Water Fellows Program

LinkedIn

Bio

Evelyn is a 4th year undergraduate student in the Environmental Engineering program at the University of Colorado, Boulder, where she is focusing on using spatial and statistical models to investigate groundwater resources and surface-groundwater interfaces. At CU Boulder, they also a leader of the LGBTQ+ community on campus, where they are president of the university's chapter of Out in STEM, co-facilitator of the group Bring Your Own Gender, and serving as a general network contact and resource for all LGBTQ+ students on campus. Since May 2023, she has also been a student intern at the Region 8 (Denver) office of the Environmental Protection Agency, performing and reviewing drinking water inspections, while also modernizing and automating parts of the process, which has helped reduce the review and processing delay from 3 years to mere days.

LinkedIn

Bio

Hello I am Kiara Bonilla (she/her). I am an undergraduate at CU Boulder, studying Environmental Studies and Sociology with an emphasis on Native American and Indigenous Studies. I have worked with the Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee through the Environmental Studies Program at CU. I also studied abroad in Southern Chile and worked under a professor doing field work with water quality and the perception of water quality in the community. I am interested in water law, water quality field work, and environmental justice for future career opportunities. I care about water because of the importance of it regarding every aspect of life. Hense why I live by the idea that water is life. 

LinkedIn

Bio

Ethan is a senior undergraduate student at CU Boulder majoring in atmospheric and oceanic sciences. He is a member of the Polar Infrared Experiment in the Far Infrared Experiment (PREFIRE) science team, and he is partaking in an independent study to look at first light data for the PREFIRE cube satellite to investigate the impacts of radiation beyond 15 microns on sea ice melt. Ethan is also a research assistant for the Laboratory of Atmospheric and Space Physics. In his role, he researches the hemispheric trends for Earth's radiative imbalance with its relevancy to the LIBERA satellite project in obtaining data of the radiative changes driving Earth's imbalance when it launches in 2027.

LinkedIn

Bio

Mark Irby-Gill is a senior at the University of Colorado, Boulder studying Geology. He has a broad experience research experience including hydrology, and atmospheric science. Currently, he is utilizing the USGS Hydrologic Toolbox to estimate variations in baseflow for watersheds within the Upper Colorado River Basin. Mark’s career interests in geology include hydrogeology, and geochemistry. Growing up in New York City, Mark developed a connection with water on family trips to Montauk, NY and camping trips near creeks. He hopes to utilize this passion for water into a career in remediation or water quality. When Mark is not in studying, you can find him looking for the nearest natural source of running water to walk or sit by.

LinkedIn

Bio

My name is Mauricio Mendez, and I'm majoring in Business Marketing, Political Science, and International Affairs. I am passionate about water recreation and the preservation of our natural waterways. Growing up, spending time on rivers and lakes has always been a source of happiness, whether swimming, kayaking, or fishing. I recognize the significant challenges that pollution and water quality conditions currently pose to water recreation and local communities. Clean, accessible water is essential for community connection, supporting local economies, and ensuring public health. I believe safeguarding these vital resources is crucial, not only for the enjoyment of present and future generations but also for maintaining our environment and the communities that rely on it. After graduation, I plan to pursue law school, where I hope to raise awareness and contribute to efforts that ensure our waterways remain clean, safe, and available for all to enjoy.