February 13, 2026
The Luskin Center for Innovation welcomes new doctoral researchers
Learn more about their interests and work
From left to right: Aneesa Gomez-Cervantes, Robinson (Robbie) Markus, and Max McNally
Aneesa Gomez-Cervantes, Robinson Markus, and Max McNally are PhD students at UCLA who have joined the Luskin Center for Innovation as graduate student researchers. Read about each of them below!
Aneesa Gomez-Cervantes is a third-year PhD student whose role with the Center includes evaluating water demand forecasting, economic impacts, and affordability implications of new water-use efficiency standards (per SB 1157) across California. Previously, Aneesa worked as a Hazardous Materials Specialist for the County of Orange Environmental Health Division. She holds a B.A. in Environmental Science and Policy with a minor in Global Sustainability from UC Irvine.
1. Why is environmental policy important to you?
Environmental policy matters to me because it shapes whether communities can access clean and reliable water and whether public institutions can truly uphold the human right to water. Effective policy is essential for advancing equity and building resilient water systems for the long term.
2. What are you most looking forward to in this role?
I look forward to contributing research that helps clarify governance gaps and strengthens decision-making for water managers and state partners. I am especially excited to work with interdisciplinary teams and support projects that have real policy impact.
3. What types of research do you most enjoy?
I enjoy research that brings institutional analysis together with spatial and demographic data to understand how water systems operate and where vulnerabilities emerge. My dissertation examines groundwater governance in California by analyzing how groundwater sustainability agencies make decisions, structure finances, and influence community-level outcomes.
4. What are a few things people should know about you?
I care deeply about the people and communities affected by water decisions, and I want my research to advance the environmental rights they deserve. I am committed to producing research that expands access to secure and sustainable water. Also, I enjoy traveling, surfing, and spending time with my family, friends, and pets.
Learn more about Aneesa.
Robinson (Robbie) Markus, a first-year PhD student in the Department of Urban Planning, is working with our senior director, Greg Pierce, to assess the financial costs for new water service installations. Robbie holds an MSc in sociology from the London School of Economics and Political Science and was a recent Fulbright Scholar.
1. Why is environmental policy important to you?
Environmental policy matters to me because it’s foundational to the future of life on our shared planet—be that life for forests, rivers, animals, or humans. It was one of my first entry points into thinking about the intersections between urban politics, affordable housing, structural racism, and the climate crisis.
2. What drew you to UCLA and the Luskin Center for Innovation?
I’m looking forward to pursuing research with Greg Pierce at the intersection of two issues central to urban livelihoods in California—water and housing. I love research, which sits at the intersection of theory and practice, based on a belief that the two should gradually co-inform one another.
3. What are a few things people should know about you?
I love rock-climbing (in the gym or outdoors), which has been a meaningful way for me to build friendships and community across the various places I’ve lived – Quito, London, Chicago, and now LA. Professionally, I’ve always been drawn to questions around urban governance—who gets a say in shaping our cities’ futures, and why?
Learn more about Robbie.
Max McNally is a first-year PhD student in the Department of Urban Planning and a graduate student researcher with the Center. His research broadly focuses on water resources planning and policy in California, with specific interests in drinking water quality and the water-fire nexus. Max holds a master’s degree in urban and regional planning from UC Irvine and a bachelor’s degree in history and communications from UCLA.
1. Why is environmental policy important to you?
Environmental policy is important to me because, by integrating science into decision-making, environmental policy helps create a more sustainable and equitable world in which both current and future generations can thrive.
2. What are you most looking forward to in this role?
I decided to attend UCLA for my PhD largely because of the unique opportunity to work on a wide range of water policy projects through the Luskin Center for Innovation. I am especially excited to take on new research challenges and collaborate with the Center’s experts and their community partners.
3. What types of research do you most enjoy?
I enjoy any type of research that allows me to see the positive outcomes of my work in local communities.
4. What are a few things people should know about you?
Outside of academia, I love being outdoors, either running, hiking, swimming, or just exploring Southern California. When I do find myself inside, I enjoy reading, playing cards and board games, and spending time with family.
Learn more about Max.
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