LeGo Lab Research Team

CURRENT RESEARCH TEAM 

Director, Landscape Geodynamics (LeGo) Lab

Dr. Nahid D. Gani

Graduate & Undergraduate Students

Samir Pahari is a graduate student pursuing a Master’s degree in Geoscience at Western Kentucky University. His research interests focus on the application of geospatial tools and technologies-including remote sensing, LiDAR, machine learning, and deep learning to better understand Earth dynamics and support environmental modeling, hazard assessment, and risk mitigation. His current research involves developing a flood susceptibility map using deep learning by integrating complex geospatial datasets with remote sensing and spatial analysis. When he is not buried in his books, Samir can often be found on a new adventure. He considers himself a full-time student and a part-time travel enthusiast. He lives by a simple motto: “Go hard on your study grind, then go even harder on the fun.”

Sujan Adhikari is a first-year master’s student in Geoscience, expected to graduate in 2027. His thesis research focuses on GeoAI, geospatial analytics, and GIS applications, with a particular emphasis on integrating remote sensing and artificial intelligence to address environmental and urban challenges. He is currently working on the NSF EPSCoR CLIMBS funded project, AI, Remote Sensing, and Field-Based Geohazard Mapping for Earthquake Hazard and Structural Risk in Western Kentucky. Through this work, he aims to advance data-driven approaches for understanding geohazards and supporting resilient infrastructure. Upon completing his degree, Sujan plans to pursue a career as a Geospatial Data Scientist or GIS Developer. Outside of academics and research, he enjoys traveling, hiking, exploring new places, playing soccer, and engaging with emerging technologies.

Natalie Strader is a junior double majoring in Geological Sciences and History. She is excited to be part of NSF-funded critical mineral project, as it marks her first true exposure to both lab and field work. Through her involvement in the research on exploring critical mineral resources needed for clean-energy development in in her home state of California, she hopes to gain valuable hands-on experience in geological research. Her career interests include volcanology, seismology, clean energy, and marine geology. Outside of academics, Natalie is an avid traveler and a student pilot working toward her private pilot license.

Maysn Hughes is a senior majoring in Geological Sciences at WKU. His research focuses on landslides and slope stability in eastern Kentucky, where he integrates LiDAR data with microscopic mineralogical analyses to better understand geohazards. This semester, he is contributing to the Kentucky NSF EPSCoR CLIMBS project, which emphasizes both microscopic and field investigations of slope stability in the Appalachian region. Beyond his research, Maysn serves as President of the WKU Geology Club. He also conducted a summer internship with the Kentucky Geological Survey. He received Jason Shaw Award and the Kentucky AIPG Award. Maysn is passionate about environmental sustainability, geohazards, and community outreach, and hopes to apply his skills to efforts that keep Kentuckians safe and informed about the world beneath our feet. In his free time, he enjoys playing video games, exploring the outdoors, and spending time with his partner and their cat.

Charlie Lowman is a Geological Sciences major with a strong passion for the natural sciences. He serves as both Treasurer and Secretary of the WKU Geology Club, helping to build and cultivate a community of Earth science enthusiasts. This semester, Charlie is contributing to the Kentucky NSF EPSCoR CLIMBS project, where he is involved in both microscopic analyses and field investigations to better understand slope stability in the Appalachian region. In recognition of his accomplishments, Charlie is the recipient of the 2025 Jason Shaw Award.

Owen Blaylock is a sophomore majoring in Geological Sciences. He is excited to contribute to the Kentucky NSF EPSCoR CLIMBS earthquake project, which integrates laboratory analyses, LiDAR technology, and fieldwork to advance earthquake research. Through this experience, Owen is gaining valuable hands-on training in geological investigations. Owen is interested in pursuing graduate school to continue developing his expertise. Outside of academics, he enjoys boxing, hiking, and cooking.

Dayvon Woodard is a senior majoring in Geological Sciences and is actively involved in two research projects. The first project focuses on the application of Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and associated microanalytical techniques, imaging to examine the morphology, textures, and mineralogical composition of slope sediments. The goal is to interpret sediment transport, depositional processes, and diagenetic alterations in slope environments. The second project is part of the KY NSF EPSCoR CLIMBS earthquake earthquake geohazards in western Kentucky near the New Madrid Seismic Zone. Through this project, Dayvon is gaining valuable hands-on experience in geological research. In the past, Dayvon completed an NSF REU project with Bingham Young University. Outside of school, he likes to spend time in nature, around animals, or even explore local shops with my family. After graduation,  Dayvon plans to continue his education and pursuing a Ph.D. In Paleosciences. 

Allison Blair is a junior majoring in Geological Sciences. She is completing an independent research project in paleobiology that focuses on fossil identification, classification, and curation. As part of this work, Allison is analyzing specimens from the department’s fossil collection, documenting their geologic and paleoenvironmental context, and contributing to the development of both a digital and physical archive. In recognition of her academic excellence, Allison was awarded the 2025 Dr. Shelby Rader Scholarship. She plans to keep working toward her degree in the geological sciences in the interest of paleobiology and geochronology. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, going on adventures outdoors, and going to concerts.