Dr. Maya Engel 

Principal Investigator

maya.engel@mail.huji.ac.il

Maya conducted her postdoctoral studies at Stanford University and SLAC National Lab. Maya has a Ph.D. in Environmental Chemistry from the Hebrew University and a B.Sc. in Chemistry from Tel Aviv University.

Read more about Maya here.

Dr. Gili Solomon 

Lab Manager

gila.solomon@mail.huji.ac.il 

Gili has a Ph.D. in Biochemistry & Food Science from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, an M.Sc. in Food Science from Rutgers University, and a B.Sc. in Life Sciences from Tel-Aviv University.

"I love sports, traveling around the world, gardening and reading."

Roee gothelf

Ph.D. Candidate (starting October 2025)

roee.gothelf@mail.huji.ac.il 

Roee has a M.Sc. in Soil and Water Sciences, and a B.Sc. in Plant Sciences, both from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

Research: Fate of mineral-associated organic matter upon terrestrial-to-aquatic transitions.

"I love climbing, hiking, and learning new languages."

Zenawi Tadesse

Ph.D. Candidate (since January 2025)

zenawi.tadesse@mail.huji.ac.il 

Zenawi has a M.Sc. in Natural Resources and Environmental Quality Sciences from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and a B.Sc. in Civil Engineering from Bahir Dar University.

Research: How silicate mineral weathering influences soil inorganic & organic C storage.

"I love the beauty of diverse cultures, exploring local traditions, and the excitment that comes with stepping out of my comfort zone. I also enjoy swimming and hiking."

Bar Asraf

M.Sc. Student (since October 2023)

bar.asraf@mail.huji.ac.il 

Bar has a B.Sc. in Biochemistry & Food Science from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

Research: Influence of organic matter composition on iron mineral transformations.

"I cherish moments with my family and friends, and I have a deep passion for exploring our beautiful country and the wider world through travel."

Yinyin Zheng

M.Sc. Student (since October 2023)

yinyin.zheng@mail.huji.ac.il 

Yinyin has a B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering from Guangdon-Technion.

Research: Abiotic transformations of organic matter-mineral assemblages.

"I love reading and having fun with friends."

Stav Almog

M.Sc. Student (since October 2024)

stav.almog@mail.huji.ac.il 

Stav has a B.Sc. in Biochemistry & Food Science from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

Research: The role of soil colloids in suspended biofilm formation.

"I love traveling, exploring nature, diving and surfing - I am an extreme sports enthusiast and I have a deep connection with the ocean."

Naama Yanko

M.Sc. Student (starting October 2025)

naama.yanko1@mail.huji.ac.il 

Naama is currently a 3rd year B.Sc. student in Plant Sciences at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

Research: How root exudate composition influences Fe availability.

"I love the sea, hiking, and making crafts."

Yunyi (Luke) Cao

M.Sc. Project Student (since March 2025)

yunyi.cao@mail.huji.ac.il

Luke is a student in the HUJI Faculty of Agriculture's International M.Sc. program. He acquired his B.Sc. in Civil Engineering from Beijing University of Technology.

Research: Heavy metal uptake upon iron mineral transformations.

"I relate to Socrates saying - The unexamined life is not worth living."

tomer galili

B.Sc. Amirim Project Student (since April 2025)

tomer.galili@mail.huji.ac.il

Tomer is a 2nd year B.Sc. student in the "Amirim program" in Soil and Water Sciences at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. He Also has a B.A. in General History from the Open University. 

Research: How organic matter influences mineralization of the iron phosphate Vivianite.

"I love hiking and nature, which is what draws me to Environmental Sciences. I also enjoy free diving, reading, and brewing beer."

roni ayalon sofer

B.Sc. Research Assistant (since January 2025)

roni.sofer@mail.huji.ac.il

Roni is a 2nd year B.Sc. student in Soil and Water Sciences and Environmental Economics and Management at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

"I enjoy traveling, exploring nature as much as possible, as well as reading and learning."