RESEARCH INTERESTS
Developing methods to ascertain the impacts climate variability has on long-term surface and subsurface water, water storage, ecosystems and water quality using novel modeling techniques and the integration of advanced observation data. Performing modeling studies with the inclusion of local sustainable technologies using both physically-based and conceptually-based hydrologic models.
RESEARCH PROJECTS
Students are encouraged to inquire regarding available research positions in the lab. Students with the following skills are highly encouraged to apply: computing (i.e. Python, R, MATLAB, C++), Geographic Information Systems (GIS; ArcGIS, GRASS-GIS, QGIS), hydrologic modeling, and watershed hydrologic analysis.
Cal State LA offers Master Degrees in Science. Please see our MS program requirements for admission (http://www.calstatela.edu/ecst/ce/graduate). For questions regarding BS or MS opportunities, email sonya.lopez@calstatela.edu, or visit during scheduled office hours.
Apply to the NASA DIRECT-STEM program to work with Dr. Lopez here: http://www.calstatela.edu/centers/NASA_DIRECT_STEM
Current Graduate Students
Amy Hoang
Using weather generator program (AWE-GEN) to generate climate simulations for a burn site in Valles Caldera in New Mexico.
Current Undergraduate Students
Isabel Escobar-Sanchez
Funding: NASA Data Intensive Research and Education Center in Science Technology Education and Mathematics (DIRECT-STEM); Inaugural Sikand Award for Faculty Research in Urban Sustainability
Joe Rosalez
Funding: NASA Data Intensive Research and Education Center in Science Technology Education and Mathematics (DIRECT-STEM)
Edgar Chavez
Funding: NASA Data Intensive Research and Education Center in Science Technology Education and Mathematics (DIRECT-STEM)
Former Students
Antony Karongo, EIT
Research Topic: Particle-tracking in 3D Biochar + Sand Column experiment using ParFlow
Funding: NASA Data Intensive Research and Education Center in Science Technology Education and Mathematics (DIRECT-STEM)
Graduated with M.S from UCLA Civil & Environmental Engineering. Currently employed at LA DWP, Watershed Management Group
Gabriela Martinez, EIT
Research Topic: Evaluating Best Management Practices and Urban Sustainability due to a changing climate using the EPA's HSPF Model
Funding: NASA Data Intensive Research and Education Center in Science Technology Education and Mathematics (DIRECT-STEM); Inaugural Sikand Award for Faculty Research in Urban Sustainability; NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates at the University of Minnesota; NASA JPL Internship
Graduated with BS+MS Blended from CSULA. Currently a Field Engineer at GRL Engineers
Mahdi Mortazavi, EIT
Research Topic: Decentralized Water Distribution Systems and On-Site Water Treatment Centers
Funding: MWD World Water Forum College Grant; Inaugural Sikand Award for Faculty Research in Urban Sustainability
Graduated with MS in Civil Engineering from CSULA.
Joseph Lucey
Funding: NASA Data Intensive Research and Education Center in Science Technology Education and Mathematics (DIRECT-STEM); Inaugural Sikand Award for Faculty Research in Urban Sustainability
Graduated with BS in Civil Engineering from CSULA. Currently attending UCLA pursuing a PhD in Hydrology and Water Resources
Simon Packman, EIT
Funding: NASA Data Intensive Research and Education Center in Science Technology Education and Mathematics (DIRECT-STEM)
Currently finishing BS in Civil Engineering at CSULA.
2017 - 2018 Dr. Lopez Group Photo
From left: Joseph Lucey (BS), Gabriela Martinez (MS), Mahdi Mortazavi (MS), Dr. Sonya Lopez, Simon Packman (BS), Isabel Escobar-Sanchez (BS)
2016 - 2017 Dr. Lopez Group Photo
From left: Isabel Escobar-Sanchez (BS), Joseph Lucey (BS), Dr. Sonya Lopez, Gabriela Martinez (MS), Mahdi Mortazavi (MS)
2015 - 2016 Dr. Lopez Group Photo
Antony Karongo (left), Gabriela Martinez (middle), Dr. Sonya Lopez (right)
