Meet our Research Team
Current researchers
Abdullahi Abdulsalam
Abdullahi Abdulsalam has been a Ph.D. student in the Department of Environmental Science and Engineering at the University of Texas at El Paso since 2022. He earned his bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria, followed by a master's degree in chemical engineering from the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria, and another master's in environmental health and safety from Maryam Abacha American University of Niger, Niger Republic. His research interests encompass biodegradation, adsorption, desalination, biotechnology, carbon capture, and renewable energy. In his leisure time, he enjoys playing soccer, watching soccer, and exploring the natural beauty of El Paso.
Samuel Ajiboye
Samuel Ayomikun Ajiboye is a Ph.D. student in the Environmental Science and Engineering program researching in the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Construction Engineering since spring 2024 under the mentorship of Dr. Camila Leite Madeira at the University of Texas at El Paso. He obtained his Bachelor's degree in Science with a major in Biochemistry from Adekunle Ajasin University, Ondo State, Nigeria. His research interest focuses on using biological and salt-free electrodialysis metathesis as strategies in brine concentrate management. In his leisure time, he enjoys watching football, listening to Afro-pop music, and exploring nature.
Antônio Shibata
Antonio Emilio Shibata has been a Ph.D. student in the Department of Civil Engineering at The University of Texas at El Paso since 2024. He received his bachelor's degree in food engineering from the State University of Ponta Grossa, Parana - Brazil, and his master's degree from the Hydraulics and Sanitation Department at the University of São Paulo - Brazil. His research interests include degradation, toxicity, and fate of contaminants. During his free time, he enjoys spending time with friends, taking care of cats, and playing videogames.
Andrea Ramirez
Andrea Ramirez is a Master's student in the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Construction Engineering at the University of Texas at El Paso since January 2025. She received her Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science with a concentration in Biology in December 2024, also from the same university. Along with her studies, she has completed 4 internship experiences in the mining industry with Freeport-McMoRan where she worked on multi-media environmental projects for both mining and rod-refining operations. Her research interests include implementing and communicating applied environmental science solutions to achieve industrial sustainability goals. Currently, Andrea is working on a research project involved in determining the Effects of Salinity on the Removal of Emerging Contaminants by Activated Sludge.
Alejandra Loya
Former researchers
Vianney Luna - MS in Environmental Engineering - UTEP
Sydney Segovia - MS in Environmental Engineering - UTEP