Brett Kelley is a recent graduate from Stanford University, where he earned a B.S. in Environmental Systems Engineering. During his time at Stanford, Brett’s favorite academic activity outside of the classroom was research. After his freshman year, he conducted research in the Stanford Environmental Fluid Mechanics Laboratory, where he compared flow over two different modeled coral canopies. This project turned into a part time job during his sophomore year and has implications for nutrient transport within coral reefs. During his senior year, Brett shifted his academic focus from surface water dynamics to groundwater flow. Beyond research, Brett was both a grader and a teaching assistant for a course titled Understand Energy, Stanford’s all inclusive course on all types of energy generation. He enjoyed working with a like-minded team focused on inspiring students to lead the renewable energy transition. Brett has also conducted fluid dynamics research in Rostock, Germany for a summer and conducted two consulting internships in the civil and environmental engineering field. As a Fulbright Fellow, Brett will conduct groundwater modeling research in the Hydraulic Engineering Laboratory at the University of Patras. Brett plans to contribute to the ongoing modeling of the Glafkos aquifer which lies underneath the city of Patras and is occasionally pumped to supply water to the city during months of drought. As climate change challenges water security in the Mediterranean region, groundwater has become a more common source of freshwater. Brett’s specific project contributions include updating the current Glafkos model with more recent data, refining model parameters of hydraulic conductivity and porosity, and quantifying model accuracy. In Brett’s spare time, he enjoys playing tennis, hiking, camping, and exercising. Brett looks forward to making long-lasting friendships in Patras and doing his best to learn the Greek language.

Mya is a recent graduate of Georgetown University, where she earned an M.S. in Environment and Sustainability Management. She also holds a B.A. in Environmental Science with a minor in Sociology from Skidmore College. Mya's academic and research background is in forestry, marine ecology, and environmental and invasive species management. During her time at Georgetown, Mya worked as a Research Fellow with the Global Cities Initiative and the D.C. Commission on Climate Change and Resiliency, where she contributed to the development of the District's third triennial climate change report for Mayor Muriel Bowser. As an undergraduate, she worked in Skidmore's Office of Sustainability, gaining early experience in stakeholder engagement through campus-wide initiatives and community-focused environmental projects. As a Fulbright Fellow, Mya will partner with the University of Crete and the EU-funded LIFE Phoenix program to study the red palm weevil, an invasive insect threatening the Cretan date palm (Phoenix theophrasti), a historically important and ecologically significant species found almost exclusively on the island. Her research will involve mapping current infestations, assessing ecological and economic risks associated with palm loss, and collaborating with Greek researchers and land managers to develop site-specific management strategies that blend scientific and local knowledge. Outside of research, Mya is a PADI Divemaster and former collegiate coxswain. She enjoys vegetarian cooking, exploring coastal ecosystems, and has recently taken up cycling, an interest she hopes to continue while in Crete. Mya is eager to immerse herself in Greek culture, strengthen her language skills, and contribute to the conservation of a species that represents both ecological heritage and Mediterranean identity.