Chase Morris

Advisor: Brian Bledsoe

I grew up in Canton, GA where metro Atlanta meets the Appalachian mountains. Growing up so close to the mountains and always having a “miniature zoo” of pets in the house, I always had an abounding love and appreciation for nature. I went to Clemson University for my Bachelors of Science degree in Biosystems Engineering where I further developed my love of nature alongside my ability to apply engineering solutions for the conservation of natural resources. When I learned of the Natural Infrastructure Fellowship at UGA with Ducks Unlimited, I knew that it would be the perfect fit for me due to my love for wetlands and their ecosystem services! I plan to pursue a MS in Environmental Engineering under Dr. Brian Bledsoe. While studying Environmental Engineering, I hope to pursue research into more effective wetland management, restoration and creation techniques to maximize their natural benefits for both society and nature!

Kathryn Kahn

Advisor: Alysha Helmrich

My name is Katie Kahn, and I am originally from Alpharetta, Georgia. I recently received my B.S. in Environmental Engineering from UGA and I am now pursing an M.S. in Civil and Environmental Engineering as a Double Dawg! I worked on IRIS projects in urban resiliency systems as an undergraduate researcher, which led to my interest in the fellowship. In partnership with Duck Unlimited, my work now focuses on efficiently finding connection points for various agencies/organizations to support natural infrastructure projects. One day I hope to work as a Professional Engineer in the environmental field conserving our waterways and surrounding ecosystems.

Yubil Tejada

Advisor: Whitney Pagan

My name is Yubil Tejada and I’m a Master of Civil and Environmental Engineering student at the University of Georgia. I earned my B.S. in Civil Engineering, along with a Certificate in Water Resources from the University of Georgia in May 2025. My graduate advisor is Dr. Whitney Pagan, head of the I-HYDRO Lab. My graduate research is a collaborative effort with fellow UGA graduate student Sarah Weese to develop a comprehensive management plan for multiple wetland units within the Otter Creek Wildlife Management Area near Chelsea, IA. I enjoy working on engineering projects that encompass new site developments, stream crossings, and stormwater-management systems.

Alexander Babinski

Advisor: Brian Bledsoe

Hi! My name is Alex Babinski, and I am from Westlake, Ohio, which is a quick bike ride to Lake Erie, part of the Cleveland metro area, and nearby the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. I gained a bachelors in “Food, Agricultural, and Biological Engineering” with an Ecological Engineering specialization from The Ohio State University. Through research experience at Ohio State and summer work with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, my desire to work at the forefront of interdisciplinary environmental work grew. The opportunity to work on freshwater systems like those I grew up with as an Environmental Engineering masters student under Dr. Brian Bledsoe, and alongside other students, IRIS, and Ducks Unlimited, will be an exciting way to contribute to maximizing the benefits of natural infrastructure by incorporating ecosystems and planning into engineering design for the benefit of communities. My research will attempt to integrate new engineering practices in freshwater systems with stakeholder decision-making. I look forward to getting to know Athens, the rest of Georgia, and any other locations that work may travel!

Sarah Weese

Advisor: Rhett Jackson

Hi! My name is Sarah Weese! I am from Brunswick, GA right on the Georgia coast. Growing up in the Golden Isles I gained a deep appreciation for my natural environment. Almost every afternoon growing up you’d find me sailing right off the wharf or on the beach. I have always loved water and completed my undergrad here at the University of Georgia in Natural Resource Management with my work focusing on water and soil resources. My master’s degree will also be in Natural Resource Management under Dr. Rhett Jackson at the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources. I am very excited to work with Ducks Unlimited and to impact not only the natural environment of my project but also the communities that use my project area for recreational and storm water retention!

Jesse Sanchez

Advisor: Matthew Bilskie

I am a grad research assistant from Los Angeles, California. I earned my Bachelor’s of Science in Environmental Engineering at The University of Georgia in 2025. I’m currently a Ducks Unlimited Fellow at UGA, pursuing a Master’s of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering. My research is centered on coastal resilience and hydrodynamic modeling to conduct simulations to support site prioritization for the beneficial use of dredge material. I’m excited to be at the UGA-DU team and to have my work help preserve fish and wildlife habitat. Beyond academia, my interests are in illustration, creative direction, dance music, and taking care of my staghorn ferns. If you ever want to be trapped in a conversation with me, just bring up weird houseplants.