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.
PhD. Environmental Science, Class of 2030
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 continuing her higher education in the USA. Nethmi joined the University of Oklahoma in 2024 and completed her master’s degree in Environmental Science in spring 2026.
Nethmi is currently pursuing her PhD in Environmental Science at the University of Oklahoma. She has been a member of the Han NBS Lab since 2024. Her research interests focus on biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, nature-based solutions, water quality, and sustainable approaches to environmental remediation. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends.
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.
M.S. Environmental Science, Class of 2027
Nitu Adhikari is a master’s student in Environmental Science at the University of Oklahoma. She is a member of the Oklahoma Water Survey and the Han NBS Lab. Originally from Pokhara, Nepal, she is a first-generation international student pursuing advanced studies in the United States. She obtained her B.S. in Forestry from Tribhuvan University in Nepal. Drawing from her foundational background in ecological and forest systems, Nitu is passionate about applying nature-based solutions to urban and built environments. Her research interests center on urban stormwater management, integrating hydrologic and hydraulic modeling to evaluate sustainable flood mitigation infrastructure.
Outside of the lab, she enjoys hiking, birdwatching, and exploring new landscapes.
M.S. Environmental Science, Class of 2028
Xavier Williams is a graduate student studying Environmental Science at the University of Oklahoma while pursuing a certificate in Geographic Information Science. He previously got his Bachelor's of Science in Environmental Science from the same university as well as a certificate in Sustainable Energy Systems. He also serves in the Oklahoma Army National Guard as an Engineer Officer hoping to gain more project management experience and in return providing his undergrad experiences in field work and remote sensing. Currently, Xavier works for the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality helping Oklahomans test the quality of their water and giving advice when needed.
Outside of school and work, Xavier spends his time playing games with his friends or watching anime.
M.S. Environmental Science, Class of 2028
Hunter Kysela is originally from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He earned an A.S. in Biology from Oklahoma City Community College in 2023 and a B.S. in Environmental Science from the University of Oklahoma (OU) in 2026. He is currently pursuing a M.S. in Environmental Science at OU and is a member of the Han NBS Lab and the Network for Engineering with Nature (N-EWN).
Hunter’s research interests focus on applying nature-based solutions and ecological engineering approaches to watershed-scale management, specifically to address challenges related to water quantity and water quality.
Outside of his academic work, Hunter enjoys hiking, fishing, boating, and spending time with friends.
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.
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 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.
