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Meet our Principal Investigators
Dr. Antonie Jetter
Portland State University
Dr. Heejun Chang
Portland State University
Dr. Tong Zhang
Portland State University
Dr. Alex Alexiades
Heritage University
Read about Antonie Jetter
Dr. Antonie Jetter is the Associate Dean for Research at the Maseeh College, and a Professor of Engineering and Technology Management. She received the David Wedge Vision Professor from 2019-2022. She is an interdisciplinary researcher at the intersection of management, system modeling, and engineering. Her work helps organizations solve wicked problems through innovation and results in theoretical insights and methods for knowledge sharing and collective intelligence, managing complexity, and testing innovative ideas through simulation. Results support planning and decision making about diverse topics, including higher education strategy, product development, and natural resource management. Dr. Jetter started her career as a management trainee with Siemens before pursuing a “Diplom” degree in business administration from RWTH Technical University, Germany. While still in college, she was on the founding team of a venture-backed start-up company in equipment manufacturing - an experience that ultimately led her to pursue a Ph.D. in Technology and Innovation Management, also from RWTH. Dr. Jetter is passionate about engineering education and has created and led several programs for student innovation and entrepreneurship at Portland State. Dr. Jetter teaches courses on new product development, entrepreneurship, and technology marketing to graduate students in engineering.
Read about Heejun Chang
My teaching and research interests lie in hydrology and spatial analysis. In hydrology and water resources, I am interested in examining the human modification of the hydrologic system. I examine the complex interactions among climate change, land use change, and water management that drive major changes in water quantity and quality. To understand and model such a complex system, I use an integrated approach that embraces biophysical sciences, social sciences, and information sciences. Hence the use of geographic information technology including geocomputational methods and visual spatial analysis is essential to conduct my research and teaching.
Read about Tong Zhang
Dr. Tong T. Zhang is the Assistant Dean for Inclusive Innovation in the Maseeh College of Engineering and Computer Science at Portland State University. She has expertise in nonprofit and education leadership and working with organizations to create meaningful and sustained social impact across the education continuum. She was previously the executive director of Oregon MESA, an invention based equity program based at PSU, and she was also a founding staff member and COO of Thread, an organization providing wrap-around support to high school students in Baltimore city. Prior to her work in non-profit education, she worked on developing immunotherapy approaches for gynecologic cancers. She has a Ph.D. in Immunology from The Johns Hopkins University-School of Medicine and a B.S. in Biochemistry from the University of Washington.
Read about Alex Alexiades
Dr. Alexiades studied Biology with a focus in Fish and Wildlife Management at Montana State University, Bozeman where he graduated magna cum laude in 2003. After graduating, he pursued his passion for teaching and climbing around the world for four years, living and working in 5 countries on three continents. He returned to the USA in 2007 to work as an ice climbing and glacier guide in Alaska, before beginning a M.S. program in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology at the University of Nevada, Reno. While in Reno, Alex was awarded a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Science Partners Fellow, enabling him to assist local high school AP Biology courses with their lab programs. In 2011, he began his PhD in Ecosystem Biology at Cornell University focusing on fisheries and aquatic ecology, water resource issues, statistical and spatial modeling and mapping, and stream biogeochemistry. Alex spent academic year 2014-15 in Ecuador as a Fulbright Fellow conducteding research on flow-ecology and effects of water withdrawals on aquatic fauna in Napo River Basin. In 2015 was an invited faculty instructor at the Central South University of Forestry and Technology in Changsha, China. He started at Heritage University as an Assistant Professor of Environmental Science in Fall 2015. At Heritage, Dr. Alexiades has published several peer-reviewed science articles and serves as the PI for the NSF i-NATURE and First Nations MESA programs to increase STEM opportunities for Native American students. He has a passion for social justice and creating pathways to higher education for underrepresented minorities. Alex is also a competitive ultra-endurance mountain bike racer for Chumba Cycles USA and Wanderlust Gear and a Contributing Editor at Bikepacker Magazine.
Meet our Program Coordinators
Andrew Paiva
Portland State University
Yoana Torres
Heritage University
Read about Andrew Paiva
Andrew is passionate about ensuring that EAGLES Scholars are supported and connected to opportunities that enhance their academic and career pathways at PSU.
Andrew graduated from Stanford University in 2018 with a bachelor's degree in Human Biology, concentrating in the Social Determinants of Child Development. He has a background in education, psychology, and program evaluation. Prior to joining the EAGLES team, he supported middle and high school students at the Native American Youth and Family Center.
In his free time, Andrew skateboards, makes clothing on his sewing machine, and listens to history and pop culture podcasts.
Read about Yoana Torres
Yoana Torres is the coordinator for the EAGLES project at Heritage University. Prior to joining, Yoana was a student at Heritage University AND she was an EAGLES Scholar. She was a first-generation student and the first in her family to obtain a college degree. Yoana graduated from Sunnyside High school and Yakima valley college in 2019. After that, she began attending Heritage and obtained her B.S in Biology with a concentration in Biomedical Sciences in 2022. Outside of work, Yoana loves to read, weight-lift, hike, bake, and spend quality time with her family.
PSU EAGLES SCHOLAR Spotlights
Niles Abbott
Major: Environmental Science and Urban Public Affairs
Research Interests: Environmental justice, green space access, sustainable urban development
Hobbies: Reading comics, journaling, and exploring
Favorite Experience in EAGLES: Working with my mentor
I'm looking forward to: Meeting new mentors and faculty, expanding my knowledge of Environmental Science
About Me: One of my biggest goals in life is to help others in any way I can. With the recent climate impact around the globe and my community in the Bay Area, I've decided the best way to do that is through initiating change through environmental science. I'm passionate about my family and improving myself through the challenging courses and curriculum. As a student with an enthusiasm for learning, I know I can play a vital part in changing the world for the better.
Tamm Fierro
Major: Environmental Science
About Me: Hey there! I'm Tamm, (they/them) and I'm originally from Cincinnati, Ohio! My major is focused on climate change and adaptation in the face of climate crisis. The intersection between environmental pollutants and climate change, and how the mitigation and alleviation of these issues often go hand in hand, is my main research interest. An example of this intersection might be the increasing wildfires across the Pacific Northwest. These events not only devastate the landscape, but also create ash; Ash which in turn can be made of building, agriculture, and industrial materials, which in turn often ends up in waterways such as lakes, streams, and reservoirs. It is this kind of research that being an EAGLES scholar will help me move towards and give me the skills, knowledge, and experience in order to be successful in my future endeavors.
Devin Forest-Hines
Major: Environmental Science
Research Interests: Invasive species, estuaries and wetland ecology, lichens as contaminant indicators, and marine-derived nutrient effects on terrestrial ecosystems
Hobbies: Playing fiddle, banjo and guitar in my square dance band; reading, going on long bike rides, running, fossil hunting, and going on long walks while listening to podcasts.
Favorite Experience in EAGLES: Our trip to Heritage University was amazing and very fun!
I'm looking forward to: Trips and events! I am also excited to learn more about summer internship opportunities and professional development workshops, and to get to know fellow eagles scholars.
Jason Grajales
Major: Civil Engineering
Research Interests: Transportation
Hobbies: Drawing
Favorite Experience in EAGLES: The assistance it has provided me through connections and mentorship.
Kelsey Hefner
Major: Environmental Science
Research Interests: Watershed and Snow Hydrology
Hobbies: Yoga, snowboarding, camping, kayaking, spending time with my partner and my bunny.
I'm looking forward to: Getting to know our cohort better, connecting with other Environmental Science majors, and attending fun events.
Melissa Kellogg
Major: Environmental Engineering
Research Interests: Water resources and soil remediation
Hobbies: In my free time I like to watch documentaries, read, hike to waterfalls, and exercise.
I'm looking forward to: I'm looking forward to connecting with my fellow EAGLES scholars and the staff because I enjoy learning from others and listening about other people's experiences.
Laurel Liebeseller
Major: Environmental Science
About Me: Hi there! My name is Laurel Liebeseller (she/her) and I am a sophomore at PCC. I will be transferring to PSU in the Winter to begin my Junior year of college. My goal at PSU is to achieve a Bachelors of Science in Environmental Studies with a minor in Indigenous Studies. I am specifically interested in the restoration of various ecosystems and what I can do to help our environment adapt to climate change. I am also deeply interested in connecting communities to the environment to help ensure sustainable practices in the future. EAGLES will help me reach my goals by giving me not only financial resources, but invaluable knowledge through networking, apprenticing, and mentoring that I look forward to bringing into my future careers.
Juniper Lund
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Research Interests: Additive Manufacturing
Hobbies: 3D Printing, running the Portland Keyboard Club (PDXKBC), painting, watching cartoons, working in the laser lab at PSU
Favorite experience in EAGLES: Meeting all of the people in the program and hearing about their passions and background experience.
I'm looking forward to: Meeting my mentors and starting to form connections in my field
Matt Moller
Major: Environmental Science
About Me: I'm a freshman and majoring in environmental science, with a minor in biology. Environmental pollution alleviation piqued my interest, because all of my passions are tied to the wellbeing of Portland, and the planet. I'm a student that has explored Portland's urban landscapes, lush with life; a gardener that has grown backyard vegetables every year; an athlete that spends weekends darting through dirt trails. Somewhere along the line, my passions intertwined with my fondness for science and led me towards environmental studies. It is my hope that through the knowledge and experience I gain with EAGLES, I will be better prepared to protect the forests of Portland that have nourished my passions and life.
Mary Munt
Major: Environmental Science
Research Interests: Biochemistry, hydrology, and pedology
Hobbies: I love hiking and backpacking, road trips, live music and festivals, gardening, and making art!
Favorite Experience in EAGLES: Our trip to Heritage University in Yakima was incredibly interesting and thought provoking. Being accepted into this program was the first time I'd felt like a part of the world of university, for which I am forever grateful!
I'm looking forward to: Networking with fellow STEM students and finding more ways to get involved with research.
Moira Painter
Major: Environmental Studies
Research Interests: Urban environmental planning, pollution, and natural resource management
Hobbies: Reading, magic the gathering, backpacking, camping, and video games
Favorite Experience in EAGLES: Our trip to Heritage University was amazing and very fun!
I'm looking forward to: Meeting and building relationships with faculty, staff, and students. I also hope to explore opportunities for field work and lab experience. I am excited to make connections with other school and government programs in my degree field.
Trinity Perrin
Major: Environmental Science and Management
About Me: Nice to meet you! I am Trinity Perrin and this is my second year at PSU and second year in the EAGLES program. I went to Clark College for two years and received my associates degree, then decided to narrow my studies at Portland State while majoring in Environmental Science and Management. Environmental pollution alleviation is important to me because we only have one planet and we need to do what's best to protect it. Areas that interest me are environmental ethics, laws and regulations, sustainability, and systematic solutions. I find nature valuable and want to work in a career that improves environmental health. EAGLES helps me do this by expanding my connections, providing me new knowledge, and financially supporting me to finish my studies in this field.
Jovanna Quezada-Montano
Major: Civil and Environmental Engineering with a minor in Sustainable Urban Development
Research Interests: Sustainable and resilient infrastructure. Environmental justice. Community development. Transportation engineering.
Hobbies: Snowboarding, gardening, cooking, and creating art.
Favorite Experience in EAGLES: Learning about lamprey, salmon, and trout at the Yakima Nation Fisheries.
I'm looking forward to: Connecting with students, faculty, and community members, leaders, and professionals. Expanding my skills. Attending conferences, professional development workshops, and events.
Adan Robles
Major: Mechanical Engineering
About Me: I will be coming into this Fall semester as a transfer student from Heritage University. My major is Mechanical Engineering and this will be my Junior year. The interest I have over environmental pollution is how we could reduce climate change with air transportation. EAGLES will help me reach my goals by providing me guidance and support throughout my experience at PSU.
Brandan Smith
Major: Biology
Research Interests: Using microbes to reduce pollution in rivers
Hobbies: Painting, Cooking like Ramsey, The occasional video game, and going to all the amazing events in Portland like improv, paint galleries, OMSI and much more.
Favorite Experience in EAGLES: The amount of amazing support from not just the staff but also other members within the program.
Jacob Swanson
Major: Environmental Science
Research Interests: Toxicology, specifically microplastics and endocrine disrupting chemicals, in addition to biogeochemistry.
Hobbies: Backpacking, camping, canoeing, yoga, gardening, volunteering with the community, reading, and spending time with my partner and dog Sequoia.
Favorite Experience in EAGLES: I have really enjoyed getting to know the rest of the EAGLES scholars, and professors!
Romeo Swanson
Major: Geography and Geology
Research Interests: Watersheds, Native salmon and lamprey populations
Hobbies: Going outside! I love adventuring around the coast and lots of places out east from Portland. I also love working with kids of all ages at a variety of different camps and school settings.
Favorite Experience in EAGLES: I love how the program provides you with lots of great resources and people to ask questions to. You get to work with consistently and personally with the other eagles scholars and the staff helping run this program.
Saraswathi Tummuru
Major: Biology
Hobbies: In my free time, I like to bake, paint, and discover new music!
Favorite Experience in EAGLES: I loved meeting new people at monthly meetings and building new connections!
I'm looking forward to: I am looking forward to getting to know people in my cohort, and finding new opportunities that may interest me!
Khan Tung
About Me: My name is Khan, I am in my 3rd year of college. I arrived in the United States in 2015 with my mom and my younger sister. I am a former Project Zero intern with Columbia Slough Watershed Council through PGE (Portland General Electric). I was also an interned at the City of Gresham from 2017-2019. With the City of Gresham, I worked on natural resources and storm drains, as well as other tasks through the City that helped me grow academically and socially which also leaded me to interest into environmental and nature. I am currently working for Sound Native Plants, position in Maintains and Installation which making a hug impact to the community and the environment by cleaning bioswales, spraying invasive species, and doing restoration. With that being said, EAGLES would definitely help me to reach my goals by helping me to climb to the top of the mountains and pushing me through all my obstacles since I have nothing else that would support me when I am about to fall. Therefore, EAGLES would be like a mom who will motivate her kids when they feel they can't do it and like a dad who would holds his kids and protects them as he leads to the other side of the wall.
Amar Umer
Major: Biology
About Me: My name is Amar Umer. I am starting the fall 2021 term as a sophomore, but I will be a junior by the end of the term. I am a biology major and transferred from Portland Community College. I am interested in environmental pollution alleviation because it guides everyone in the direction of following better practices that promote environmental health and biodiversity. It also interests me because working on environmental sustainability and creating a planet free of pollution that we and the future generation call home is at the core of the program. I believe EAGLES will help me gain the knowledge I need to reduce environmental pollution and create awareness among others about the cause.
Annie Wang
Major: Biology
About Me: My name is Annie Wang and I’m currently starting my freshman year of college. I’m studying to be a biology major and environmental pollution alleviation interests me in how it can be applied to our current climate crisis. It’s intriguing to come up with ideas on how to ease pollution, or how to clean up nuclear waste, or how to clean up the pollutants in the water around us. Even if it’s not possible right now, brainstorming ideas and trying to make them a reality is always challengingly fun. By participating in Eagles, it will allow me to discover multiple ways of how to implement ideas into reality and grant me the opportunity to expand my mindset via the multiple opportunities and experiences that I am lucky to be a part of in the future.
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