Where are they now?
Indonesia
Dr. Thomas Thelen graduated from his Ph.D. in January 2026.
Current position: currently deciding and leaning toward coastal engineering consulting.
Dr. Luke Gezovich graduated from his Ph.D. in November 2025.
Current position: Researcher
Job description: “I am currently working with SZ4D as part of an early-career scientist exchange program, using multispectral and multitemporal datasets to study morphological change and long-term evolution of the Maipo River in central Chile through remote sensing.”
Japan
Dr. Jasmine Bekkaye graduated from her Ph.D. in December 2024.
Current position: Project Engineer for Crawford & Associates, a geotechnical engineering consulting firm that primarily supports public works infrastructure projects for California and beyond
Job description: “In my current job, I provide geotechnical services and recommendations for geotechnical design of public works infrastructure in California, primarily storm drainage, transportation, schools, and flood protection.”
Dr. Karen Williams graduated from her Ph.D. in May 2025.
Current position: Postdoc at the Geophysical Institute of the University of Alaska, Fairbanks
Job description: “My current research aims to investigate the interactions between coseismic and postseismic deformation following large subduction zone earthquakes. My work largely entails modeling stress changes for the 2020 Simeonof and 2021 Chignik earthquakes in the Alaska-Aleutian subduction zone using COMSOL.”
Nina Copeland graduated from her masters degree in December 2024.
Current position: GIS Technician with TN State Parks
Job description: “I currently work as a GIS Technician with TN State Parks. Most of my work consists of maintaining and contributing to the over 100+ cartographic products that my team manages for state parks. I also help manage our statewide geospatial datasets and create web applications for internal use.”
Future Dr. Maddy Lucas will defend in May 2026.
Current position: Washington Sea Grant Coastal Resilience Fellowship
Job description: “I support the Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe in preparing for and adapting to coastal hazards such as earthquakes, tsunamis, landslides, flooding, coastal erosion, etc.”
Future Dr. Andrew Chio will defend spring 2026.
Current position: Andrew is planning to start a postdoc.
France
Dr. Natalie Tanski graduated from her Ph.D. in August 2024.
Current position: Assistant Professor of Geology at Utah Tech University
Job description: “In my current role, I primarily teach geology courses to undergraduates but I am also still actively involved in research and public outreach.”
Raquel Friedman finished her masters degree.
Current position: Environmental consulting
Job description: “In my role, I support environmental and community impact assessments for projects such as transportation, park planning, and municipal infrastructure. My work focuses on evaluating how proposed projects could affect both the natural environment and surrounding communities, with an emphasis on sustainability and environmental justice.”
Dr. Aliyah Griffith graduated from her Ph.D. in May 2025.
Current position: Consulting and Founder/CEO of Mahogany Mermaids
Job description: “Directed Global Conservation & Education Programs
Partnered and collaborated with over 20 regional and international environmental agencies through screenings, STEM fairs, and outreach programming
National Geographic Photo Camp Community Partner, providing environmental education and photography skills to 15 students in the Chesapeake Bay
Successfully provided professional development training and skills to 3 early-career interns “