People

Dr. Khalid Osman

Assistant Professor

Civil & Environmental Engineering at Stanford University

Dr. Khalid K. Osman is an Assistant Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Stanford University and a Center Fellow by courtesy at the Woods Institute for the Environment. Khalid also holds faculty affiliations at the King Center for Global Development and the Center for the Comparative Studies in Race and Ethnicity. He earned his PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin with support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Fellowship and a Ford Foundation Predoctoral Fellowship. His research focuses on the operationalization of equity and justice in the provision of infrastructure services. Specifically, employing qualitative and quantitative methods to develop novel frameworks at the intersection of the natural, built, and social environment. Currently, he is concentrated on water sector infrastructure, working to develop consistent and measurable definitions of water equity, frameworks for equity in the adoption of new water technologies, and exploring socio-technical solutions to sanitation justice challenges in rural communities. He has a passion for impact driven community-engaged research, highlighted by multiple collaborations with local community-based organizations. He leads Osman Lab to develop new approaches to equitable and just infrastructure in a world where climate change challenges vulnerable communities every day.

Meet the Team

Post-Doctoral Scholar

  • Dr. Aggrey (A.G) Muhebwa holds a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he was a United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) scholar. His doctoral research focused on using machine learning and satellite imagery to support critical infrastructure measurement and sustainable development. Previously, he spent 3 years in various engineering roles before earning a masters degree from Carnegie Mellon University.

  • My current work focuses on using machine learning to facilitate equitable access to water resources and improve environmental sustainability.

Dr. Aggrey Muhebwa

Postdoctoral Researcher

PhD Candidates

Allisa Hastie

  • I grew up in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and love spending time outside and want to help ensure access to clean air, water, and natural spaces for all people today and into the future.

  • I am focused on understanding and improving sanitation and drinking water systems in disadvantaged communities in the U.S. By combining qualitative and quantitative research methods, I am working to holistically understand the context of drinking water and wastewater failures and develop community-centered solutions.

Aadhityaa Mohanavelu

  • I am passionate about working on pressing socio-environmental problems that directly affect vulnerable peoples' lives. In my free time you can find me listening to music, cooking, or watching a classic anime.

  • My research in the past few years has been engrossed in studying water systems by employing data-driven tools and qualitative techniques. At Osman Lab, I am currently working on quantifying global water equity challenges and developing systems that are capable of operationalizing equity in pre-existing and upcoming water infrastructures.

Oluchukwu Obinegbo

  • I am interested in understanding the energy dynamics necessary for promoting sustainable development in Sub-Saharan Africa. In my free time, I enjoy experimenting with baking recipes and immersing myself in novels.

  • My research involves studying the significance of infrastructure and support services in increasing industrial electricity consumption, defining consistent metrics to foster energy equity and ensure an inclusive path to sustainable growth, and exploring the intricate trade-offs and synergies between energy equity and the diverse interests of various stakeholders.

PhD Students

Samyukta Shrivatsa

  • I received my B.S. in Environmental Engineering Science at UC Berkeley, with a minor in Global Poverty and Practice. Outside of work, I enjoy experimenting with different dance forms and classical music, exploring nature trails, and practicing yoga. I am always ready for a good conversation on literature, preferably over a cup of masala chai.

  • I am passionate about exploring socio-environmental problems and developing community-based participatory solutions to environmental equity challenges. During my undergrad at UC Berkeley, I worked on socioeconomic correlations of lead leaching in drinking water. I use qualitative and quantitative methods to understand issues around water access, sanitation justice, and climate resilience with a particular emphasis on the unique contexts of countries in the Global South, as well as disadvantaged communities in the U.S.

  • For the spare time I make, I love to: play tennis, learn how to swim (currently can't do 50 yards without panting), rock climb, trail run like a little kid with the homies, bike, breathe in, cook for my pals, eat, breathe out, read literature that does not make me nod off, create obnoxious bios, etc. etc. etc. reach out and let's chat!

  • Hello! I am curious about both domestic and international water infrastructure issues and seeing what needs to be understood/addressed to have them become more equitable and resilient. I'm also interested to know what it takes to tailor new water purification technologies to all kinds of global environments (and discover new sensitivities!).

Kasun Raigama

Shuojia Fu

  • I am interested in enhancing energy usage efficiency at wastewater treatment plants and improving water supply under various climate scenarios. During my free time, I enjoy playing tennis and singing.

  • My research focuses on the utilization of data-driven models and AI algorithms to address water scarcity from a socio-technical lens. I focus on developing state of the art models for optimizing water distribution with integrated social and climatic variables. Specifically, I utilize optimization models with multi-objectives of economic, social, and environmental factors to assess the current water distribution plans and to formulate future distribution strategies under uncertain climatic scenarios. In addition, I combine basic biochemistry knowledge and machine learning expertise to optimize sanitation infrastructure.

Clara Medina

  • During my B.S. at UC Merced, I worked on projects spanning from the equity of wastewater-based epidemiology in CA to understanding how saltwater intrusion in agricultural regions of the CA Bay Area influences the local economy. I am focused on developing sustainable solutions for agricultural water management in California. In my free time, I like to paint, travel, and bake!

  • In the Osman Lab, my research focus involves understanding the social and economic impacts of varying hydrologic conditions in agricultural communities and providing equitable infrastructure solutions.

Veda Sunkara

E-IPER Student

  • I have a BS and MS from Brown University in Computer Science, where I focused on Machine Learning and Computer Vision. I am interested in developing equitable disaster adaptation approaches for communities vulnerable to persistent, climate-change driven flooding. I grew up in California and love to read, run, and play basketball!

  • I am interested in leveraging machine learning, modeling, and remote sensing techniques to co-develop adaptation solutions with the participation of flood-prone communities. Prior to starting my PhD, I worked as a machine learning engineer building algorithms to create flood maps from remotely-sensed imagery, in-situ sensors, and physics-based models for disaster planning and parametric flood insurance.

Celina Scott-Beuchler

E-IPER Student

  • A once-natural and physical scientist turned-social scientist and [aspiring] lawyer, I aim to bring multiple knowledge systems to bear to build equitable climate action. In my personal life, I grow as many green things as I can, baby my cat (Karenin, a.k.a. Tomato), and am both extremely competitive and extremely bad at all games (board, physical, and otherwise).

  • I study U.S. net-zero climate policy with a focus on carbon dioxide removal (CDR) and communities in transition. My research aims to uplift community needs and experiences to inform policies that build new climate-relevant industries like renewable energy and CDR. An interdisciplinary, mixed-methods social scientist and policy specialist, I regularly collaborate with community-based organizations, environmental non-profits, federal and state agencies, and academic institutions.

Master’s Student

Yulitzi Vizcarra

Environmental Engineering

  • During her time at UC Berkeley, she worked on projects ranging from studying microbial impacts in potable reuse water systems to developing community-driven initiatives to combat food insecurity in the Bay Area. She is passionate about creating sustainable water management solutions for underserved communities and advancing environmental justice. In her free time, she enjoys backpacking, upcycling old furniture, and making pottery.

  • Her research focuses on improving drinking water quality and infrastructure in underserved communities by analyzing residents' interactions with their water systems. By integrating community observations with data-driven methods, she aims to identify spatial and temporal trends in tap water quality, trust, and associated health impacts. This work will inform equitable infrastructure reforms and support community advocacy for improved water systems.

Undergraduate Researcher

Sinna Nick

Environmental Engineering, African & African-American Studies Minor

  • Sinna Nick is a student at Stanford University studying Environmental Engineering with a minor in African & African-American Studies. In their free time, Sinna enjoys baking, reading, and gardening with their family.

  • Sinna is passionate about environmental justice and sustainability, and volunteers with Climate Resilient Communities in East Palo Alto as part of Stanford’s Partnerships for Climate Justice in the Bay Area five-year initiative. Sinna’s past research includes working with the Bill Lane Center for the American West to research water storage and climate resilience in California’s Central Coast. Sinna is very excited to be working with the Osman Lab and to have a part in helping to empower and improve advocacy for families and communities in East Palo Alto.

Lab Alumni

  • Visiting student from Carleton College - Physics

    Maeva was part of the Stanford Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship, working under the Osman Lab. After the fellowship, she will begin her senior year at Carleton College, where she will receive a B.A. in Physics. Outside of academics, Maeva's interests include working out/running, cooking/baking, watching documentaries, and traveling. 

    Maeva plans on taking a gap year to conduct research on a topic within one of her main research interests, which are natural resources management and sustainable development. During the gap year,she will also be applying to environmental engineering PhD programs, with the hopes of getting admitted into a program and starting my PhD in the fall of 2026.

  • Visiting student from Amherst College - Biochemistry & Interdisciplinary Studies

    Daniya is a rising senior double majoring in Biochemistry and Interdisciplinary Studies focused on global development and technology at Amherst College. In her free time, she loves to travel, dance, swim, and read.

    Daniya is passionate about integrating community engagement with science to develop solutions that advance global water resilience and equity. Prior to joining the Osman Lab, she conducted research on the sustainability of WASH infrastructure at Za’atari Refugee Camp in Jordan. This academic year, Daniya looks forward to pursuing a senior thesis exploring the intersection between migration and water justice.

  • Master's in Civil & Environmental Engineering

    I have a strong passion for engineering and a deep love for water. From my early days competing in swimming to my current hobbies in surfing and scuba diving, water has always been a significant part of my life.

    With a commitment to equity, my current research consists on a comprehensively analysis of wastewater challenges faced by disadvantaged communities in the United States. The goal in my career is to contribute to a more inclusive and sustainable water future.

  • Bachelor's in Human Bio, Emphasis in Public Health, Policy, and Governance

    Elizabeth grew up in San Francisco and love spending time exploring California. She is a third-year undergraduate student, studying Human Biology, with a concentration in Public Health, Policy, and Governance, in addition to pursuing a minor in Human Rights. In her free time she enjoys running around campus, hiking, cooking, and cold water plunges.

    Elizabeth is interested in researching the various intersections of community health, environmental justice, and migration. She has worked as a research assistant at the King Center on Global Development where she focused on the time cost of household water treatment, as well as at Stanford Health Policy, where she worked on evaluating policies affecting pregnant people at the US-Mexico border. At the Osman Lab, she is excited to be assisting with the East Palo Alto community-based study that focuses on perceptions of tap water quality.

  • Bachelor's in Earth Systems, Emphasis in Land Systems

    Ruby is a Senior at Stanford studying Earth Systems with a focus in Land Systems . She is very interested in cultivating access to sustainable resources and information.

    Ruby has recently been accepted into Stanford’s coterminal program in Civil and Environmental Engineering and will focus her skills on climate adaptation and renewable energy transitions in the coming year. Based on past work with Nuestra Casa, Ruby was eager to join the Tap Trust Study as a research assistant to further her role in Environmental Justice and working to support the communities around her.

  • Master's in Environmental Engineering

    Long term, I hope to expand awareness and funding towards rural wastewater failure. When I’m not thinking about water justice, I love to compete in triathlons, play pickleball, and listen to live music (Taylor Swift most of all).

    My research has focused on water and wastewater infrastructure equity and access. I’m currently analyzing government funding allocation to disadvantaged communities and working towards improving water risk identification in this process.

  • Master's in Civil & Environmental Engineering

    Laura's professional experience so far involved wearing steel-toe boots, a hard-hat, and being an excel-monkey. She worked in heavy civil infrastructure construction in remote sites. She is passionate about improving and developing our built environment for increased sustainability and equity, with a particular interest in developing economies. Laura grew up in the French Alps where she had a privileged access to all outdoors activities, and spent lots of time skiing, running, & biking – these are still her hobbies today! Laura also likes to practice contemporary dance, read novels, and write poetry!

    Laura's research with the Osman Lab focused on the meaning of diversity, equity, and inclusion in architecture, engineering, and construction research. This included the workforce, the aspiring workforce, the impact of design on diversity and equity, and vice-versa, the impact of diversity on design. She is also interested in AI applications in construction and real estate (Proptech/ Contech), leveraging tech to improve the way we build and decarbonize our environment.