OIGP Spring Reception Speakers

Dr. Fushcia-Ann Hoover is an interdisciplinary researcher specializing in social-ecological urban systems. She employs a range of approaches and perspectives that include environmental justice, green infrastructure performance and urban planning, evaluating the impacts of green infrastructure planning in the context of racism, justice and place-making.

Dr. Stephanie Masta is a member of the Sault Ste. Marie tribe of Chippewa Indians, and is also an Associate Professor in the College of Education. Her primary research focus is on the experiences of students in K-20 educational environments, with particular interest in Indigenous peoples and their relationships to academic spaces. As a qualitative methodologist, Dr. Masta has extensive experience designing and implementing small n research in various settings. She has received external funding from the National Science Foundation, the Spencer Foundation, and the Sloan Foundation. Dr. Masta’s work has been published in journals such as Anthropology & Education Quarterly, the International Journal of Qualitative Studies in Education, the Journal of Philosophy and Theory in Higher Education, and Teaching in Higher Education.

Yiwei Huang is an assistant professor of landscape architecture at Purdue University. She has a multidisciplinary background in landscape architecture, urban design, and geography. She is the recipient of the Richard L. Kohls Outstanding Early Career Teaching Award (2023) and the John T. Taylor Award for Excellence in Teaching Innovation (2024) from the Purdue University College of Agriculture. She currently serves as the co-chair of the Climate Action Committee of the Indiana Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects. To know more about her research topics, read her recent book entitled "Outdoor Environments for People: Considering Human Factors in Landscape Design" published by Routledge. 

Francisco Montalvo is a Lecturer and Assistant Director for Experiential Learning in Purdue’s School of Mechanical Engineering. He leads key courses in the Design and Manufacturing track, including ME 26400 and ME 46300, and has played a central role in transforming Purdue’s manufacturing curriculum into a hands-on, industry-aligned experience. Known for his inclusive teaching style and strong student mentorship, Francisco focuses his work in developing a collaborative learning environment for students and external partners.

In addition to his educational leadership, Francisco conducts research on point-of-use water filtration systems to improve water access in underserved healthcare facilities. His work—developed in partnership with the Pan-American Health Organization—focuses on sustainable, decentralized water treatment solutions in drought-affected regions of Latin America.

Previously, he co-led global programs like GEARE and Milestones in the College of Engineering, and worked as a program manager for Siemens AG in Berlin, Germany, developing technical training programs across the Americas. His work bridges engineering education, global collaboration, and public health innovation.

Rooney Kim Lazcano earned her PhD in Agronomy in 2019 and is an alum of the Ecological Science and Engineering program. Shortly after graduation, she joined Procter & Gamble, where she currently serves as a Senior Environmental Scientist. In this role, Rooney specializes in environmental sustainability, focusing on the responsible sourcing of materials for consumer products. She is passionate about mentoring and developing new hires at P&G. Rooney resides in Cincinnati with her husband, their five-year-old twin daughters, three cats, and six backyard chickens. She enjoys outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, and gardening, and has recently taken up baking and indoor plant collecting as new hobbies.