Assistant Professor, School of Civil Engineering and Environmental Science
Lori Han, Ph.D. brings a multidisciplinary background to her work in environmental science, with degrees in Wildlife Biology (B.S.), Water Resource Science with a GIS minor (M.S.), and Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering (Ph.D.), all from the University of Minnesota.
Her research focuses on natural and nature-based solutions that enhance water quality in degraded aquatic systems, particularly in agricultural landscapes. Han’s broader interests include natural resource management, conservation, sustainability, and the use of mapping and modeling tools to support ecological decision-making.
Outside the lab, Dr. Han enjoys staying active through yoga, running, biking, and weightlifting and spending time with her husband and cats. She’s also an avid fan of documentaries and podcasts that explore a wide range of scientific topics.
M.S. Environmental Science, Class of 2026
Sydney Nordquist, originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico, earned her B.S. in Environmental Science from the University of Oklahoma in 2025. As an undergraduate, she gained hands-on research experience through the FYRE and HRAP programs, the OU Honors College, and the Han NBS Lab.
Her diverse projects have included laser interference lithography, historical research for scientific publications, and advanced GIS applications. Proficient in ArcGIS Pro, Sydney has developed groundwater vulnerability maps and adapted the Prioritize, Target, and Measure Application (PTMApp) for Oklahoma watersheds and Best Management Practices (BMPs).
Her research interests span nature-based solutions, ecological engineering, GIS, and conservation. She is currently pursuing an accelerated M.S. in Environmental Science and is a member of the Han NBS Lab and the Network for Engineering with Nature (N-EWN).
In her free time, Sydney enjoys reading, gardening, spending time with friends, and hanging out with her cat.
M.S. Environmental Science, Class of 2026
Jessica Burke, a proud member of the Cherokee Nation and first-generation college student, is from Bartlesville, Oklahoma. She began her academic journey with an A.A.S. in Paramedic Technology from Rogers State University in 2019 and worked as a paramedic before discovering her passion for water quality and conservation.
She returned to RSU to earn her B.S. in General Biology in 2023, graduating with honors and receiving awards for both Outstanding Student and Outstanding Capstone Research Project. Now pursuing her M.S. in Environmental Science at the University of Oklahoma, Jessica is a member of the Han NBS Lab and the Network for Engineering with Nature (N-EWN).
Outside of her academic work, Jessica enjoys spending time with her family and dog, and loves outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, and gardening.
M.S. Environmental Science, Class of 2027
Nitu Adhikari is a graduate student in Environmental Science at the University of Oklahoma. Originally from Pokhara, Nepal, she is a first-generation international student pursuing advanced studies in the United States. She earned her B.S. in Forestry from Tribhuvan University in 2023, where she gained hands-on experience in community-based forest conservation and wildlife research.
Now at OU, Nitu is completing foundational coursework for her master’s program. While her formal research is just beginning, she is especially interested in applying geospatial technologies to support nature-based solutions and sustainable water resource planning. She is a member of the Han NBS Lab and the Network for Engineering with Nature (N-EWN).
Outside of academics, Nitu enjoys hiking, birdwatching, and exploring new landscapes, often pausing to admire the beauty of trees and the natural world around her.
M.S. Environmental Science, Class of 2026
Nethmi is an international graduate student from Sri Lanka. She received her Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, in 2021 and worked in the industry before starting her higher studies in the USA. Nethmi started school at the University of Oklahoma in 2024 and is currently pursuing her master's degree in environmental science. She is a member of the Han NBS Lab and the Network for Engineering with Nature (N-EWN). Her primary research interest focuses on biodiversity conservation and finding ways to restore and recover ecosystems that have been impacted by environmental changes or human activities. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends.
M.S. Environmental Science, Class of 2027
Ian Erwin is a graduate student in Environmental Science at the University of Oklahoma, recently having moved from his hometown of Albuquerque, New Mexico to pursue his studies at OU. Previously, Ian had attended the University of New Mexico, where he was able to take on undergraduate research under the university's Earth and Planetary Sciences department, and ultimately obtain a B.S. In the Environmental Sciences.
At OU, Ian has begun his first semester of courses to pursue an MS in the Environmental Sciences, with the goal of providing insight into the best suited areas for the low-impact development of green stormwater management infrastructure in the Midwestern US. Additionally, he has familiarity working with Geographic Information Systems and is working to apply these skills in his thesis project. Ian is currently a member of the Han NBS Lab and OU's Oklahoma Water Survey. During his free time, Ian likes to read, enjoy company with friends, and go on the occasional hike.
B.S. Environmental Science, Class of 2025 | Minor: Geology
Sadie Prigmore is an undergraduate student at the University of Oklahoma, pursuing a B.S. in Environmental Science with a minor in Geology. She plans to continue her academic journey with an M.S. in Environmental Science. Her research interests include nature-based solutions, soil quality, and environmental justice.
As an Undergraduate Research Assistant in the Han NBS Lab, Sadie applies ecological engineering principles to support ecosystem management and conservation. Her work includes recruiting participants for biochar adoption studies, designing focus groups with agricultural stakeholders, and maintaining bioreactor systems.
Previously, she contributed to the Engineering Pathways Program, where she researched underground hydrogen storage, developed modeling tools in MATLAB, and collaborated with international experts. She also led a study on public perception of cement industry decarbonization, presenting her findings at the ASEE Midwest Section Conference.
In her free time, Sadie enjoys gardening, playing with her dogs, listening to podcasts, and collecting interesting rocks.
