Assistant Professor
onja@hawaii.edu | (808) 956-0967 | Biomed D-104G
Epidemiology
Native Hawaiian & Indigenous Health
Academic Degrees
- PhD (Environmental Engineering), University of California, Los Angeles
- MSc (Environmental Engineering), University of California, Los Angeles
- MSc (Civil Engineering), Ecole Speciale des Travaux Publics, Paris
- BSc (Civil Engineering), Ecole Speciale des Travaux Publics, Paris
Courses Taught
Dr. Onja Davidson Raoelison’s research focuses on mitigating the environmental health impacts of extreme events by leveraging nature-based solutions. Her research examines the intersection of climate change, the environment, and human health.
Her previous research has investigated the impacts of wildfires on surface and coastal water quality and the resulting public health consequences for vulnerable communities. With expertise in both laboratory- and field-based research, she develops innovative yet sustainable green infrastructure solutions to address water quality challenges associated with climate change and environmental pollution.
Originally from Madagascar, Dr. Raoelison is deeply committed to advancing climate resilience in island communities. Her work promotes community-engaged research that responds directly to local needs while respecting and incorporating Native Hawaiian knowledge, values, and practices.
Her research, teaching, and service have been recognized with more than 30 awards and fellowships, including the Women in Science Incentive Prize from The Story Exchange, the UCLA Outstanding Ph.D. Student in Civil and Environmental Engineering Award, and the UCLA Distinguished Teaching Award, as well as honors from prestigious organizations such as the American Society of Civil Engineers and the American Water Works Association.
Dr. Raoelison is also affiliated with the University of Hawaiʻi Water Resources Research Center.
Selected Publications
Raoelison, O.D., Das, T., Guyett, K., Merrifield, R., Indiresan, S., Yang, K., Visweswaran, A., Pierce, G., and Mohanty, S.K. (2024) Resilience of stormwater biofilters following the deposition of wildfire residues: Implication on downstream water quality management in wildfire-prone regions. Journal of Hazardous Materials. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132989
Raoelison, O.D., Das, T., Guyett, K., Visweswaran, A., Spallone, S., Ramos, R., Merrifield, R., Pierce, G., and Mohanty, S.K. (2023) Do drinking water treatment residuals underperform in the presence of compost in stormwater media filters? Science of The Total Environment. 166635. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166635
Das, T.K., Han, Z., Banerjee, S., Raoelison, O.D., Adeleye, A.S., and Mohanty, S.K. (2024) PFAS release from the subsurface and capillary fringe during managed aquifer recharge. Environmental Pollution. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2023.123166
Raoelison, O.D., Valenca, R., Lee, A., Karim, S., Webster, J.P., Pouline, B.A., and Mohanty, S. (2023) Wildfire impacts on surface water quality parameters: Cause of data variability and reporting needs. Environmental Pollution. 120713. https://doi.org/10.1016/envpol.2022.120713
Das, T.K., Raoelison, O.D., Zhang Y, Chao W, Thamiz L, and Mohanty S.K. (2023) Use of expanded shale, clay, and slate aggregates and biochar in the clear zone of road infrastructures for sustainable treatment of stormwater. Journal of Cleaner Production. https://doi.org/10.1016/jclepro.2023.139443
