Ara Bayati

PhD Student

I am a geological engineering student interested in developing and applying physics-informed Machine Learning models. In particular, I am interested in unpacking the black box of machine learning models and exploring where and when machine learning models fail in the interpretable prediction of streamflow behavior. My Ph.D. thesis primarily focuses on developing process-based algorithms to improve the black-box nature of machine learning models. I completed my BSc and MSc at the Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran. My MSc research involved processing satellite images to predict surface water quality using Machine Learning. In addition to my MSc research, I worked as a researcher at Sharif University of Technology's Remote Sensing Research Center. I used machine learning and satellite imagery to analyze land cover changes, aerosol pollution, and agricultural irrigated water. I received Sharif University's award for the best master student of the year in 2021 (Dr. Tavakoli Award). I love music, and I enjoy learning musical instruments. I love to travel and participate in outdoor activities.

Hamed Sharif

MSc Student (Graduated)

I am a Geological Engineering student in Dr. Ali Ameli’s research group. My research goal is to develop a quantitative framework to explain the mechanisms of streamflow flood/drought generation in diverse climatic settings. In doing so, I couple novel statistical machine-learning models with cutting-edge concepts in process-based hydrology. Previously, I graduated with a BSc in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the Sharif University of Technology. In my free time, I enjoy playing volleyball and going mountain climbing. Twitter account: https://twitter.com/_hsharif

Hongyi Li

MSc Student (Graduated)

I am a Geological Engineering student working in Dr. Ameli’s research group. My research is focused on exploring the drivers of catchment storage and release processes using statistical models. My research interests include catchment hydrology, predictive hydrology in ungauged basins, and hydrologic data analysis. Previously, I completed my undergraduate education at the University of California, Santa Cruz.

Joseph Janssen

PhD Student

I am a Geological Science student in the Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences Department and the Institute of Applied Mathematics at UBC. My Ph.D. thesis focuses on developing new statistical Machine learning models, including causal inference and information theory models, for identifying streamflow's temporal and spatial sources at low-flow and high-flow conditions. Previously, I graduated with distinction from UBC with a BSc in Mathematical Sciences in 2020. In my free time, I enjoy listening to the blues, science/comedy podcasts, and playing ping pong/tennis.

Mahbod Taherian

MSc Student

I am a Geological Engineering student. My research, supervised by Dr. Ali Ameli, focuses on the impact of snow alteration on hydrologic transport processes. I am developing process-based models to investigate how snow-melt rate and timing alterations affect catchment-scale flow paths and transit time. Previously, I graduated with a BSc degree in Civil Engineering from the Sharif University of Technology. I enjoy swimming, hiking, and playing piano in my free time.

Javad Rahmani

PhD Student

I am a hydrogeologist interested in understanding water cycle components and their interaction with soil, vegetation, and atmosphere at local and global scales. Particularly those interactions that human societies could control and manage to reach a sustainable solution for the growing global population and subsequent water and food demands. My Ph.D. research will aim to estimate the hydrological connectivity of geographically isolated wetlands across the entire wetland-dominated landscapes of North America. I will also develop machine-learning-based scenario analysis tools to inform wetland restoration, conservation, and drainage planning across North America. Previously, I obtained my B.Sc. in Civil and Environmental Engineering and M.Sc. in Water Resources Management from the Sharif University of Technology. In my M.Sc. thesis, I investigated the impacts of agricultural practices and climate change on evapotranspiration and river discharge of a large River Basin in the Northwest of Iran.