Past Members

Jared Smith

PhD, Cornell University, 2019
MS, Cornell University, 2016
BS, Clarkson University, 2013

Current Position: Machine Learning Specialist at USGS, Water Mission Area (LinkedIn)

Research Interests: Mathematical modeling and spatial statistical analysis of water resources, environmental, and earth-energy systems to inform decision-making
• Water and environmental systems: watershed hydrologic modeling, stochastic hydrology, flood frequency analysis (open water and ice jam floods), and green infrastructure
• Geothermal energy systems: geostatistical resource assessment, exploratory spatial data analysis, site suitability analysis, stochastic thermal-hydraulic modeling, and direct-use heating assessment

Hossein Kavianihamedani

PhD, University of Virginia, 2024
MS, Sharif University of Technology, 2019
BS, Sharif University of Technology, 2016

Current Position: Partner Engineer at Meta (LinkedIn)

Research Interests: Uncertainty quantification, machine learning, stochastic control, Bayesian methods

Dissertation: Designing Robust Control Rules for Stochastic Engineered Systems

Samarth Singh

PhD, University of Virginia, 2025
ME, University of Virginia, 2020
BE, Birla Institute of Technology, 2017

Current Position: Postdoc at UC Davis (LinkedIn)

Research Interests: Stochastic multi-objective control, power systems modeling, sustainable energy

Dissertation: Sustainable Re-Design of Hydropower Systems for Renewable Energy Transitions and Climate Change Adaptation

CV

Sarah Jordan

MS, University of Virginia, 2021
BS, Carleton College, 2016

Current Position: Project Engineer at LimnoTech (LinkedIn)

Research Interests: Multiobjective optimization of reservoir operations, water resources management, risk and uncertainty analysis of coupled human-natural systems

Thesis: Improving socio-ecological management of hydropower systems under climate change

Nathan Wiens

BS, University of Virginia, 2022

Major: Systems Engineering Major with an Environmental Systems concentration.

Current Position: Post-Bachelor Research Associate at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (LinkedIn)

Research project: Forecasting seasonal flows in the Colorado River Basin and using Riverware to optimize reservoir operations dependent on seasonal forecasts.