Pegah Madadi (she/her)
I am an environmental researcher interested in helping citizens acquire a new and more viable lifestyle. I earned my master's degree in Environmental Design Engineering from the University of Tehran, Iran, and my bachelor's degree in Natural Resources Engineering-Environment from Arak University, Iran. My research focuses on nature-based solutions to mitigate environmental problems and enhance urban sustainability. I have chosen to explore Urban Green Infrastructure Networks (UGINs), which are among the most significant long-term strategies for addressing ecological challenges associated with urban development. To add more personal information, I was born and raised in Iran. I am in my late 20s and passionate about the natural environment, exercising, and drawing hyperrealistic paintings. I’m also a devoted cat lover, particularly fond of black and white cats with hilarious faces!
Recent Publications and Conferences
Madadi, P., & Hoover, F.-A. (2026). Vegetation Thresholds and Spatial Variation in Sustainable Urban Noise Mitigation: A Case Study from Charlotte, NC. Sustainability, 18(3), 1476. https://doi.org/10.3390/su18031476
Justice Kotani (he/him)
I am an interdisciplinary researcher with a passion for sustainable urban development, drawing on expertise in urban planning, green infrastructure, gentrification and sustainability. Growing up in Ghana, exposure to the challenges of urbanization inspired my interest in Sustainable, inclusive urban development, an integral aspect of Geography. I hold a BSc in Development Planning from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and an MSc in Sustainability from the United Nations University- IAS in Tokyo, Japan. I have experience contributing to development projects- working with local communities and international organizations, which have shaped my perspective.
A growing focus of my research involves analyzing how urban planning interventions like green infrastructure and NbS can better advance development and liveability while mitigating negative impacts like exclusion and injustices. In the long term, I aim to contribute to policy and international organisations, advancing sustainable, inclusive development.
Outside of academia, I enjoy staying active through tennis, soccer, volleyball, running, and snowboarding.
Recent Publications and Conferences
Kotani, J., Ivars, J. (2026). Evaluating the long-term effectiveness of forest landscape restoration in Ghana through integrated GIS and satellite time-series analysis. Trees, Forests and People, 26, 101328, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tfp.2026.101328.
Kibri Everett (she/her)
Kibri H. Everett is an environmental scientist, equity strategist, and founder of Key Environmental Consulting, an EDWOSB-certified firm focused on environmental justice, technical assistance, and community-rooted research. With over two decades of experience, Kibri works at the intersection of science, equity, and policy, supporting grassroots organizations, HBCUs, and government agencies to address environmental harms and expand access to funding, data, and decision-making power.
Her work spans sustainable agriculture, food systems, and climate justice, with projects previously supported by the EPA, USDA, NASA, local governments, and philanthropic partners. Kibri brings deep expertise in geospatial analysis, participatory methods, and stakeholder landscape assessments. In just the past two years, her work has directly helped deliver over $2 million in funding to grassroots organizations. Through strategic advising, proposal development, and technical assistance, her services have delivered over $20 million in additional federal and philanthropic awards.
A certified mapping scientist and advocate for data equity, Kibri uses tools and participatory methods to translate lived experiences into actionable solutions. She currently serves on the board of CleanAIRE NC and is a member of the HBCU Environmental Justice Technical Collaborative. Kibri holds a Master’s degree in Earth Science from North Carolina Central University and a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science from North Carolina State University.
Recent Publications and Conferences
Everett, K.H. (October 17, 2025). Using GIS and Community Engagement for Environmental Justice. A Case Study from Cook County, Georgia. Presentation to Leading Inclusive Transformation in Geoscience via an Intercultural Network of Learning Ecosystems. North Carolina Central University. Durham, North Carolina.
Everett, K.H. (July 12, 2025). Panelist. Boots on the Ground. Developing an Innovative Black Ecosystem. NAACP National Convention. Charlotte, North Carolina.
Everett, K.H. (August 1, 2025). How Clean Energy Helps Rural Communities: The Perspective of an Environmental Scientist. Presentation for the Empowering Youth in Energy Intern Program. The Center for Energy Education. Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina.
Joseph, PhD, PE, Lesley. (Host). (August 20, 2025). The Environmental Justice Podcast Lab. [Video podcast episode]. https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-environmental-justice-lab-podcast/posts/?feedView=all
Everett, K.H. (September 10, 2025). Panelist. HBCU Partnerships and Collaborations in Support of Frontline Communities in the Fight for Environmental Justice. 11th Annual Environmental Justice and Health Disparities Symposium. Center for Engagement, Environmental Justice and Health INpowering Communities. Virtual.
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Luca Matthews (all pronouns)
Hello! As a kid, I moved around a bunch in the Rocky Mount-Wilson Area. I went to 10 schools during K-12, but I spent the most time at Southern Nash High School, an agricultural school in Nash County, where I did non-practicum CNA training. For my undergraduate studies, I went to the University of North Carolina at Pembroke and double majored in Biology and Geo-Environmental Studies. I want to do some sort of water/environmental quality work for my career; a government position is preferable. I love crafty hobbies; my favorite at the moment is model kit building.
Recent Publications and Conferences
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