Students
Allison Kuramura
Reeu Advisor: Dr. Petr Vozka
Allison Kuramura is a student at the University of Washington majoring in Environmental Science & Terrestrial Resource Management. Her wants to know how environmental issues affect people around the world, and she hopes to build a career researching mitigation strategies and solutions to complex environmental problems, whether in government, industry, or academia. This summer, in Dr. Vozka's lab, she is researching the extent to which organic compounds absorb onto the surfaces of microplastics found in Los Angeles urban waters. Through the REEU program, she hopes to sharpen her lab instrumentation skills, design and carry out her own research project on a tight timeline, and present her findings professionally, all while connecting with students and faculty and building toward her academic and career goals. Outside of school, she enjoys hiking, thrifting, paddleboarding, and traveling.
Michelle Rodriguez-Vergara
Reeu Advisor: Dr. Petr Vozka
Michelle Rodriguez-Vergara is attending Cal State LA, majoring in Natural Science with an emphasis in Biology and Microbiology. She applied to the Cal State LA REEU to expand her research skills and learn more about urban natural resources. This summer she is testing how NaCl density separation and 30% H₂O₂ digestion affect the recovery of organic compounds from polypropylene and polyethylene terephthalate microplastics using HS-SPME-GC/MS. Through the REEU program, she hopes to strengthen her proficiency with GC/MS and other laboratory instrumentation, sharpen her data analysis and interpretation, and improve her ability to present research at conferences. Outside of school, she enjoys going to concerts, bird watching, visiting flea markets, watching movies, and exploring new places around the city.
Dylan Neumeyer
Reeu Advisor: Dr. Alvarez
Dylan is an entering senior at UCLA studying Environmental Science with a focus on Atmospheric and Oceanic Science. His interests are microbiology, ecology, and urban sustainability. He hopes to attend graduate school and go on to work in bioremediation. He transferred to UCLA after two years at Santa Monica College. He is working with Dr. Alvarez on a public health project to reduce illnesses and mortality due to the Urban Heat Island Effect. He loves mountain biking, theatre, and playing music.
Analli Ibarra
Reeu Advisor: Dr. Alvarez
Analli Ibarra is a senior at Arizona State University majoring in Sustainability with an emphasis in urban dynamics and a minor in anthropology. Her interest in environmental science grew out of a childhood surrounded by sustainable environmental practices. This summer she is researching the urban heat island effect in Los Angeles and community-based mitigation strategies under Dr. Alvarez. Through the REEU program, she hopes to strengthen her science-based application and research writing skills, and looks forward to connecting with students and faculty while building experience toward her future academic and career goals. Outside of school, she enjoys hiking, thrifting, paddleboarding, and traveling.
Hannah Herrick
Reeu Advisor:
Hannah Herrick is attending California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, and plans to pursue a master's degree in biology. Her interest in the environment, agriculture, and plants began as a high school freshman in Future Farmers of America, where her experience on the Horticulture team left her fascinated by the diversity and complexity of plants. This summer she is engaged in research on plant physiology and adaptation to environmental stresses. Through the REEU program, she hopes to gain experience operating equipment common to plant physiology research such as infrared gas analyzers, osmometers, and pressure bombs as well as strengthen her science communication skills by presenting her research during the program. Outside of school, she enjoys playing video games, hiking, and writing.
Andrew Sanchez
Reeu Advisor: Dr. Stephen LaDochy
Andrew Sanchez is attending California State University, Northridge, majoring in Geography and Environmental Studies. A keen observer of his surroundings, he noticed that many of the issues facing Los Angeles are connected to environmental science. He applied to the CSULA REEU program as an introduction to the kinds of jobs he expects to hold during his career. This summer he is researching the urban heat island effect in Los Angeles. Through the REEU program, he hopes to strengthen his social collaboration and writing skills, as well as gain experience conducting field research. Outside of school, he enjoys photography, along with drawing, painting, and listening to music.
John Quintero
Reeu Advisor: Dr. Christian Scoffoni
John Quintero is a senior at Cal State LA majoring in Biology with a focus on ecology, evolution, and the environment, graduating in Fall 2026. The increasing effects of climate change sparked his interest in environmental biology, and his career goal is to work on plant-focused habitat restoration projects. John is joining the REEU program to study plant physiology in the Scoffoni Lab, where he is researching water-use efficiency and temperature responses in wildtype and mutant sorghum—work that could help scientists better understand how crops respond to rising temperatures and improve crop resilience. Through the REEU program, he hopes to improve his data collection, problem-solving, and analytical skills in the lab and greenhouse, and he is most looking forward to learning how the different instruments collect data and what that data reveals about how plants function under extreme conditions. Outside of school, he enjoys crafting with organic materials like cotton string, wood, and paper, recycling or repurposing items that would otherwise be thrown away, along with tending to his house plants, hiking, and observing nature.
Leonardo Do Nascimento
Reeu Advisor: Dr. Hibbs
Leonardo do Nascimento attended Santa Monica College for two years and is transferring to UCLA this fall, where he will study Geography. His interest in geography, environmental science, and agricultural science led him to the Cal State LA REEU program. This summer, working with Dr. Hibbs, he is researching an isotopic and hydrochemical comparison of flows in two urban channels in the Los Angeles River watershed. Through the REEU program, he hopes to strengthen his lab skills, geospatial analysis, and collaboration abilities. He is most looking forward to hands-on field work that builds his portfolio while deepening his understanding of environmental sciences. Outside of school, he describes himself as a curious and fun person who enjoys playing sports, socializing with friends, and traveling.
Jerusalem Miramontes
Reeu Advisor: Dr. Hibbs
Jerusalem Miramontes is attending California State University, Los Angeles, majoring in Geology. Drawn to nature from a young age, she found in geology a way to turn childhood curiosity into purpose. She applied to the REEU program at the encouragement of her mentor, Dr. Hibbs, to challenge herself and develop her research skills. This summer she is investigating agricultural drainage waters through an isotopic and hydrochemical comparison of two Salton Sea inflow channels, examining how agricultural drainage influences water quality and ecosystem health in the Salton Sea. Through the REEU program, she hopes to strengthen her laboratory techniques, improve her data analysis, and become a more confident presenter, and she is most looking forward to gaining hands-on research experience, learning to write scientific abstracts, and building professional connections. Outside of school, she enjoys camping, hiking, and making coffee.