Meet the Team

Dr. Liyuan (Joanna) Hou

Principal Investigator

Hi, I am Joanna, an assistant professor in the Utah Water Research Laboratory and Civil and Environmental Engineering Department. I also serve as an adjunct professor in the Biological Engineering Department.  As a female engineer, my long-term goal is to strike a balance between doing research and applying my findings and theories in practice in such a way that ultimately impacted the world. In my spare time, I love hiking, painting, reading, playing tennis, and designing jewelry and acrylic nails. 

Peerzada Madany

Graduate (Ph.D.)

Hello, my name is Peerzada Madany, and I’m a PhD student at Utah State University in the department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. I received my bachelor’s degree in civil engineering at Khulna University of Engineering & Technology in Bangladesh, and master’s degree in civil engineering at Southern Illinois University Carbondale in Illinois, USA. During my bachelor's and master’s, my research interests focused on environmental microbiology, specifically with a focus on implementation of appropriate disinfection technologies to ensure clean water and air for the environment. During my free time, hiking and photography are my favorite things to do.

Tahira Rahman

Graduate (M.S.)

Hi, I am Tahira, I obtained my bachelor's degree in Bangladesh, and my previous undergraduate research focused on studying the ecological impact of contamination in river water and sediment. Now, I'm an M.S. student in the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering at USU. My current research aims to apply the knowledge of environmental microbiology to nutrient removal and bioplastic production in wastewater. When I'm not in the lab, I love traveling and am an amateur fact-reader who enjoys learning about human geography.

Ceaira Howard

Graduate (M.S.)

Hi, I'm Ceaira. I recently received my BS degree in Biological Engineering from Utah State University, and I am working toward my MS degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering. As an undergrad, I performed research focusing on genetic and metabolic engineering of bacterial cell cultures for the production of pharmaceuticals and natural compounds. Today, I am using these laboratory principles to engineer new ways of processing wastewater through the use of diatoms to reduce pollutants. I enjoy doing research and look forward to using my education to better the world we live in. When I'm not in the lab, I like to spend my time outdoors and traveling to new places.

Donald Olsen

Graduate (M.S.)

Hello, my name is Donald Olsen, and I am an undergraduate researcher at Utah State University in the Civil and Environmental Engineering department. I am a senior in civil engineering and will be graduating with my bachelor’s degree in May of 2023. For my research, I will be looking at the possibility of using specific species of diatoms for the removal of pharmaceuticals and personal care products from wastewater streams. In my free time, I enjoy running, hiking, playing board and card games, and spending time with friends.

Angela Zhan

High School Volunteer

Hi, I am a sophomore at Logan High School. I have been interested in science and involved in scientific research since elementary school, and I am passionate about developing novel solutions to global plastic pollution. Through my research, I became a two-time top 30 finalist of Broadcom MASTERS (Math, Applied Science, Technology, and Engineering for Rising Stars) and a finalist of the 2022 Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair. 

Sarah O. Makled

Visiting Scholar (Faculty)

I am Sarah O. Makled, a marine biologist and assistant professor at the Oceanography Department, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Egypt. My research explores the biomedical, biotechnological, and nanotechnological applications of marine organisms, to address the critical water scarcity issues through innovative wastewater treatment. My life's aspiration is to travel all over the world, engaging with diverse cultures and embracing new challenges.