2025 Graduation Highlights: CREST Celebrates the Achievements of Its Graduates!
Jahnelle Howe
Ph.D. in Earth and Environmental Sciences from the Graduate Center of New York |
Advanced Science Research Center (ASRC)
Jahnelle’s inspiration for wanting to become a scientist stemmed from growing up in Montserrat, an island with an active volcano. Volcanic Ash storms and rumbles always fascinated her and drove her curiosity about the environment and why it behaved the way it did. From that young age, Jahnelle decided to pursue a career in science.
Pursuing a graduate degree helped Jahnelle mature as a person, learn resiliency, and explore her capabilities. She said, “I can say with confidence that the “Jahnelle” who started the PhD program is not the one who completed it, and I am proud, more than anything, of that evolution.”
Jahnelle believes that mentorship is a powerful tool and when done by someone with genuine passion and intention, it can profoundly shape a person’s career and life journey. She is deeply grateful to her mentor, Dr. Shakila Merchant, whose commitment to mentorship has been instrumental in her academic and personal growth. “Dr. Shakila Merchant approaches mentorship with the same seriousness and dedication that she brings to all her responsibilities. Her guidance has been invaluable, from supporting me through my bachelor’s degree to encouraging me to pursue a master’s program, and standing by me throughout my Ph.D. journey. She consistently inspires me to aim for excellence, while allowing me to pursue my goals uniquely. Her mentorship is never forceful, instead, she offers a supportive presence that empowers me to follow my own path while receiving her constant support, fostering a special bond.”
When asked to offer a word of advice to current and future CCNY students, Jahnelle said, “I would give the advice that my mentor, Dr. Shakila Merchant, gave me: “Master learning how to be comfortable in uncomfortable spaces because then you have unlocked the key to life.” She also emphasized the importance of resiliency and persistence. “Thank you, Dr. Merchant, for not just all that you’ve done for me but also for those who’ve come beforeme and those who will come after me. Your legacy will never be forgotten and will be spoken about for generations to come.”
Jahnelle is excited to apply the skills and knowledge from my academic career to real world scenarios in the next chapter of her life.
Nadia Parvez Kadiwala
Master of Science in Earth Systems and Environmental Engineering, CCNY
During her time at CCNY, Nadia became deeply interested in the challenges surrounding water systems, climate change, and environmental sustainability. Her coursework and hands-on research in hydrology and ecosystem analysis gave her valuable insights into the importance of data driven modeling in environmental decision making. She said, “I was inspired to focus on water balance studies, particularly in coastal ecosystems like Jamaica Bay, where understanding long term changes is crucial for ecosystem restoration and resilience.”
Nadia believes that she has grown into a more confident and capable environmental engineer at CCNY. “I developed advanced technical skills in hydrological modeling, GIS, MATLAB, and environmental data analysis through independent research and team projects. And personally, I have learned to manage complex workloads, communicate scientific findings effectively, and remain committed to my goals despite challenges. These experiences have prepared me to step into the professional world filled with competence and purpose.”
Nadia is grateful to her mentor, Dr. Shakila Merchant. “Being mentored by Dr. Merchant has been the most impactful part of my academic journey. She closely guided my work on hydrological modeling of West Pond in Jamaica Bay, where I analyzed long-term water balance changes, storm surge impacts, and tidal dynamics. Her insight and encouragement helped me think critically, refine my research methods, and explore innovative ways to model and communicate environmental change. Her mentorship gave me the confidence to trust my ideas and pursue meaningful solutions.”
Nadia is excited to apply the skills she has gained at CCNY to the real-world challenges. “Whether through environmental consulting or continued research, I want to be part of developing sustainable strategies that protect natural systems and support vulnerable communities, especially in coastal and urban areas.”
When asked to offer a word of advice to current and future CCNY students, Nadia said, “Get involved early in research and applied projects. Don’t be afraid to explore unfamiliar tools or topics and grow by stepping out of your comfort zone. Find mentors who challenge and support you and be consistent in your efforts. Everything you learn builds your foundation, even if the results aren’t immediate.”
Nadia is deeply thankful to the mentors, faculty, and peers at CCNY who have guided and encouraged her every step of the way.
