Affiliated Researchers

Dr. Oluwasinaayomi F. Kasim

Dr. Oluwasinaayomi Faith Kasim is a lecturer in the Department of Geography at the Faculty of Environmental Sciences, University of Guyana. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Geography, his Master’s in Urban and Regional Planning, and his PhD in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, in 2000, 2004, and 2014, respectively. His research interests encompass urban planning, vulnerability assessment and disaster management, as well as research methodologies. Currently, he serves as the Head of the Department of Geography within the Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences (FEES) at the University of Guyana.

Mr. Colis Allen

Mr. Colis Allen is a Guyanese professional with deep interest in Water Resources Management and Hydrological Modelling. He earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Computer Engineering in 2013 and subsequently joined the Hydrometeorological Service of Guyana as a Systems Development Officer, where he developed the passion for hydrologic studies. In 2019, Colis completed a Master of Science Degree at the International Institute for Infrastructural Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering (IHE Delft) Institute for Water Education in the Netherlands; focusing on flood early warning systems using rainfall thresholds and numerical weather prediction models.

Currently, he serves as a lecturer in the Department of Environmental Sciences within the Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences (FEES) – University of Guyana; with research interests in urban flood modelling, flood risks mitigation, flood forecasting, and the designs and development of early warning systems.

Mr. Esan Hamer

As a professional in the field of Environment and Engineering with a specialization in climate sciences, Mr. Esan Hamer possesses the expertise to address complex challenges arising from the constantly evolving global weather and climate dynamics. His focus is in developing practical solutions that can effectively mitigate and adapt to the impact of such challenges. Currently, he is a full-time lecturer within the Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences (FEES) – University of Guyana. His previous professional experiences include serving as a Deputy Chief Hydrometeorological Officer within the Hydrometeorological Service as well as the Climatologist within the Office of the Climate Change; Office of the President.

Mr. Gavin Leitch

Gavin Leitch graduated with a Certificate in Industrial Relation and Management from the Institute of Distance and Continuing Education (IDCE), University of Guyana in 2007, Social Sciences Degree in Sociology in 2012, a Commonwealth Master in Business Administration (CMBA) in 2018 from the University of Guyana, and a Certificate in Entrepreneurship Essentials 1 from Generation Next Community Development Association in 2024.

Gavin Leitch joined the University of Guyana in 2007 as an Office Assistant. In 2013, he was promoted to the Registry as a Registry Assistant, a position where he served from 2013 – 2021. He also served as the Acting Assistant Registrar of Admissions multiple times with several responsibilities such as approving application, registration, exemptions, change of registration and other related matters. Currently, Gavin works as the Administrative Officer at the Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences (FEES), University of Guyana, where he assists in overseeing the Faculty’s administration and assets. Gavin Leitch is very passionate in his current role and goes beyond the call of duty to meet the faculty/university goals. Outside of my academic career, Gavin Leitch is a driven entrepreneur and very passionate about business creativity and growth.

Mr. Seon Hamer

Seon Hamer is a Lecturer and currently serve as the Head of the Department of Environmental Studies at the University of Guyana's - Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences (FEES). My academic journey began at the Guyana School of Agriculture then to a Diploma in Forestry in 2007, followed by a Bachelor of Science in Forestry in 2009, both from the University of Guyana and a Master of Science in Natural Resources and Environmental Management (Climate Change specialisation) from UWI Cave Hill Campus. My research interests are diverse, encompassing climate change, environmental science, and forestry.

Over the years, Seon has contributed to various studies, including co-authoring a report on the state of the Wellington Park Mangrove Forest, which provided baseline data essential for assessing the health of this critical ecosystem. Additionally, he has explored the role of microalgae in environmental applications, authoring a review on their classification and potential uses. He is actively engaged in the academic community, with a presence on platforms like ResearchGate and Academia.edu, where he shares his work and collaborate with fellow researchers. Through his teaching and research, Seon is committed to advancing environmental sustainability and fostering a deeper understanding of Guyana's unique ecosystems.

Ms. Alana Norville

Alana Norville is an Instructor in Geography at the University of Guyana, specializing in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and spatial analysis. She holds a BSc in Geography (Distinction) from the University of Guyana and is completing a Master’s in GIS at the University of Central Arkansas. With over 13 years of teaching experience at the University and high school levels combined, she played a key role in coordinating the first implementation of the university’s Certificate in GIS program and serves as the Faculty Advisor for the University of Guyana Geographical Society. Her research focuses on urban heat islands, crime pattern analysis, human development disparities, and GIS applications in human and physical analysis. Passionate about GIS education and research, Alana is committed to advancing geospatial technology for sustainable development in Guyana.

Ms. Linda Johnson-Bhola

Linda Johnson-Bhola is a Senior Lecturer and Researcher in the Department of Geography, Faculty of Earth & Environmental Sciences, University of Guyana (UG) with 19 years of teaching and research experience at the tertiary level and 12 years at the High School level. Specializing in geography and urban and regional planning, Linda uses her experience to train undergraduate and postgraduate students in research methods, spatial planning, quantitative and qualitative data analysis, among other aspects. She undertakes research in the areas of flooding, mangrove management, land use planning, climate change and others to address spatial and environmental issues. Linda has authored manuals, published books, chapters and articles in high-impact peer-reviewed Journals, edited Journal articles, managed the Journal of GEOScience and Planning, contributed to the preparation of national Strategies and Action Plans, and functioned as a consultant (independent/collaborative) for local/governmental and non-governmental organizations.

Gianni Vesuviano

Dr Vesuviano is a hydrological modeller at the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, focusing on rainfall and flood frequency estimation for operational use in the UK. He has expertise in rainfall-runoff modelling and statistical modelling of hydrological extremes, and communicating this science and its outcomes to regulators. He has recently collaborated on a model to investigate the effects of land use change on peak runoff rates.

Dr. Mohamed M. Morsy

Ph.D. in Civil Engineering | Hydrology | Hydraulics | Hydroinformatics

Dr. Mohamed M. Morsy is a Research Engineer at the University of Louisiana - Lafayette, USA, specializing in hydrology, hydraulics, and hydroinformatics. With 17 years of national and international experience, he holds a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from the University of Virginia, USA. His expertise spans storm sewer design, watershed master planning, and 1D and 2D hydrological and hydraulic (H&H) modeling and analysis.

Dr. Morsy’s work integrates advanced computational modeling, automation, and cutting-edge tool development to optimize engineering and modeling tasks, enhancing efficiency and accuracy in water resources management. He has extensive experience managing complex geospatial datasets and addressing intricate challenges in civil engineering projects.

An accomplished researcher, Dr. Morsy has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and contributed to various research initiatives aimed at solving real-world water challenges. His work plays a crucial role in developing sustainable and resilient water infrastructure solutions to mitigate the growing impacts of environmental change.

Steven Wells

Mathematical Modeller, Hydrological Forecasting Group

Dr Wells is a Mathematical Modeller in the Hydrological Forecasting Group at the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, with a background in mathematical physics. He is involved in the development and application of flood forecasting tools for research and operational use, both in the UK and internationally. 

Dr. Masoud Zaerpour

Dr. Masoud Zaerpour is a hydrologist and climate-impact scientist specializing in hydroclimatic extremes, streamflow modeling, and climate-resilient water resources management. His work integrates statistical hydrology, stochastic modelling, and machine learning to analyze changing streamflow regimes, natural hazards, and watershed vulnerability across diverse climates. He also leads applied research on urban heatwaves and collaborates with municipalities to advance nature-based solutions that reduce heat exposure and enhance community resilience. He brings expertise in large hydroclimatic datasets, climate-risk analysis, flood mapping, and statistical modelling to support evidence-based adaptation and strengthen the resilience of water resource systems.