Lab Members In Action:
Deon H. Knights
Assistant Professor
Deon Knights is a hydrologist who investigates water quality issues in coastal zones. Deon uses a combination of field experiments, laboratory analyses, and models to understand water transport and solute behavior in complicated coastal systems, including Arctic deltas, tidal freshwater rivers, and coastal aquifers. His research examines how hydrodynamics control the transport, storage, and cycling of inorganic nutrients and contaminants using reactive transport models. Deon teaches courses in the Department of Earth Science and Geography and the Environmental Studies Program that focus on the interface between hydrology, geology, climate change, sustainability, and lived human experiences of water resources. Deon received his BS from the University of Delaware (fighting Blue Hens) and his MS and PD from The Ohio State University (Go Bucks!). When not doing research he enjoys hanging out with his family especially his wife and kids. He plays tennis, cricket, soccer and snowboards. His favorite part of field work is trying different foods from different places
Elinor Kops
Research Assistant
Elinor is an undergraduate student in her last year of obtaining her degree in the earth sciences with a focus in geology. She is from the gorges Ithaca, NY which absolutely kickstarted her love for the earth and the outdoors! In the earth science marine biogeochemistry lab, Elinor works to process microfossils (foraminifera) in benthic sediment cores to reconstruct the paleoclimate via relevant isotope evaluations. Currently, her thesis research delves into topics like biogeochemical cycling and nutrient spiraling specifically in beaver engineered wetlands. She hopes to tackle how beaver wetlands downstream of each other can alter these variables right on Vassar’s preserve. Via lab experiments conducted on samples collected in the field, Elinor hopes to add to the knowledge surrounding Beaver ponds and their influence on nutrient concentrations to better understand their compounding impacts.
Sebastian Montañez
Research Assistant
Sebastian studies chemical differentiation among heterogeneous hydrologic environments in Arctic Deltas. He hopes to quantify chemical variation among heterogeneous environments within the Mackenzie River Delta by looking at statistical differences in factors like nutrient processing rate and water nutrient concentrations. Sebastian is currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in Earth Science with academic interests in hydrology and water within the built environment.
Jillian Hamann
Research Assistant
Jillian (who's friends and lab-mates call her Jilly) studies biogeochemical exchange in the groundwater and surface water surrounding beaver induced wetlands. By using a combination of field and lab experiments, she hopes to establish a better understanding of the impact of beaver dams on biogeochemical processes, and how that relates to human influences on nutrient transport and concentrations. Originally from northern California, her experiences with wildfires and other natural disasters caused by climate change motivate her work to understand biogeochemical processes in the context of climate change. Jilly is currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in chemistry with a minor in music performance. Outside of school and work she enjoys dancing, trying new restaurants with her friends, and reading books with her cat Tim.
Previous Members:
Kyra Hoffman '24
Research Assistant
Kyra Hoffman from Massachusetts and graduated from Vassar in May 2024 with a BA in Environmental Studies with concentrations in earth science and anthropology. She worked to examine how seasonality and nutrient load influenced nutrient uptake in beaver wetlands and streams. She is continuing work in environmental studies as the Jill Troy Werner Sustainability Fellow, promoting sustainability initiatives and student projects at Vassar.