Efstratios Karantanellis | Remote Sensing | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Efstratios Karantanellis, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, United States.

Dr. Efstratios Karantanellis is a research fellow in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Michigan, specializing in natural hazards, engineering geology, and landslide analysis. He obtained his PhD from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in 2022 and has collaborated on various projects focused on disaster risk reduction and response, utilizing remote sensing and object-based image analysis (OBIA). Efstratios has extensive experience in hazard assessment and mitigation planning, contributing to research in Greece and internationally. He has been recognized with multiple awards for his contributions to the field.

Publication Profiles

Googlescholar

Education and Experience

PhD, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece (2022)
MSc, University of Twente, ITC, Netherlands (2015)
BSc, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece (2013)
Research Fellow, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA (2022 – ongoing)
Visiting Researcher, University of California, Berkeley, USA (2024)
Research Associate, various projects in Greece (2020 – 2023)

Suitability For The Award

Dr. Efstratios Karantanellis is an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award, recognized for his exceptional contributions to geosciences, specifically in the field of disaster risk reduction and environmental management. His extensive educational background, including a PhD from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and ongoing research at the University of Michigan, equips him with a robust foundation in both theoretical and applied aspects of his discipline.

Professional Development

Dr. Efstratios Karantanellis has actively participated in numerous research projects, enhancing his expertise in engineering geology and disaster risk management. He contributed to the Center for Land Surface Hazards (CLaSH) as part of the U.S. National Science Foundation. His research includes developing tools for landslide disaster risk reduction and coastal zone monitoring systems. By collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, he has leveraged interoperable technologies to support infrastructure resilience. Through his extensive work, Efstratios has made significant contributions to natural hazards research and continues to advance knowledge in this critical field.

Research Focus

Dr. Efstratios Karantanellis focuses on natural hazards, particularly landslide engineering geology and risk management. His research incorporates remote sensing techniques and object-based image analysis (OBIA) to assess and mitigate the impacts of landslides and other geological hazards. He emphasizes disaster risk reduction throughout the disaster life cycle, utilizing innovative methodologies to support effective response and recovery strategies. His work aims to enhance resilience in vulnerable regions, contributing to safer and more sustainable communities.

Awards and Honors

Richard Wolters Prize, International Association for Engineering Geology and the Environment (2024, Runner-up)
Early Career Research Award of Excellence, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (2022)
Postdoctoral Fellowship, NASA’s Applied Science Disasters Program (2022)
Research Grant, co-financed by Greece and the EU (MIS-5000432)
ISPRS Foundation Travel Grant, 2019
EuroSDR GeoInformation Travel Grant, 2018

Publication Top Notes

Object-based analysis using UAVs for site-specific landslide assessment – Remote Sensing, 2020, Cited by: 72
Satellite imagery for rapid detection of liquefaction surface manifestations: Türkiye–Syria 2023 Earthquakes – Remote Sensing, 2023, Cited by: 32
Automated 3D jointed rock mass structural analysis using LiDAR for rockfall susceptibility – Geotechnical and Geological Engineering, 2020, Cited by: 29
Evaluation of machine learning algorithms for object-based mapping of landslide zones using UAV data – Geosciences, 2021, Cited by: 26
3D hazard analysis and object-based characterization of landslide motion using UAV imagery – International Archives of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, 2019, Cited by: 20
The September 18-20 2020 Medicane Ianos Impact on Greece: Phase I Reconnaissance Report – GEER Association, 2020, Cited by: 19

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.

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.