CREST Welcomes New Graduate Researchers
Marc Crampe,
PhD in Civil Engineering-Water Resources at CCNY,
CUNY CREST Institute and UNU Hub-R-SIRUS
Marc’s research focuses on improving short-term precipitation forecasting to enhance urban flood resilience in New York City, with a particular emphasis on convective storm nowcasting. He integrates weather data and satellite-based remote sensing with physics-informed models to produce high-resolution, real-time rainfall predictions tailored to complex urban environments.
Prior to beginning his Ph.D., Marc worked as a Geospatial Data Scientist at OpenAtlas, where he developed AI-driven tools for deforestation monitoring and canopy-height estimation using optical and LiDAR data, supporting organizations in meeting EU Deforestation Regulation compliance.
With a background in aerospace engineering specializing in artificial intelligence and remote sensing, Marc joined CUNY CREST for its strong expertise in remote sensing and its collaborative research environment. At CCNY, he looks forward to developing solutions with direct applications for urban flood risk mitigation and protecting local communities.
Dhrijesh Chauhan,
Ph.D. in Environmental & Water Resources Engineering at The CCNY
CUNY CREST Institute and UNU Hub-R-SIRUS
Dhrijesh’s research focuses on understanding the fate and transport of microplastics and assessing human exposure pathways. By integrating field sampling, spatial mapping, and laboratory experiments, he investigates how urban environments contribute to microplastic pollution and how microplastics move across soil, water, air, and human systems.
His academic journey, from L.D. College of Engineering in India to an M.S. in Environmental Engineering at the University of New Haven, and now a Ph.D. at CCNY, has equipped him with a strong foundation in sustainability planning, waste management, and environmental compliance.
Beyond his research, Dhrijesh is committed to translating science into action. He is passionate about supporting communities, industries, and policymakers in advancing water reuse, circular economy practices, and climate-resilient infrastructure.
Niloufar Soheili
Ph.D. in Water Resources and Environmental Engineering at The CCNY
CUNY CREST Institute
Niloufar’s interdisciplinary research examines how hydrological processes, climate change, and urbanization contribute to flooding in complex environments. She joined CREST to work under the mentorship of Dr. Reza Khanbilvardi, motivated by the institute’s leadership in remote sensing and water resources. She is particularly interested in integrating physics-based methods with artificial intelligence to develop high-resolution urban flood forecasting frameworks. She looks forward to creating actionable tools that help cities like New York better prepare for extreme climate risks.
