People | umcaselab

Team Members

Gustavo AGUILAR

Ph.D. Candidate 2026

Gustavo, a South Florida local, received his B.Sc. in Civil Engineering (2021) and M.Sc. in Structural Engineering (2022) from the University of Florida. He will be joining the University of Miami in Fall 2022 to focus on the effects of the combined action of hurricane-generated winds, storm surge, and waves on coastal structures with the aim to mitigate these natural hazard risks.

Sandesh LAMSAL

Ph.D. Candidate 2026

Originally from Nepal, Sandesh graduated from the National College of Engineering, Tribhuvan University in 2018 with a B.Sc. in Civil Engineering, and started a M.Sc. in Structural Engineering at Texas Tech University before joining the University of Miami where he will be focusing on the form finding of hybrid coral reefs.

Daniela JALFON

B. in Architecture 2023

Originally from Venezuela, Daniela is an undergraduate student pursuing a Bachelor of Architecture with a Minor in Psychology. She is now working as an undergraduate research assistant, focusing on the integration of sustainable coastal structures with their surrounding urban fabric.

Samantha NOWAK

B. in Architecture 2025

Originally from Connecticut, Samantha is an undergraduate student pursuing a Bachelor of Architecture and a Minor in Sustainable Business. She is now applying her knowledge as a research assistant to better understand the effects of wind loads and wave loads on South Florida structures and the potential of various building typologies.

Chiara SIMONCINI

Visiting Ph.D. Student

Originally from Italy, Chiara graduated from the School of Architecture, University of Florence in 2021 with a M.Sc. in Architectural design and since January 2022 is a Ph.D. candidate in Architectural Design at University of Florence. She will be joining University of Miami in Fall 2022 to focus on a historical analysis of the urban fabric in coastal communities aiming towards a more sustainable and resilient future.

Tara HABIBI

Ph.D. Candidate 2024

Originally from Iran, Tara graduated from the Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic) in 2019 with a M.Sc. in Structural Engineering and since February 2020 is a Ph.D. candidate in Structural Engineering at EPFL. Her research focuses on developing FRP bending-active load-bearing structures for temporary or permanent building roof structures, vertical axis wind turbines, rockfall and avalanche barriers.