Dr. Arif UR Rehman | Remote Sensing Awards | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Arif UR Rehman | Remote Sensing Awards | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Arif UR Rehman, Aerospace Information Research Institute, CAS, Pakistan

Arif UR Rehman, is a dedicated researcher specializing in Remote Sensing, GIS, and Forestry. He is currently a Research Assistant at the Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, in Beijing, China, where he focuses on spatio-temporal remote sensing data acquisition, processing, and developing machine learning-based tools for vegetation mapping. Previously, he worked as a Remote Sensing Analyst at CABI International under an ADB project, contributing to food security by enhancing crop classification techniques. Arif holds a Master’s degree in Forestry from Beijing Forestry University, an MPhil in Remote Sensing and GIS from the University of the Punjab, an MSc in GIS, a PGD in Remote Sensing & GIS, and an MSc in Electronics from the University of Peshawar. His academic research spans diverse topics, including forest classification, afforestation impact assessment, and land surface temperature analysis. With a strong background in scientific publications and GIS-based spatial analysis, he continues to contribute to advancements in remote sensing and environmental monitoring.

Professional Profile:

SCOPUS

Suitability for the Best Researcher Award

Based on the provided information, Arif UR Rehman has a strong academic and research background in Remote Sensing, GIS, and Machine Learning Applications in Forestry and Agriculture. His qualifications and achievements make him a potential candidate for the Best Researcher Award, but there are some aspects to consider:

🎓 Education

📍 Master in Forestry (Professional Degree) (2019 – 2021)

  • Institution: Beijing Forestry University, China 🇨🇳
  • Field: Forest Management
  • Final Grade: A+
  • Thesis: Feasibility of combining Landsat-8 data with ancillary variables for forest types and land cover classification in mountainous terrains of northern Pakistan

📍 Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Remote Sensing and GIS (2017 – 2019)

  • Institution: PUCIT, University of the Punjab, Pakistan 🇵🇰
  • Field: Remote Sensing & GIS
  • Final Grade: 72.8%
  • Thesis: Remote Sensing & GIS application for monitoring and evaluating afforestation impact – A case study of the Billion Tree Tsunami Project in Peshawar, Pakistan 🌳

📍 Master of Science (MSc) in Geographic Information System (GIS) (2015 – 2017)

  • Institution: PUCIT, University of the Punjab, Pakistan 🇵🇰
  • Field: GIS
  • Final Grade: 73.2%
  • Thesis: Analyzing the impacts of deforestation on Land Surface Temperature in Northern Pakistan 🌍🌡️

📍 Post Graduate Diploma (PGD) in Remote Sensing & GIS (2014 – 2015)

  • Institution: NCE in Geology, University of Peshawar, Pakistan 🇵🇰
  • Field: GIS & Remote Sensing
  • Final Grade: 73%
  • Thesis: Spatial-Temporal assessment of Land-Use and Land-Cover changes in Lahore 🏙️

📍 Master of Science (MSc) in Electronics (2013 – 2015)

  • Institution: University of Peshawar, Pakistan 🇵🇰
  • Field: Electronics
  • Final Grade: 64%
  • Thesis: Developing Hardware & Android software for Outdoor Advertisement Display 📱💡

🏢 Work Experience

🔹 Research Assistant (Feb 2023 – Aug 2024)

  • Institution: Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences 🇨🇳
  • Location: Beijing, China
  • Key Responsibilities:
    • Spatio-Temporal Remote Sensing data acquisition & processing 🛰️
    • Developing Machine Learning-based tools for vegetation mapping 🌿🤖
    • Scientific Publications 📚

🔹 Remote Sensing Analyst (Jun 2022 – Dec 2022)

  • Organization: CABI International; ADB Project: Strengthening Food Security 🇵🇰
  • Location: National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC), Islamabad
  • Key Responsibilities:
    • Capacity development of the Crop Reporting Service Department 🌾
    • Google Earth Engine for Crop Classification 🛰️
    • Seasonal Crop Classification Maps 📊

🏆 Achievements & Contributions

✔ Published multiple scientific papers in Remote Sensing, GIS, and Forestry journals 📄🔬
✔ Expertise in Google Earth Engine, Machine Learning, GIS & Remote Sensing, and Crop Mapping 🌍🌾
✔ Significant contributions to afforestation projects (Billion Tree Tsunami) 🌳✅
✔ Developed ML-based tools for vegetation mapping and land cover classification 🤖🌎

🎖 Awards & Honors

🏅 A+ Grade in Master’s at Beijing Forestry University (Highest distinction)
🏅 Recognized for contributions to afforestation monitoring in Pakistan 🌲
🏅 Key researcher in major GIS & Remote Sensing projects 📊

Publication Top Notes:

Removal of environmental influences for estimating soil texture fractions based on ZY1 satellite hyperspectral images

Multi-Temporal Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 Data for Orchards Discrimination in Khairpur District, Pakistan Using Spectral Separability Analysis and Machine Learning Classification

Estimation of above-ground biomass in dry temperate forests using Sentinel-2 data and random forest: a case study of the Swat area of Pakistan

The role of random forest and Markov chain models in understanding metropolitan urban growth trajectory

Large Scale Fish Images Classification and Localization using Transfer Learning and Localization Aware CNN Architecture

Combining Landsat-8 spectral bands with ancillary variables for land cover classification in mountainous terrains of northern Pakistan

Comparing different space-borne sensors and methods for the retrieval of land surface temperature

 

Prof. Dr. Anthony Cummings | Remote Sensing Awards | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Anthony Cummings | Remote Sensing Awards | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Anthony Cummings, Wesleyan University, United States

Dr. Anthony R. Cummings is a Professor in the Earth and Environmental Sciences department at Wesleyan University, having previously served as an Associate Professor at The University of Texas at Dallas. He holds a Ph.D. in Geography from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University, where he focused on the identification of multiple-use plant species in Northern Amazonia. Dr. Cummings has extensive experience in academia, with roles as a visiting associate professor at Princeton University and various positions at Syracuse University. His professional background includes significant contributions to conservation initiatives in Guyana, where he has worked as a consultant for organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and the Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development. Dr. Cummings has been recognized for his excellence in teaching, receiving several awards, including the EPPS Outstanding Teaching Comet Award and the President’s Teaching Excellence Award nominee at The University of Texas at Dallas. His research interests span geographical information systems, remote sensing, and natural resource management, with a commitment to community engagement in environmental conservation.

Professional Profile:

ORCID

Summary of Suitability for Best Researcher Award:

Dr. Anthony R. Cummings is an exemplary candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his extensive academic background, significant contributions to the field of geography, and dedication to teaching and research in natural resource management and environmental sciences. Below is a summary of his qualifications and achievements that underscore his suitability for this prestigious recognition.

📚 Education

  • Ph.D. in Geography (2013)
    Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York
    Dissertation: “For logs, for traditional purposes and for food: identification of multiple-use plant species of Northern Amazonia and an assessment of factors associated with their distribution.”
    Advisor: Dr. Jane M. Read.
  • MPhil in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing (2003)
    University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
    Thesis: “The Use of Remote Sensing to Discriminate Ecosystems in Guyana: A Case Study of the Shell Beach Area.”
    Advisor: Dr. Bernard Devereux.
  • MSc in Natural Resource Management (2002)
    University of the West Indies, Cave Hill, Barbados, West Indies
    Thesis: “Comparing the Ecological Impacts of Two Marine Protected Areas in Belize.”
    Advisor: Dr. Hazel Oxenford.
  • BSc in Agriculture (1999)
    University of Guyana, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana
    Thesis: “The Use of Plant Extracts to Control Damping-off Disease in Plants.”
    Advisor: Mr. Rajeshwar Persaud.

🏆 Professional Recognition and Honors

  • President’s Teaching Excellence Award nominee (2018)
    The University of Texas at Dallas
    ✨
  • Network of Conservation Educators and Professionals Travel Award (2017)
    American Museum of Natural History
    ✈️
  • EPPS Outstanding Teaching Comet Award winner (2016)
    School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas
    🌟

Publication Top Notes:

Regional-Scale Detection of Palms Using VHR Satellite Imagery and Deep Learning in the Guyanese Rainforest

Assessing Riyadh’s Urban Change Utilizing High-Resolution Imagery

The Spill Over of Crime from Urban Centers: An Account of the Changing Spatial Distribution of Violent Crime in Guyana

National REDD+ Implications for Tenured Indigenous Communities in Guyana, and Communities’ Impact on Forest Carbon Stocks

Regional Scale Detection of Palms Using VHR Satellite Imagery and Deep Learning in the Guyanese Rainforest

Mr. Harsh Vazirani | Remote Sensing Awards | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Harsh Vazirani | Remote Sensing Awards | Best Researcher Award 

Mr. Harsh Vazirani, School of Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering, Australia

This individual is currently pursuing PhD studies at the University of Sydney, having secured a scholarship from the Ministry of Social Justice to pursue their research abroad. With over 11 years of experience in the fields of Information Technology (IT), GIS, Remote Sensing, and Library and Information Science, they have demonstrated expertise across various sectors, including teaching, consulting, and project development. Notably, they worked as a Consultant (IT) in the Department of Disability Affairs, Government of India, New Delhi, and contributed to the development of GIS and Remote Sensing projects for the Madhya Pradesh Agency for Promotion of Information Technology.

Professional Profile:

SCOPUS

Summary of Suitability for Best Researcher Award

The candidate is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at the University of Sydney, building on a solid foundation with an M.Tech in Information Technology and an M.Sc. in GIS & Remote Sensing. Their academic journey also includes certifications in Geo-informatics and a 5-year integrated M.Tech & B.Tech program from the Indian Institute of Information Technology and Management, Gwalior.

🎓 Academic Excellence:

Harsh Vazirani is currently pursuing a Ph.D. from the University of Sydney, supported by a prestigious scholarship from the Ministry of Social Justice, Government of India. He holds an integrated M.Tech and B.Tech in Information Technology from ABV-IIITM, Gwalior (2005-2010), completed with distinction. Additionally, he earned an M.Sc. in GIS & Remote Sensing from Mahatma Gandhi Gramodya Vishwavidyalaya (2015-2017). 📚

💻 Technical Expertise:

Harsh is an innovative thinker with hands-on experience in cutting-edge technologies including Python, MATLAB, PHP, AJAX, XML, and platforms such as Open Layer, D-Space, Arc GIS, Q-GIS, and Postgres SQL. His skillset extends to cloud computing, library automation systems (KOHA, D-Space), and web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. 🌐

📊 Professional Experience:

With over 11 years of experience, Harsh has excelled in both teaching and non-teaching roles:

  • Consultant (IT): Department of Disability Affairs, Government of India, New Delhi 🏛️
  • GIS Executive: Madhya Pradesh Agency for Promotion of Information Technology 🗺️
  • Assistant Professor: Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology, Bhopal 🏫
  • Head of Department: Acropolis Institute of Technology and Research, Bhopal 💼
  • Project Fellow: Regional Institute of Education, Bhopal 📖

📌 Additional roles include positions in software development, web design, and GIS projects, making significant contributions to national and regional-level initiatives.

🛰️ Research Aspirations:

Harsh aims to deepen his expertise in Aerospace and Spacecraft System Engineering, leveraging his strong foundation in physics, engineering, GIS, and IT.

Publication top Notes:

Evolutionary radial basis function network for classificatory problems

Diagnosis of breast cancer by modular neural network

Fusion of speech and face by enhanced modular neural network