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 (since 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."