Geo-Fly Science Team
Dr. Bo Yang
Principal Investigator and Assistant Professor
Holding an interdisciplinary background with a Mathematics (BA), Computer Science (MS), GIS and Geography(PhD), Dr. Yang’s research is pioneering in its focus on leveraging cutting-edge technologies in Geographical Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, and UAV/Drone mapping for environmental research. Our research has been support from NSF, NASA, USDOT, and Cal Fire, include the NSF’s Build and Broaden, IUCRC, REU, and START programs.
Owen Hussey
Graduate Research Assistant (MTI and NSF START)
Originally a Geology major at San Jose State University, Owen found a passion for GIS while attending his coursework during the opening months of the COVID pandemic. After graduating, he went back to SJSU to pursue an Advanced Certification in GIS through the Geography department, before committing full-time to the MA in Geography program. Along with GIS, Owen has also found a strong interest in remote-sensing and drone technologies, leading him to join and work on multiple research projects, such as coastal eelgrass mapping, highway expansion effects on surrounding vegetation, and prescribed burn data collection.
Melanie Morales
Graduate Research Assistant (NSF START)
Melanie Morales, originally aspiring to teach at Clovis Community College, discovered her passion for GIS, reshaping her academic path. She transferred to San Jose State University, earning a Bachelor’s in Geography and an Urban Planning minor. Now, she’s on track to obtain her Master’s in Geography. Melanie has balanced education with roles at Mosaic America and within the SJSU Geography Department, serving as both a recruiter and a teaching assistant.
Xiangyu Ren
Graduate Research Assistant (Prescribe fire project)
Xiangyu Ren is a multidisciplinary geographer with a passion for GeoAI and remote sensing. She gained her Ph.D in environmental science, and now she is currently pursuing the master’s degree in Geography with a concentration in Geographic Information Systems at San Jose State University. Also, Xiangyu is a certificated drone pilot. Applying her multidisciplinary knowledge and skills in geospatial analysis, she contributes in various projects involving crime prediction, wildfire management, and ecological consulting.
Tou-in Kwan
Graduate Research Assistant (NSF Build and Broaden)
Tou is currently a graduate student at San Jose State University pursuing his Master degree in Geography. He also has a background in Urban Planning and is interested in Environmental Planning. Tou was introduced to drone mapping last year and has been passionate about it ever since. He recently participated in the West Coast Seagrass Mapping Project and is currently responsible for drone imagery analysis. Tou also serves as a teaching assistant in a graduate-level Urban Planning course, where he applies his knowledge to help fellow students
Henri Brillon
Graduate Research assistant (Home Ignition Zone Project)
Currently pursuing a Master’s degree in geography, Henri is interested in remote sensing applications and GIS with regards to environmental and physical topics. His involvement with coastal eelgrass mapping and home ignition zone assessments for wildfire prevention reflect these goals. With nearly a decade of advertising experience under his belt, as well as a love for music and the outdoors, Henri is a true multidisciplinarian.
NSF REU
Jessica Reimann
Undergraduate Research Assistant (NSF REU)
William Lee
Undergraduate Research Assistant (NSF REU)
I’m a recent Geography graduate interested in incorporating a variety of disciplines and increasing my domain knowledge in the natural sciences, social sciences, or formal sciences to conduct GIS analyses. I joined the Geofly Lab for the NSF REU program at my alma mater, and am currently working on understanding the spatial impacts of eelgrass wasting disease. In the future, I plan to take my knowledge and experiences toward working as a GIS Developer or GIS Manager in either the public sector or private sector in the near future.
Rachel Fan
Graduate Research Assistant (NSF REU)
Hao Lan
Graduate Research Assistant (NSF REU)
Boyao Huang
Undergraduate Research Assistant (NSF REU)
NSF START
Alexis Herb
NSF START Research Intern
I have 2 bachelor’s degrees, Integrative Biology and Marine Science; I almost have a minor in Forestry (one class/technicality shy). I’ve also done some Environmental Engineering graduate school work. While in graduate school, I bumbled into upper division math and realized I liked that better. Currently, I work part time as a GIS tech for a fire department. As an intern in the NSF START program, I’m hoping to further develop skills in using drones to collect various types of data, and in using coding/AI to interpret that data. As a person who likes the out-of-doors (and air conditioning :-), I enjoy how mapping allows me to go back and forth between something cerebral at a desk, and outside for field work.
Melina Kompella
NSF START Research Intern
I am a Geographic Information Systems Technology student at Foothill College and an NSF research intern at SJSU. I have worked in wildland fire for the Forest Service, and I am now pivoting to research in mapping fire behavior and management tools. I am interested in the role humans can play in managing fire-impacted landscapes and building ecosystem resilience. GIS technology and aerial mapping are fantastic tools for learning about these ecosystems while mitigating human impact, and I’m excited to use them in my research.
Devin Jones
NSF START Research Intern
I am a natural explorer with a background in photography and post production editing. I exited the nonprofit world during the pandemic and have embarked on a knowledge journey in hopes of centering my passion for the visual world in my work. I am certified in film and post production editing, a licensed drone pilot, and a seasoned photographer. I am new to GIS, but enjoying the ride.
Lab Alumni
Bryan Malone
Systems Analyst at Siemens Healthcare
Bryan is an FAA-certified drone pilot and GIS professional from Foothill College, he is a multifaceted IT expert. Proficient in web technologies, system administration, and managing various projects, he currently enhances Siemens Healthcare USA SharePoint 2013 Collaboration. His diverse skill set makes him an adept manager and team player.
My-Thu Tran
PhD in Geography joint program of SDSU & UCSB
My-Thu earned master in Geography from San Jose State, is now a Ph.D. student in the Geography Joint Doctoral Program by San Diego State University and UC Santa Barbara. Her research focuses on Applied GIS, Remote Sensing, Drone Mapping, Social-Ecological Systems, Spatial Analysis, Modeling, Cartography, and Geovisualization.