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Research Staff

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Our research staff are as diverse as the projects they work on. Whether they are conducting water quality monitoring or presenting research results at a national conference, our staff share a common goal—to further understanding of the environment through research, education, and outreach.

Mandi Gordon

Interim Associate Director, Research Programs; Senior Biologist

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

Mandi is outside and is smiling into the camera. She is amused by the gray tree frog sitting on the bill of her khaki-colored cap.

Kaylei Chau

Research Associate

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

Kaylei is wearing a pink cap. She is smiling at the camera. A rocky hillside and trees are in the background.

Richard Dotter

Equipment Coordinator

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

Richard is holding a large fish. He is wearing a hat and sunglasses and smiling at the camera.

Sherah McDaniel

Research Associate

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

Sherah McDaniel

 

Melanie Rogers

Research Technician

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

Melanie is standing in front of a large body of water on a sunny day.

Noah Santee

Research Associate

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

Noah is outside on a sunny day.

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