Esteban Andres Cunez Benalcazar

Researcher

I am working as an internship student at the University of Minnesota’s Saint Anthony Falls Laboratory (SAFL). I received my B.Sc. And M.Sc degrees in Mechanical Engineering from the National Polytechnic School in Ecuador and the University of Campinas in Brazil, respectively. My research interests revolved around morphodynamics, sediment transport and machine learning. Specifically, I utilize a diverse range of tools to detect, track, and outline the morphology of various bedforms presents in nature.  In my current research, I am interested to comprehend how biofilm influences river channel geomorphology. The interaction between different sediment compositions—non-cohesive sand and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS)—can play in the evolution and propagation of river channels remains largely unexplored. Additionally, I investigate the rheological properties and erosion thresholds of these sediment compositions  under varying salinity conditions.  Being part of Saint Anthony Falls Laboratory provides an exceptional opportunity to deepen my knowledge in Earth sciences, bedform dynamics and fluids mechanics within its multidisciplinary environment. Outside of research, I have a passion for playing video games and sports, particularly basketball, as well as working out. I also enjoy sharing Ecuadorian culture by preparing traditional dishes, and I love meeting people from different countries and learning about their cultures.