Earth & Environment Team

Suzanne Maher is a physical geographer, which is the branch of geography that is centered on the study of Earth's seasons, climate, atmosphere, soil, streams, landforms, and oceans. Her research is on carbon sequestration and storage in mountain meadow ecosystems and implications for climate resiliency.

Flavia Maria Lake received her MA and PhD in Geography from UCLA. She is a first-gen college graduate who attended community college before transferring to UC Berkeley for a BA in Political Economy and International Development. Her research is on the connections between identity, power, and the built environment in cities; specifically how immigrants navigate gentrification and preserve cultural institutions. She teaches a variety of geography courses and is passionate about encouraging students to think critically about inequality and the environment!

Julia Dowell has over six years of experience in the environmental field as an environmental organizer, environmental justice advocate, and geographer. Her work is grounded in the importance of space and place and focuses on protecting communities disproportionately impacted by environmental harms and climate change. In addition to teaching, Dowell leads a statewide campaign advancing California’s transition to 100% clean energy to protect frontline communities and address the climate crisis. She holds an M.A. in Geography and a B.S. in Environmental Science and Policy. Dowell is passionate about making geographic concepts accessible and fostering inclusive learning environments where students’ lived experiences are valued. Her master’s thesis examined the unequal impacts of climate change–driven extreme heat on two socioeconomically disparate communities in her hometown of Long Beach, California.

Professor Gutierrez holds a bachelor’s degree in Global Studies and a master’s degree in Geography with an emphasis on spatial analysis. Their graduate thesis examined the spatial and social dynamics of utopian communities from the late eighteenth to the early nineteenth centuries, and this scholarly work extended into practice through the creation of a small intentional community formed with fellow graduate students. Professor Gutierrez also holds a second master’s degree in Legal Studies with an emphasis on environmental law and sustainability. Professionally, Professor Gutierrez has worked at a San Francisco-based law firm representing local nonprofit organizations in environmental litigation against major corporations, including significant cases addressing microplastic pollution and its impacts on local ecosystems.

Jane Dignon holds a BS in Atmospheric Science and an MS and PhD in Environmental and Mechanical Engineering. For 20+ years she conducted research at top institutions including Harvard University and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory studying the atmosphere and climate, combining science, engineering, and a love for discovery. In 2007, she was part of the team recognized by the Nobel Peace Prize through the IPCC for their work on climate change. She teaches courses in Atmospheric Science, Physics, and Physical Geography, helping students explore and understand how our planet works. Outside the classroom, Dr. Dignon is a classically trained semi-professional singer and recently performed at Carnegie Hall — showing that science and the arts can go hand in hand.

Deb Shulman received her MS in Earth Science at San Francisco State Univeristy and her PhD in Earth and Climate Sciences at the Univeristy of Maine. She spent over 4 years working at the Center for Research in STEM Education at the Univeristy of Maine. She enjoys hiking, exploring different creative outlets, and going on adventures with her family.