Z. Mishaal Ashkanani joined the WEF Team and Texas A&M University as a Research Scientist in 2024. Mishaal brings extensive interdisciplinary expertise that spans microbiology, environmental engineering, and artificial intelligence applications for policy research. Dr. Ashkanani comes to the position with a unique blend of academic and practical experience, having completed a Ph.D. in Biological and Agricultural Engineering at Texas A&M while simultaneously conducting postdoctoral research at Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research’s Petroleum Research Center. Dr. Ashkanani has spearheaded the further development of the Water-Energy-Food (WEF) Nexus Tool (wefnexustool.org), designed AI models for health assessment and groundwater governance analysis, and currently leads the irrigation program development at Elsewedy University of Technology in Egypt. Dr. Ashkanani’s international impact includes facilitating workshops on sustainable resource management and membership in prestigious organizations like the International Water Resources Association (IWRA), UN Environment Programme’s Life Cycle Initiative, and UNEP. In a Microsoft-funded initiative to identify emerging AI-relevant skills across industries and analyze market demands for effective micro-credentialing program design in higher education, Dr. Ashkanani exemplifies the bridge between scientific innovation and practical policy solutions. Dr. Ashkanani’s academic journey began with a B.Sc. in Microbiology and Molecular Biology from Kuwait University and is complemented with teaching experience at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee (2013-2018) and Texas A&M University where the “AI in Agriculture” course was developed. Dr. Ashkanani’s work encompasses advanced environmental remediation technologies achieving 99% efficiency in oil-contaminated soil treatment, development of AI-integrated remote sensing systems, and contributions to NATO publications on climate risks and resource scarcity. Recognized with multiple awards including the Medal of Honor from King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the Wolf Award from NC State University, Dr. Ashkanani serves as a reviewer for seven prestigious journals and maintains active membership in organizations from the Natural Resources Defense Council to the Texas A&M Water-Energy-Food Nexus Initiative. Dr. Ashkanani’s thought leadership is evident through invited speaking engagements at major conferences including the XIX World Water Congress and the WEFE Nexus Forum, positioning Dr. Ashkanani as a key contributor to global sustainability initiatives.

Mary Schweitzer joined the Nexus team as Program Manager in August 2014. She brings rich experience in international work and in administration. She came to Texas from Purdue University’s Global Engineering Program where she developed and enriched opportunities for international experiences in engagement, learning and research. Mary has organized numerous international meetings focused on agriculture development and resource management. With Mohtar, she helped develop global service learning opportunities in Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America, and contributed substantially to diversity and inclusion opportunities for the international community at Purdue. Between 2000 and 2008, Mary worked with US and Middle East institutions and research groups facilitating sustainable cooperative research partnerships in agricultural science: organizing regional workshop and short courses. She has experience in administering peer review programs, public relations, and program development, including consideration of political factors that may impact program operations. Mary also has substantial experience in working with NGOs and in peace and human rights activism.