2024 Earth, Environmental, & Atmospheric Sciences Student Award Winners

Nima Esmaeilzadeh
Outstanding Geoscience Graduate Student

Nima Esmaeilzadeh is pursuing his second Master’s degree in Geoscience. His academic journey began at Sahand University of Technology in Iran where he obtained both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Mining Engineering. At WKU, Nima utilized remote sensing and machine learning to address intricate geological challenges, specifically mapping of mineral deposits. He completed an internship at the Freeport-McMoRan Technology Center in Tucson in 2023 and will now begin full-time employment there, advancing the exploration of porphyry copper deposits in northern Arizona. He is eager to apply his specialized skills in remote sensing and geoscience, contributing to the company’s exploration initiatives and striving towards a future where responsible and efficient mineral exploration can flourish.

Allison Francis
Ronald R. Dilamarter Outstanding Senior in Environmental, Sustainability, and Geographic Studies Award

Allison is a senior from Louisville, graduating with a double major in Environment, Sustainability, and Geographic Studies and Chinese with a certificate in Geographic Information Systems. Throughout her time at WKU, she has been involved with WKU Green Toppers and the WKU Student Chapter of the AWWA/WEF Water Professionals. Allison has worked with the Center for Human GeoEnvironmental Studies (CHNGES) on her Honors CE/T focused on the biological health and habitat of a karst watershed. Following graduation, she will study abroad for a year in Taiwan to complete her Chinese Flagship programming and plans to secure an internship abroad focused on environmental education.

A. Abraham Tekoe
L. Michael Trapasso Outstanding Senior in Meteorology
Syed Reza Ahsan Outstanding Senior in GIS Award

A. Abraham Tekoe is a double major in Meteorology and Environmental, Sustainability, and Geographic Studies and earned a Geographic Information Sciences certificate. During his time at WKU, he has participated in three research internship programs including the University of Utah REU in Alpine Meteorology, the Colorado State University REU in Earth System Science, and the National Weather Service Buffalo research internship. He was awarded the NOAA Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship and the American Meteorological Society Orville Family Endowed Senior Named Scholarship. In Fall 2024, he will begin his Master’s in Meteorology at Florida State University, with the hopes of one day earning a PhD in Meteorology.

Julianna Brough
Syed Reza Ahsan Outstanding Senior in GIS Award

During her time at WKU, Julianna has done so much for Western and its students. She has been an active member of the Agronomy Club and served as an outreach officer for GreenToppers student organization. She spent time as an EEAS Department Ambassador, worked for the Center for Human GeoEnvironmental Studies (CHNGES), Kentucky Geographic Alliance (KGA), Geospatial Technologies Lab as a GIS tutor, and created an adaptive reuse story map. She’s a part of the Christian Student Fellowship, studied abroad in Ireland, and completed a Geographic Information Systems certificate all while pursuing her passion of sustainability. Anyone who has met her can tell you she is a dedicated student and will be missed greatly by her EEAS friends and faculty.

Dereje Carl
Judson Roy Griffin Outstanding Senior in Geological Sciences

Dereje is a senior from Corydon, Indiana, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Geological Sciences. Throughout his time at WKU, he has participated in the WKU Chess Club and the WKU Geology Club. Dereje has served as an officer in the WKU Geology Club since his sophomore year and is currently serving as the club president. During the summer of 2022, Dereje participated in a Research Experience for Undergraduate program in Virginia and was able to present his research at the 2022 National Geological Society of America Conference in Denver. Following graduation, Dereje plans on working for either an environmental consulting company or a resource management company.