CIELO ANGELICA SHARKUS
Education
DOCTORATE OF PHILOSOPHY IN ENVIRONMENTAL AND WATER RESOURCE ENGINEERING
May 2024
The University of Massachusetts Amherst. GPA: 3.92
Thesis title: "Climate Engineering: Past and Future Risks of Climate Change"
Advisor: Dr. Christian Guzman
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
May 2021
University of Massachusetts Amherst. GPA: 3.91
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BIOCHEMISTRY
May 2019
Worcester Polytechnic Institute. GPA: 3.3
Thesis title: “New Class of Fluorescent Biomarkers” Advisor: Dr. Arne Gericke and Dr. Achim Ecker
Minor: Environmental Studies & Sustainability
INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH PROJECTS
January 2022-Present
IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE AND EXTREME WEATHER ON SEDIMENTATION OF THE CONNECTICUT RIVER
Utilized a HEC-RAS hydraulic analysis software to analyze the impact of dam failure/collapse on hydropower infrastructure on the Holyoke dam
Evaluated the impact of solar energy inputs for equitable outcomes for EJ neighborhoods in Holyoke MA. Described these impacts to a non-profit organization for policy advocacy
September 2021-Present
EXTREME WEATHER AND CLIMATE CHANGE INFLUENCE COMMUNITY VULNERABILITIES
Educated farmers and community members on hazardous materials transport, climate risks, and climate resillience
Develop climate smart agricultural approach to fortify food, water, and energy structures using inclusive engagement structures and practices
Worked with community members to engineer social and scientific solutions to mitigate hazards associated with environmental hazards of climate change.
February 2021 - Present
CHANGING FIRE REGIMES EXACERBATE SOCIAL INEQUALITIES AND INCREASE VULNERABILITY
Geospatially delineated wildfire and erosion risk using raster dataset from CalGIS
Quantitaviely assess the socio-environmental burden of risks on EJ populations, indigenous tribal lands, and transient populations
Developed a workflow for characterizing and identifying communities at risk, engaging with communities of color, and creating inclusive socioenvironmental fire practices
July 2020 - Present
LEGACY CONTAMINATION RISKS ON SURFACE AND GROUNDWATER DURING HIGH FLOW EVENTS
Evaluated potential health risks to community members using spatial and temporal analysis in GIS
Ran a MODFLOW MT3DMS simulation in GMS to visualize 3D contaminant transport
Collaborated with community members to engineer social and scientific solutions to mitigate hazards associated with environmental hazards of climate change.
July 2019 - December 2021
SOCIAL VULNERABILITY AND HYDROLOGICAL RISK IN MASSACHUSETTS
Geospatially delineated hydrological risk using FEMA Q3 flood data in GIS.
Delineated flood hazard areas by social risk and created a vulnerability assessment of environmental justice communities.
Worked with science policy leaders in Massachusetts to enhance flood mitigation plans.
January 2018 - October 2018
INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS FOR FLUORESCENT BIOMARKERS FOR CLIMATE MIGRANTS IN SWITZERLAND
Created a fluorescently quenched nanozeolite framework for use in heavy metal identification in human lung cell fibroblasts.
Used principles of genetic engineering to describe the impact that pesticides had on migrant farm workers
Successfully defended thesis in front of a panel of industrial chemists in Wädenswil, Switzerland.
January 2018-May 2018
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP AND STORMWATER EDUCATION
Performed quantitative analysis on water quality in central Massachusetts including TMDL tests.
Organized compliance with MS4 permit and Massachusetts EPA by creating an educational solution to mitigate stormwater pollution in Fitchburg. The product being a student workbook, educator handbook, and stormwater curriculum that meets state educational frameworks.
Collaborated with stormwater experts, environmental engineers, and educators.
October 2018- December 2018
PETRÓLEO EN ECUADOR: CRISIS DE AGUA LIMPIA
Designed an interactive exhibit on the issues surrounding environmental degradation, protecting indigenous peoples’ rights, and oil propagation in Ecuador.
Created hands-on demonstrations to educate rural farmers focused on: detecting water contamination, treating people affected by water contamination, and methods to remove contaminants in water.
Delivered a professional presentation to faculty at WPI and Engineers in Napo Ecuador.
SELECT AWARDS, GRANTS, AND FELLOWSHIPS
DEAN'S CURRICULUM CHALLENGE
College of Engineering Teaching Award, UMass Amherst ($300, 2022)
INSTITUTE FOR ENERGY JUSTICE
Justice in 100 Grant, ($1,000, 2022)
NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
Research Trainee Fellowship ($150,000 total, 2021-2024)
VALENTE HUMANITIES IN CLIMATE JUSTICE FELLOWSHIP
Bentley University ($3,000, 2021-2022)
ENERGY TRANSITION INSTITUTE
Elevating Equity Values in the Transition of the Energy System Fellowship, (2021-2024)
AMERICAN WATER WORKS ASSOCIATION
HDR One Water Industry Scholarship ($10,000, 2021)
UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS AMHERST TEACHING FELLOWSHIP
College of Engineering ($8,000, 2021)
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award ($500, 2021)
AGENTS OF CHANGE
Agents of Change Environmental Health Fellowship ($1,000, 2021)
INSTITUTE OF DIVERSITY SCIENCES
Seed grant award ($12,000, 2021)
NORTHEAST CLIMATE ADAPTATION SCIENCE CENTER
Fellowship award ($34,000, 2020)
SPAULDING-SMITH FELLOWSHIP
UMass Amherst ($70,000, 2020)