People

Assistant Professor

Jon uses time series remote sensing to understand how global environmental change is altering transforming terrestrial ecosystems and carbon cycling in climate-sensitive biomes. He is particularly interested in how wildfires, heat, and drought are driving change in the far north, the semi-arid western US, and urban systems.

[google scholar] [cv]

Postdoctoral Researcher

Wanwan is interested in remote sensing applications and geospatial analytics for environment and agriculture with statistical and machine/deep learning approaches to uncover patterns and underlying processes. Wanwan is also interested to predict or simulate future patterns and processes while considering interactions among natural systems and human activities.

Postdoctoral Researcher

Jiaming's research focuses on monitoring forest ecosystem dynamics using remote sensing and geospatial analysis. In particular, she is interested in developing models and methodologies to map ecosystem composition and structure by leveraging large-scale remote sensing datasets, high-performance computing, and machine learning, contributing to conservation and sustainable land management.

Postdoctoral Researcher

Eric joined DYCE in January 2025. His research combines advanced remote sensing, emerging machine learning and traditional statistical and field methodologies to investigate the drivers and impacts of global environmental change. Eric is particularly interested in understanding the complex interplay between human development and sustainable forest management, a field where many environmental and human-driven dynamics remain poorly understood.

Ph.D. Student

Yahampath joined the DYCE lab in the fall of 2023 to extend his research work in ecosystem monitoring and modeling natural cycles. He is interested in utilizing remote sensing imagery and geospatial data science in his research and also enjoys working on topics where water intersects with vegetation in a spatial context.

Ph.D. Student

Hannah’s research interest is to understand how the drying of the Great Salt Lake has changed and will change the timing of the spring algal bloom. She wants to understand whether these changes will have cascading effects on the food web of the lake. Her work will incorporate field, laboratory, modelling, and remote sensing work to understand past environmental changes and build predictive models.

Ph.D. Student

Hope's research explores the patterns that emerge at the intersection of forests, fire, human influence, and climate change in North America. Her work leverages remote sensing and modeling techniques to investigate forest recovery and forecast the impacts of global environmental shifts. Outside of research, Hope might be studying Zen Buddhism, tending to her garden, or with her dog, Bjorn.

Research Assistant

April, a recent University of Utah graduate, is a biogeographer fascinated by historical and ongoing environmental change. She is interested in using remote sensing to monitor ecosystem dynamics and analyzing biological proxies to contextualize past environmental disturbances. Her previous work has incorporated dendrochronology, palynology, and charcoal analysis. Outside of the lab, she enjoys hiking, climbing, skiing, canyoneering, and reading with her cat, Strawberry.

Research Assistant

Co-advised by Marysa Lague

Makayla is a recent University of Utah graduate from the biology and atmospheric sciences programs at the U. Her research interest is in understanding feedbacks between climate and vegetation using Earth system models. Outside of research, Makayla enjoys learning new hobbies, reading, and spending time in nature.

Undergraduate Researcher

Emilie is a second year computer science and applied mathematics student at the U. She really enjoys reading, gardening, and learning new languages. She is interested in learning the effects of climate change and how to better preserve the environment

Emilie joined the lab via the University of Utah Science Research Initiative!

Undergraduate Researcher

Tyler is an undergraduate at the University of Utah, majoring in Biology with an Emphasis in Anatomy and Physiology and is a part of the SRI program. He is interested in researching the effects of climate change on forests and how that can be mediated through analyzing satellite imagery of forests over time.

Tyler joined the lab via the University of Utah Science Research Initiative!

Undergraduate Researcher

Amichi is an undergraduate studying computer science and data science at the University of Utah. She am a 2024-2025 ACCESS scholar, and in her free time she likes to knit and crochet. She is interested in studying the environment through a computer and data science lens, specifically with a focus on the various issues affecting our forests.

Amichi joined the lab via the University of Utah Science Research Initiative!

Undergraduate Researcher

Olivia is a senior at the U, studying Earth and Environmental Science. She grew up in the Reno/Tahoe area and love any activity that is outdoors. Growing up in the mountains has given her so much appreciation for outdoor recreation. She also loves to cook and travel!

Olivia joined the lab via the University of Utah Science Research Initiative!

Undergraduate Researcher

Gwyn is a junior at the University of Utah, studying Environmental Science. Originally from Ohio and the youngest of six, she moved to Utah when she was 12 years old. She also works as a youth coach at a local climbing gym. When not working or at school, Gwyn loves to climb, snowboard, hike, and backpack, and learn how to golf.

Gwyn joined the lab via the University of Utah Science Research Initiative!

Former Lab Manager extraordinaire - she truly helped the lab get established!

Now a graduate student at Northwestern University!