Research Staff

Gordon began working for EIH as a research associate in 2011. She obtained her M.S. in biology from Georgia Southern University and her B.S. in marine biology from Texas A&M University at Galveston. Her prior experience covers broad topics such as examination of physiological adaptations, biomechanics, ecological and environmental impacts on populations, and reproductive endocrinology. Gordon has had the opportunity to work with a wide range of vertebrate species, but her primary senior research role at EIH involves the study of turtles. Since working for EIH, she has participated in interdisciplinary projects ranging from water quality monitoring to population demographics and ecology.

Mandi Gordon's Bio

Chau is a research associate at the Environmental Institute of Houston. She graduated from UHCL with her M.S. in environmental science in May 2024 and a B.S. in environmental science with a specialization in biology in spring 2017. Her master's thesis, focused on floating wetland treatment systems.

Kaylei Chau's Bio

Dotter is the equipment coordinator for the Environmental Institute of Houston (EIH). He is responsible for the upkeep and management of a wide range of specialized equipment, vehicles, vessels, and other assets utilized by the institute's research staff and students. He is also working toward obtaining his Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels (OUPV) license to become a licensed captain.

Richard Dotter's Bio

McDaniel is a research associate with the Environmental Institute of Houston. She received her M.S. in environmental science from UHCL and her B.S. in environmental science and biology from West Texas A&M University. McDaniel serves as the quality assurance officer as well as manages supplies for the Texas Clean Rivers Program at EIH. She was also a team leader for the National Coastal Conditions Assessment and leads field operations for the Galveston Bay Dolphin Research Program.

Sherah McDaniel's Bio

Mockrech's background is in civil engineering specialized in geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing. His current research focuses on spatial modeling considering an interdisciplinary approach for analyzing and understanding future environmental and socio-economic implications. He has more than 10 years in applying spatial modeling in a wide range of fields including coastal management and adaptation to future changes, impact assessment of climate change on urban and natural environments, hydrological and watershed analysis, terrain analysis, and uncertainty management in GIS-based models. Mokrech is currently investigating changes in landscape use and demographics and impacts on the local environment.

Marc Mokrech's Bio

Rogers is a research technician at the Environmental Institute of Houston. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in marine biology from Texas A&M University at Galveston. Melanie assists with field operations for the Texas Clean Rivers Program. Additionally, she contributes to field operations and data analysis for the Galveston Bay Dolphin Research Program.

Melanie Rogers' Bio

Santee is a research associate at the Environmental Institute of Houston. He holds an M.S. in ecology and conservation biology and a B.S. in wildlife and fisheries sciences from Texas A&M University. Specializing in fish taxonomy, Noah is set to lead a team for the National Rivers and Streams Assessment project.

Noah Santee's Bio

Soliz is a research associate at the Environmental Institute of Houston. She earned an M.S. in wildlife, aquatic, and wildlands science and management with a specialization in aquatic ecology and a B.S. in natural resource management with a concentration in fisheries biology from Texas Tech University. Her research interests include biomechanics and environmental toxicology. Lauren is set to lead a team for the National Rivers and Streams Assessment project.

Lauren Soliz's Bio

Underwood is a research technician and has worked for EIH since 2022. She earned a B.S. in biology from Lindenwood University, with a minor in chemistry. Previously, she worked with the National Park Service helping to protect endangered Kemp's ridley sea turtles.

Erica Underwood's Bio