Rachel C. Glade (CV)
Department Spotlight
Assistant Professor 
I’m broadly interested in self-organized patterns and how they can (or can’t!) provide insight into natural processes. A major thread of my research involves (slowly) learning how to make connections between geomorphology and soft matter + statistical physics in a variety of systems, including arctic hillslopes and fluvial sediment transport.

David Cúñez (website)
Research Scientist
PhD University of Campinas
Postdoc University of Rochester; RIT
I am highly motivated to understand how granular materials present in our daily lives play a role in industrial and geophysical applications. My research explores how the properties of individual grains such as shape, friction, and cohesion can govern bulk responses by bridging soft matter physics, geomorphology, and materials engineering. I approach these questions through a combination of experiments, numerical modeling, and theory.

Molly Maenner
PhD Student (co-advised by Tolulope Olugboji)
I am interested in using seismic techniques to study the near-surface environment. Most of my research so far has involved precipitation (such as water and snow) interaction with the crust and the effects it has on seismic wave frequencies and velocities.

Jack Lassey-Ryan
PhD Student
I’m fascinated by granular materials and their fundamental physics. My past research has focused on how particle geometry can change the way particles behave and cause changes in the structure and movement of granular systems. I hope to explore how fundamental granular physics informs our understanding of geophysical systems.

William Jiang
Undergrad, Chemical Engineering
I am interested in macroplastic sediment movement and running simulations. My current research involves collecting and categorizing macroplastics around the Genesee River, as I hope to model and simulate these uniquely shaped sediment particles.

Eitan Sacks
Undergrad, Mechanical Engineering
Project: Effects of Irregularly Shaped Particles in Granular Flows

I’m currently using discrete element simulations (LIGGGHTS) to study how particles with negative curvature (e.g., staples) and other interesting shapes impact granular flows in a rotating drum.

Natália Bigolin Groff
Undergrad, Mechanical Engineering major/Environmental Engineering and Anthropology minor
Project: The Impact of Granular Segregation on Runout Distances of Landslides and Debris Flows

I am interested in how a better understanding of physical processes can improve the prediction of geo-hydrological hazards. I care about how those predictions help people prepare for and live with natural hazards, and about how people around the world perceive and respond to these hazards.

Cyrano de Bergerac (AKA Sir Nose D’VoidOfFunk)
Field Technician
I prefer a hands-on approach to geomorphology. My primary area of research focuses on the initiation and subsequent dynamics of granular avalanches and flows ranging from dry to saturated conditions (the muddier the better). I take a holistic approach, using all senses- especially taste and smell- to study material properties. I also dabble in ecology, and have developed a fondness for crunchy dried sticks and succulent spring flowers.

Dr. Nacere Mohamed Samassi
PhD Student, Graduated 2026
Dissertation: “Investigating the Role of Sediment Cohesion in Fluvial Processes through Laboratory Experiments and Computer Simulations”

Dr. JohnPaul Sleiman
PhD Student, Graduated 2026
Dissertation: “From Frost Heave to Lobate Flow: Connecting Solifluction Patterns, Climate Forcing, and Soil Mechanics Across Earth and Mars”

Sarah Williams
Postdoc (2024-2026). Now Visiting Assistant Professor at Oberlin College.
Project: Force Chain Network Variability in Photoelastic Grains

Dr. Anshul Yadav
Postdoc (2024-2026). Now Assistant Professor at IIT Bombay
Project: Statistical Physics of Bedload Transport

Regan Collins
Outreach Coordinator/B.S. in Environmental Science (2024)
Project: ArcGIS Storymap of Rochester Glacial Geomorphology