EPP/MSI CESSRST Graduate Scholar, Stephanie Marquez Recognized for Outstanding Contributions to Geological Sciences and Environmental Research

Stephanie Marquez, a CESSRST-II Fellow, is making waves in the field of geological sciences with her innovative investigation into multi-scale changes in soil moisture using remote sensing and geophysics techniques in the Chihuahuan Desert of North America. Her research has been highlighted in the July 2023 Newsletter of AGU’s Near-Surface Geophysics (NSG) Section. Having recently received her Master’s degree in Geological Sciences from the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), Stephanie’s accomplishments are already garnering attention and applause from the scientific community.

Stephanie’s journey began as a NOAA EPP/MSI Earth System Sciences and Remote Sensing fellow during her Master’s program, where her passion for environmental protection and addressing climate change led her down a path of discovery. Her academic journey is set to continue as she embarks on a Ph.D. in Geological Sciences at UTEP, further solidifying her commitment to pushing the boundaries of knowledge in her field.

Currently, Stephanie is stationed at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Richland, WA, where she is collaborating with Dr. Adam Mangel as a summer intern. Her current research project involves the innovative use of a portable L-band radiometer to integrate UAV-based soil moisture measurements with in-situ soil moisture data and other remote sensing information. This cutting-edge approach not only showcases Stephanie’s ability to merge diverse data sources but also highlights her proficiency in applying machine learning methods to her research.

Although Stephanie initially did not set out to pursue geophysical research, her determination to contribute to climate change solutions led her to discover the immense potential of remote sensing and geophysics in addressing environmental issues. Her dedication to learning new techniques and methodologies is evident in her accomplishments, especially considering that her current research project is her first foray into geophysical techniques.

Stephanie’s impact is already being recognized on a broader stage. She recently presented her M.S. research, which focused on comparing SMAP satellite data to in-situ soil moisture measurements in the Chihuahuan Desert, at the prestigious American Geophysical Union (AGU) conference. Her engagement with AGU does  not stop there; Stephanie is also in the process of preparing an abstract submission for this year’s AGU Annual Meeting, further cementing her status as a rising star in her field.

 Stephanie Marquez’s pursuit of knowledge and her drive to make meaningful contributions to the scientific community exemplify the spirit of innovation and dedication that drives progress in geological sciences. As she continues her journey, her work holds the promise of not only advancing our understanding of soil moisture dynamics but also inspiring the next generation of researchers to explore novel solutions for our changing environment.

 Congratulations to Stephanie Marquez on her exceptional achievements, and the scientific world eagerly anticipates the remarkable contributions she will undoubtedly make in the years to come.