Alicja

Alicja Babst-Kostecka, Principal Investigator

e-mail: ababstkostecka@arizona.edu
tel: +1 (520)-621-6518
Adrian

Adrian Paul, Postdoctoral Researcher

I received my Ph.D. in Environmental Science from the University of Queensland, Australia, where my research focused on the biogeochemistry of ultramafic environments and the physiology of the hyperaccumulator plants that inhabit them. My current research interests, much like those I pursued a decade ago, include the discovery of new hyperaccumulator species and the study of their unique physiology in support of emerging technologies such as agromining. I have recently developed a strong interest in advancing strategies that capitalize on the natural ability of plants to decontaminate soils in industrial and urban settings. Outside of research, I enjoy running, playing team sports, and reading a variety of non-fiction literature.

e-mail: aldpaul@arizona.edu
Kamilka

Kamila Murawska-Wlodarczyk, Postdoctoral Researcher

I investigate the interactions between plants and soil microorganisms​ to better understand their input in the successful remediation and restoration of anthropogenically disturbed habitats. I am particularly interested in adaptation of plants to unfavorable and changing conditions at metalliferous sites, as well as in genetic and physiological mechanisms underlying metal-tolerance and metal-hyperaccumulation traits.

e-mail: kamilamurawska@arizona.edu
Tomasz

Tomasz Wlodarczyk, Doctoral Candidate

My research focuses on identifying and studying native plant species that accumulate and tolerate metal(loid)s. I am particularly interested in understanding the drivers and barriers to revegetation on metal(loid)-impacted legacy mine sites. In my work, I use X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy and remote sensing tools to explore plant–soil–environment interactions.

e-mail: twlodarczyk@.arizona.edu
Manzeal

Manzeal Khanal, PhD Student

I am a Ph.D. student in Environmental Science focusing on plant metal tolerance and the phytoremediation potential of toxic contaminants. My research investigates how plants and microorganisms interact through organismal physiology and gene regulation. I completed my M.S. in Environmental Sciences with a focus on food safety research. Before joining the University of Arizona, I worked as a research associate, conducting studies on various aspects of vegetable breeding and disease management. In my free time, I enjoy spending time outdoors and capturing nature through photography.

e-mail: manzealK@arizona.edu
Jacob

Jacob Galloway, MS/PhD Student

I am a Ph.D. student in Environmental Science with a concentration in sustainability, leadership, and communication. My primary interests include plant ecology and adaptation, the plant-soil nexus, land reclamation, and environmental policy. I have worked on projects involving plant-metal uptake and community garden soil health, and I hope to continue exploring diverse facets of the environmental sciences.

e-mail: jrgalloway5@arizona.edu
Ronnel

Ronnel Nolos, PhD Student

I am a Ph.D. student in Environmental Science at the University of Arizona and a Fulbright scholar from the Philippines. My research focuses on the ecological and health risks of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) and the rehabilitation of mined-out areas through phytoremediation. I am particularly interested in the role of plant root exudates and soil microbes in phytostabilization - the stabilization of PTEs in the rhizosphere - which has important implications for agriculture, food safety, and the restoration of degraded lands.

e-mail: ronnelnolos@arizona.edu
Dilini

Dilini Lanka Wickramasinghe, MS/PhD Student

I am a graduate student in Environmental Science at the University of Arizona. My research focuses on geochemical analysis of contaminated post-mining sites, where natural vegetation establishment is limited. I aim to evaluate differences in vegetation response and identify plant species capable of germinating and potentially establishing on mine tailings. More broadly, I am interested in applying science to address pressing environmental challenges and promote sustainable ecosystem management.

e-mail: dilinilw@arizona.edu
Mina

Mina Chaulagain, MS Student

I am an M.S. student in Environmental Science at the University of Arizona. My research focuses on sustainable restoration and plant-soil interactions in mining-impacted and highly contaminated environments. I am interested in understanding how plants respond to stressful soil conditions and how this knowledge can help support ecological restoration and recovery.

e-mail: minachaulagain@arizona.edu
Ruth

Ruth Muir, Lab Technician

I graduated from the University of Arizona in 2025 with an M.S. in Environmental Science. My project focused on the phytoremediation of mining sites combined with photovoltaic technology, a concept soon to be known as “Phytovoltaics.” My personal interests include ecological remediation, engineering, and art, among other things.

e-mail: rmuir713@arizona.edu

Undergraduate Students

Azure

Azure Henry, Undergraduate student

I am an undergraduate student pursuing a degree in Environmental Science with an emphasis on the biosphere. In our lab I help out with various projects that the graduate students are working on. This involves working with the soils and plants, to helping out with everyday tasks they might need assistance with. I love being involved in this research process and I hope to pursue a masters degree once I graduate to be able to contribute even more to these efforts.

Kylo

Kylo BLanco-Soto, Undergraduate student

I am an undergraduate student studying Environmental Science. Some of the lab duties I help out with include soil sample processing, pH testing, pxrf preparation, and assisting with general lab duties. I hope to graduate with my degree to work with indigenous communities in environmental restoration and protection.

Jacquline Mann

Jacqueline Mann, Undergraduate student

I am an undergraduate student at the University of Arizona pursuing a bachelor's degree in Natural Resources. The emphasis I chose is conservation biology, as I would love to do whatever work I can to benefit the world's ecosystems. My main driver in pursuing this degree is becoming the change I would love to see, and participating in this lab has allowed me to do more of that. I contribute to the research done in the Babst-Kostecka lab, which explores various facets of phytoremediation and restoration ecology. I assist with the research through sample preparation and various tasks that help to further the research efforts of the lab. I enjoy participating in the diverse components of the research process. I hope to expand my abilities in research and to continue to contribute to research that is making a positive impact on the planet.

Former Members

Anika Svensson

Andréa Martinez

Priyanka Kushwaha

Bryan Blue

Zachary Galvani

Madie Morse

Owyn Stokes

Mateo Pimienta

Maritza Roberts

Shaila J. Rios Dominguez

Averi Clement

Susan D. Perez

Filip Pošćić

Gina Horner

Aurora Rivera

Mekayla Crawford

Arthur Bramlett

Hayley Limes