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 (since 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."

Yinyin Zheng

Ph.D. Candidate - Direct Track (since October 2025)

yinyin.zheng@mail.huji.ac.il 

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

Research: Abiotic transformations of organic matter-Fe 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: Bacterial growth dynamics in the presence of iron minerals.

"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 (since October 2025)

naama.yanko1@mail.huji.ac.il 

Naama has a B.Sc. in Plant Sciences from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

Research: Mechanisms of organic matter degradation in anoxic marine settings.

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

Isca Ilan

M.Sc. Student (since October 2026)

isca.ilan@mail.huji.ac.il 

Isca has a B.Sc. in Earth Sciences from Ben Gurion University of the Negev.

Research: Nitrogen oxide emissions following rewetting of dry soils.

"I love the desert, hiking, and discovering new things."

YOAV novoplanski

B.Sc. Project Student (since October 2026)

yoav.novoplanski@mail.huji.ac.il

Yoav is a 3rd year B.Sc. student in theDepartment of Soil and Water Sciences at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. 

Research: Characterizing mineral-associated organic matter across diverse soils

"I love hiking, running, woodworking, and riding motorcycles and bicycles."

omer maor

B.Sc. Student Assistant (since May 2026)

omer.maor@mail.huji.ac.il

Omer is a 2nd year B.Sc. student in the Agroecology and Plant Health program at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. 

"I love sports, the outdoors, old-school music, and great food."