Noura Al Ahbabi

Bio

Originally from the United Arab Emirates, I received my B.S. in Cellular & Molecular Biology with a Minor in Professional and Creative Writing in English from United Arab Emirates University, and my M.S. in Biology from New York University, where I worked in the Vogel Lab.

I am now a Ph.D. candidate in the Environmental Studies Program at the University of Colorado Boulder. My research explores harmful algal blooms (HABs) in small freshwater lakes and reservoirs, integrating remote sensing, in-situ water quality monitoring, and social surveys to assess bloom risk and its impacts on recreation and public health. I also aim to apply these approaches to monitoring HABs and red tides in the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman.

In my free time, I enjoy hiking and paddle boarding in Colorado’s lakes, practicing fitness and wellness, exploring creative writing, and spending time with my cat Ivan.

Research Interests

• Satellite-based detection and risk assessment of HABs
• Integration of remote sensing, in-situ data, and social science methods
• Risk perception and behavioral responses to water quality issues

Education

• Ph.D. Candidate in Environmental Studies – University of Colorado Boulder
• M.S. in Biology – New York University (Vogel Lab)
• B.S. in Cellular & Molecular Biology with Minor in Professional and Creative Writing in English – United Arab Emirates University

Faculty Advisor

Dr. Karen Bailey (University of Colorado Boulder)