People

Dr. Christopher Zahasky (he/him) is an Associate Professor in the Department of Geoscience and the Principle Investigator of the Subsurface Hydrophysics Lab at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He also has affiliate faculty appointments in Geological Engineering, the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies, and Environmental Chemistry and Technology. Chris completed his undergraduate degree in Geology at the University of Minnesota and his graduate work at Stanford University in the Department of Energy Resources Engineering in the School of Earth, Energy, and Environmental Science (now the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability). He completed his postdoctoral training at Imperial College London.

In his free time, Chris enjoys fly fishing, canoeing, and cycling through the bucolic landscapes of his home state of Wisconsin.

Vy Le (she/her) is a fifth-year MS/PhD student in the Department of Geoscience at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She completed her Environmental Geoscience B.A. degree and a minor in Chemistry with honors (summa cum laude) at DePauw University in 2019. Her research is currently focused on developing and utilizing novel experimental methods for characterizing, predicting, and preventing bacteria and phosphorus groundwater contamination.

Paul Summers (he/him) is a second-year MS/PhD student in the Department of Geoscience. He completed his B.S. in Geology and a minor in Mathematics with honors at Marshall University in 2023. Paul is an NSF GRFP recipient in 2024 and his research interests involve characterizing and modeling PFAS contaminants in the subsurface.

Outside of academics, Paul enjoys playing music, chess, and going fishing.

Eleanor Louise (she/her) is a second-year MS/PhD student in the Department of Geoscience. She graduated with honors in 2024 and received a B.S. in Geology with a minor in Environmental Science from Central Michigan University. Eleanor is an NSF GRFP recipient in 2025 and her research interests involve understanding the role of freeze-thaw processes on contaminant transport and recharge dynamics in the vadose zone.

Along with academics, Eleanor enjoys camping, hiking, baking, and reading.

Adam Ornelles (he/him) is a second-year PhD student in the Department of Geoscience. He completed his B.S. in Environmental Science at UNC Asheville and M.S. degree in Hydrogeology at Clemson University. Prior to coming to UW-Madison, Adam was the Hydrogeologist for ARPA Well Compensation program at the Wisconsin DNR.

Outside of academics, Adam enjoys longboarding, and industrial design and advertising in the longboarding industry.

Mady Erb Suciu (she/her) is a first year M.S. student in the Department of Geoscience. She graduated from UW-Stevens Point in 2025 with honors and received a B.S. in Hydrology. Her research is currently focused on investigating, predicting and modeling causes of radium mobility and transport in groundwater in Southeastern Wisconsin.

In addition to academics, Mady enjoys trail biking, running, hiking, reading and baking.

Ben Degner (he/him) is a first-year M.S student in the Department of Geoscience. He completed his B.S. in Geology with a Hydrogeology emphasis at UW-Eau Claire. After graduation Ben has worked in environmental consulting as a hydrogeologist and as an Environmental Project Coordinator for Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin. Ben is currently a Water Supply Specialist in the Wisconsin DNR’s Private Water Division.

In his free time Ben enjoys curling, hiking, and spending time with his wife and newborn daughter.

Callie Karsten (she/her) is a fourth-year undergraduate student majoring in geology (B.S.) and getting a sustainability certificate. When not helping out in the lab, Callie enjoys hiking, baking, and circus.