia skills to communicate science issues to the public, so we can have better conversations."
I am part of a research project looking at possible health effects in a Southern Arizona community where a local smelter has been exceeding the Clean Air Act lead levels.
As a physician who has worked for 12 years on the Navajo Reservation, I am interested the communication and translation of biological, environmental, and medical topics to the general public.
Doctoral Student
Listen to Shelby on KXCI Thesis Thursday
Original Air Date: 1/2/2020
A bit about myself and my research...
I work in a biogeochemistry lab with Joey Blankinship where we study how to recycle organic material into material (think compost!).
Since joining Compost Cats at the University of Arizona, I am invested in compost quality and the potential that recycled organics have to improve degraded dry land soils.
"I am passionate about food and agriculture research and glad to be in a position where I can research the connection between food waste and healthy soils in the arid southwest."
Environmental Science Major
Listen to Jaden on KXCI Thesis Thursday
Original Air Date: 11/5/2020
A bit about myself and my research...
I am a third year undergraduate environmental science student, with a focus on leadership, sustainability and communication. I am working on a small project with Mónica Ramírez-Andreotta's lab, looking at the rates of heavy-metal uptake in native desert plant species that have been grown in storm water drainage basins in Tucson.
This project is important for those who eat the plants that are growing off of street runoffs and can detect potential metal exposures in consumption. I hope to eventually find an internship after graduation and possibly enter grad or law school to study environmental law, possibly working with an intergovernmental agency.
"Wherever I end up, I hope to use the scientific understanding I've gotten at the UA to work with policy makers to develop solutions for any large-scale climate changes or earth system changes that we will be facing in coming years."
Doctoral Student
Listen to JoRee on KXCI Thesis Thursday
Original Air Date: 1/29/2020
A bit about myself and my research...
My Apsáalooke name is Iichiinmaaáatchilash which means Fortunate with Horses and my English name is JoRee LaFrance. I come from the Apsáalooke (Crow) nation and from the Greasy Mouth clan and I am a child of Ties in the Bundle clan.
Helping the health of my community is the motivation of my research.
"I am studying the contaminant concentration-discharge relationship of the Little Bighorn River and on Apsáalooke (Crow) tribal water uses with Jon Chorover and Karletta Chief."
Master's Student
Listen to Iliana on KXCI Thesis Thursday
Escucha a Iliana en KXCI "Thesis Thursday" en Español
Original Air Date: 6/20/2018
A bit about myself and my research...
I work with Mónica Ramírez-Andreotta working on a citizen science project called Gardenroots in Nevada County, California.
I am assessing whether preschool-aged children are exposed to arsenic and cadmium through incidental ingestion of soil, consumption of locally grown produce, and inhalation of dust from their school garden and play areas.
"Upon graduation, I plan to attend medical school to become a physician so that I cannot only help the environment but also the people who are affected by it."
Master's Student
Listen to Alma on KXCI Thesis Thursday
Escucha a Alma en KXCI "Thesis Thursday" en Español
Original Air Date: 8/15/2018
A bit about myself and my research...
I was born in Mexico City and came to the United States at the age of nine years old.
Going back and forth became a central part of my identity and fuels my drive to work on improving environmental and living conditions for people of both countries.
"Being in environmental science at the University of Arizona with Mónica Ramírez-Andreotta has given me the opportunity to work on binational environmental and health-related efforts, since the environment knows no borders."
Doctoral Student
Listen to AJ on KXCI Thesis Thursday
Original Air Date: 7/5/2018
A bit about myself and my research...
I am originally from Washington, DC and currently work on a citizen science project called Project Harvest in Mónica Ramírez-Andreotta's lab.
My research focuses on testing water and soil samples for the presence of microbes and contaminants around Tucson.
"I examine the prevalence of harmful bacteria in community-harvested water (like rain barrels) and how those organisms impact peoples’ health through soil and plants."
After I complete my PhD, I would like to work as an environmental officer in public health or as an environmental lobbyist.
Doctoral Student (Environmental Science and Anthropology)
Listen to Denise on KXCI Thesis Thursday
Original Air Date: 7/18/2018
A bit about myself and my research...
"I specialize in community-engaged research and partner with those living next to contamination in Arizona in my dissertation work, Voices Unheard."
I am from an area that was found to have contamination in it, and I've found that including the public in science is extremely important.
Specifically, I am working to preserve the stories of people living near EPA Superfund sites. I want to collect these first-hand histories and then bring them to a broader audience, combining social and environmental science.
Master's Student
Listen to Shana on KXCI Thesis Thursday
Original Air Date: 4/11/2019
A bit about myself and my research...
I am a research specialist and laboratory manager for the department. I have an MS in Environmental Science.
Previously, I worked on evaluating the changes in efficacy, knowledge, and motivations of citizen science programs. I am very interested in the science behind why people participate in these kinds of programs.
"I work on Project Harvest with Dr. Mónica Ramírez-Andreotta, as well as students, and community health workers to make sure everyone involved is positively supported."
Master's Student
Listen to Jesus on KXCI Thesis Thursday
Escucha a Jesus en KXCI "Thesis Thursday" en Español
Original Air Date: 8/23/2018
A bit about myself and my research...
I work on Project Harvest with Dr. Mónica Ramírez-Andreotta, where I study potential exposure risk that certain communities living near hazardous waste sites experience.
I study the inorganic contaminants from dust, and how this affects the water quality of harvested rainwater systems many of these communities use.
"I'm interested in going into environmental law because I believe it's the public deserves to know what's going on when it comes to environmental issues."
Graduate Student
Read more about Alex on KXCI Thesis Thursday
Original Air Date: 11/17/2020
A bit about myself and my research...
I am currently a graduate student at the University of Arizona and am studying the impact of water and contaminants on community health and well-being.
This year I joined the Indigenous Food, Energy, Water Security and Sovereignty (Indige-FEWSS) cohort as a student trainee and I've had a lot of great experiences through this program.
"I am humbled to have the opportunity to be a student trainee with the Indigenous FEWSS cohort."
Doctoral Student
Listen to Nikki on KXCI Thesis Thursday
Original Air Date: 1/22/2020
A bit about myself and my research...
My research focuses on ensuring that people living in Indigenous communities have access to clean drinking water to sustain their way of life in an ever-changing environment through sustainable practices, and water policies and management.
I want to help build resilient communities in Indigenous nations to address clean water challenges.
"I'm deviating from traditional research and currently reaching out to many communities from the Navajo Nation to get their opinions on what is relevant in the 'water world'. "
Doctoral Student
Listen to Norma on KXCI Thesis Thursday
Escucha a Norma en KXCI "Thesis Thursday" en Español
Original Air Date: 9/20/2018
A bit about myself and my research...
"From an early age, I've always been mesmerized by water... my passion is water-related issues."
I've worked with several labs throughout my studies, including Jon Chorover's Arizona Laboratory for Emerging Contaminants and Mónica Ramírez-Andreotta's lab.
Right now I'm involved with Project Harvest where we investigate the presence of organic pollutants in harvested rainwater through different technological techniques
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Listen to Dan on KXCI Thesis Thursday
Original Air Date: 10/27/2020
A bit about myself and my research...
"After receiving my PhD, I decided I wanted to bring political studies and environmental justice together."
I am in Tucson right now, visiting Mónica Ramírez-Andreotta's lab, which is a laboratory participant in my current project. I am working on a community-based participatory project focused on soils and heavy-metal contamination in New York, where we develop low-cost test kits.
My PhD was in chemical engineering, but over the course of receiving my degree, I found that there is somewhat of a disconnect between science and politics, which is something I find myself interested in. So, now I am working to combine environmental justice with political justice.
Microbial Ecology
Environmental Science Major
Listen to Brenna on KXCI Thesis Thursday
Original Air Date: 1/17/2018
A bit about myself and my research...
I work in Dr. Paul Carini's lab where we focus on microbiology and cell cultivation. My job is to make cell food and try to convince hard-to-cultivate organisms to grow.
"I love researching the role that microbes play in cleaning up the environment."
I grew up in northern Idaho and love all things outdoors, metal and cats. After graduation I would like to do something with bioremediation, a practice that uses microbes to consume and break down environmental pollutants.
Doctoral Student
Listen to Kyle on KXCI Thesis Thursday
Original Air Date: 12/4/2019
A bit about myself and my research...
"I chose environmental science because it allows me to take scientific theory and apply it to the betterment of the environment and humanity."
I am a member of Dr. Raina Maier's environmental microbiology laboratory. I work on a project called Sustainable Bioeconomy for Arid Regions (SBAR) with a focus on developing opportunities for farmers.
Master's Student
Listen to Joy on KXCI Thesis Thursday
Original Air Date: 11/28/2019
A bit about myself and my research...
I work in the Microbial Ecophysiology lab of Dr. Paul Carini. My research focuses on cultivating and identifying Bradyrhizobium sp. from soil in order to investigate the genomic and physiological differences within the genus across a climatic gradient.
"In my future, I'd like to work with an agency that focuses on advocacy and education in environmental science so that the public is made aware about environmental changes and occurrences."
Environmental Science Major
Listen to Kristin on KXCI Thesis Thursday
Original Air Date: 3/12/2019
A bit about myself and my research...
I am involved with Dr. Albert Barberan’s lab studying the geographical distribution of fungal plant pathogens in particles of dust all across the United States.
After graduation, I would like to gain experience working with environmental science and more research.
"I ultimately want to create maps and visual representations to make it easier for researchers to do their job."
Postdoctoral Fellow
Listen to Priyanka on KXCI Thesis Thursday
Original Air Date: 2/19/2019
A bit about myself and my research...
I am a postdoctoral fellow with Dr. Raina Maier and Dr. Julie Neilson. We look at the biogeochemical functions of microbes in soil of the Sonoran Desert, and how microbes change nutrients to become ready for plants to use.
"My goal is to understand everything about microbes... which is impossible, but it's worth a shot!"
Environmental Science Major
Listen to Adalee on KXCI Thesis Thursday
Original air date: 1/10/2019
A bit about myself and my research...
I work in Dr. Albert Barberan's lab, where we focus our research on microbiology and macroecology. Currently, we are working on a year long project about the impact urbanization has on microbial communities right here in Tucson!
I also teach subjects related to science and biodiversity to kids and educational outreach programs to inspire youth to be scientists.
"I really love working within the community and within the lab, and hope to combine my two passions."
Doctoral Student
Listen to Christina on KXCI Thesis Thursday
Original air date: 11/19/2019
A bit about myself and my research...
I work with Dr. Charles Gerba, and my main focus is virology and microbiology and extracting bacteria from different substances. I hope to help provide solutions to the increasing water demands in the Southwestern US, and globally, without compromising environmental or human health.
"I focus on evaluating microbial water quality of wastewater, and ensuring its safety for the environment and for those drinking it."
Doctoral Student
Listen to Ben on KXCI Thesis Thursday
Original air date: 1/16/2019
A bit about myself and my research...
I am currently investigating how the soil microbial community changes during ecological restoration through DNA and genome analysis, working in Dr. Albert Barberan's lab.
"What really fascinates me is how microbes and plants build their special relationship, and how this relationship benefits both sides."
Pollution Dynamics
Doctoral Student
Listen to Sarah on KXCI Thesis Thursday
Original Air Date: 10/24/2018
A bit about myself and my research...
I study the behavior and transfer of man-made chemicals that contaminate the environment (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances called PFAS) in both soil and groundwater with Dr. Mark Brusseau.
"I want to use my background in environmental engineering to better understand how human-made chemicals move in the environment."
Environmental Science Major
Listen to Francisco on KXCI Thesis Thursday
Escucha a Francisco en KXCI "Thesis Thursday" en Español
Original Air Date: 8/22/2018
A bit about myself and my research...
I'm very interested in ecological and evolutionary relationships, as well as symbiotic communities. Right now I'm examining the presence of organic pollutants in rainwater in one project, but another one focuses on lizards' habitats and behavior.
"I'm always looking for ways to improve my knowledge of water treatment in environmental sciences."
Remediation, Reclamation and Restoration
Master's Student
Listen to Nick on KXCI Thesis Thursday
Original Air Date: 10/16/2019
A bit about myself and my research...
I am a Master's student in the Environmental Science department working on a mine waste detoxification project with Dr. Raina Maier's lab and the University of Arizona Superfund Research Group.
"My research is a lot of fun. I enjoy the teamwork and working towards a common goal."
My main focus is on how mine waste, especially that of the Superfund site, affects plants and their growth, working with varying plant structures
Assistant Research Scientist
Listen to David on KXCI Thesis Thursday
Original Air Date: 10/29/2019
A bit about myself and my research...
I received my doctorate in from the Department of Environmental Science in 2016 and now, I am an assistant research scientist working with Dr. Raina Maier.
"My research focuses on the use of biosurfactants (microbially produced surfactants or “soaps”) to develop remediation technologies for metal contamination in water."
Doctoral Student
Listen to Lydia on KXCI Thesis Thursday
Original Air Date: 10/17/2018
A bit about myself and my research...
I am working with Dr. Raina Maier to identify biogeochemical indicators in soil to improve the clean-up of mines and mine waste. I am very passionate about the great outdoors and getting other people to recognize the importance of our environment.
"Our department is so interdisciplinary, and that it allows me to pursue both the science and service to communities."
Biology Major, Plant Science Minor
Listen to Karen on KXCI Thesis Thursday
Original Air Date: 7/27/2017
A bit about myself and my research...
I have been studying progress of soil reclamation specifically on re-vegetated mining sites in Dr. Raina Maier s Environmental Microbiology lab.
"Our lab focuses on mining reclamation, and we try to help sites fix an clean up damaged and contaminated areas."
Environmental Science Major
Listen to Lia on KXCI Thesis Thursday
Original Air Date: 9/18/2018
A bit about myself and my research...
I work in Dr. Raina Maier's Environmental Microbiology lab for two years, studying all of the aspects that affect the biogeochemical composition of the soil. We look at how we can clean-up mining sites and help mining companies reclaim and remediate sites.
"Finding applications of soil science in agriculture is extremely interesting to me."
Teaching, Communication and Journalism
Journalism Major, Environmental Science Minor
Listen to Marissa on KXCI Thesis Thursday
Original Air Date: 9/5/2018
A bit about myself and my research...
I love writing, but what I love most is communicating important science events and happenings to the public. I am the science communicator for the University of Arizona Superfund Research Program, managing editor at the Daily Wildcat, and I produced a documentary on modern zoos.
"In my future, I want to work for a small newspaper company that strives to disseminate science-related information to the community."
Film & Television Major, Environmental Science Minor
Listen to Ramani on KXCI Thesis Thursday
Original Air Date: 2/14/2019
A bit about myself and my research...
I create and edit videos for the co-created citizen science project, Project Harvest with Dr. Mónica Ramírez-Andreotta, and Voices Unheard, an oral history project that looks at the history of contamination at Superfund sites in Arizona.
"I am passionate about videos and enjoy examining how the proper application of a film can be used to spread awareness of environmental issues."
Marketing & Communications Coordinator
Listen to Caroline on KXCI Thesis Thursday
Original Air Date: 4/11/2019
A bit about myself and my research...
I have a Master's in freshwater science and studied invasive mussels in the Great Lakes. But enjoy the communicative aspect of science, which is why I am in the position I am now.
"I want to figure out how I can best advocate and best represent the department to amplify our message to the world."
One big communications project is developing and managing the departmental Website to showcase more of the student and faculty.
Environmental Science Major
Listen to Chloe on KXCI Thesis Thursday
Original Air Date: 1/3/2019
A bit about myself and my research...
I am participating in a learning researching program to help professors align their tasks with their learning objectives by studying student responses and creating reports.
"The goal is to make sure students graduate with the knowledge they need to do transformative work."
In the future, I hope to use my degree to help create more sustainable practices that can benefit future generations and support healthier lifestyles.