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Jamie Huerta

PhD Student | Center for Geospatial Analytics | North Carolina State University

2024 – 2025 Global Change Research Fellow

Statement of purpose:

Growing up in Northern California, near Lake Tahoe, I found a love for freshwater systems. Throughout a childhood of many outdoor activities, the significance of water was instilled in me and I came to realize that the environment and humanity had a delicate balance. Guided by my childhood experiences, I pursued an environmental science degree at the University of Idaho. During my time there, I immersed myself in hands-on research and internship opportunities, which led me to North Carolina State University, where I am a third year PhD student in the Center for Geospatial Analytics. My research endeavors center on the study of algal blooms within the Albemarle Sound of North Carolina. These blooms exert profound impacts on both the local economy and environment, while also bearing a disproportionate burden on minority communities within this region. The core motivation guiding my daily research lies in the fundamental principle that everyone should have access to safe water.

Description of research:

My academic pursuits revolve around the preservation of freshwater and estuarine systems, particularly amidst the challenges posed by climate change and human activity. In my dissertation research, I delve into the intricate interplay between climate change, land cover alterations, and algal blooms in the Albemarle Sound of North Carolina, aiming to decipher their spatial-temporal correlations. Employing a fusion of GIS and statistical methodologies, I analyze water quality data to track nutrient loading, a critical factor in the mitigation of these blooms.

Contact Information:

Email: jhuerta@ncsu.edu

Faculty Advisor:

Dr. Christopher Osburn (Department of Marine, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences)