Efstratios Karantanellis | Remote Sensing | Best Researcher Award

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.Β πŸŒπŸ”¬πŸŽ“

Publication ProfilesΒ 

Googlescholar

Education and Experience

  • PhD, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece (2022)Β πŸŽ“
  • MSc, University of Twente, ITC, Netherlands (2015) 🌍
  • BSc, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece (2013)Β πŸ“š
  • Research Fellow, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA (2022 – ongoing) 🏫
  • Visiting Researcher, University of California, Berkeley, USA (2024)Β πŸŒ‰
  • Research Associate, various projects in Greece (2020 – 2023)Β πŸ“Š

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.Β πŸ”πŸ“ˆπŸ€

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. πŸŒͺ️🏞️πŸ§ͺ

Awards and Honors

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

Publication Top NotesΒ 

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

Ms. Oumayma Sadgui | Remote Sensing Awards | Women Researcher Award

Ms. Oumayma Sadgui | Remote Sensing Awards | Women Researcher AwardΒ 

Ms. Oumayma Sadgui, IAV Hassan II, Morocco,

Oumayma Sadgui is a Water and Forest Engineer currently working in Ifrane National Park and pursuing her Ph.D. at IAV Hassan II, specializing in Natural Resources Economics and Environment. With a rich educational background, she holds a State Engineer diploma in forestry economics from the National School of Forest Engineers (ENFI), along with diplomas in general forestry and agronomy. Since 2022, she has been actively involved with the National Water and Forests Agency and the IMU of the PLAR project, focusing on ecotourism development in Ifrane National Park. Oumayma has field experience in surveys, socio-economic and ecological diagnoses, forest inventories, and vegetation studies. She is skilled in statistical data analysis using SPSS, digital cartography (GIS), and remote sensing. Her work is complemented by her ability to lead workshops and training sessions.

Professional Profile:

ORCID

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Suitability of Oumayma Sadgui for the Research for Women Researcher Award

Academic and Research Background:
Oumayma Sadgui’s strong academic and research background, particularly in natural resources economics and environmental sustainability, makes her a suitable candidate for the award. She holds a Ph.D. candidacy at IAV Hassan II in Natural Resources Economics and has completed significant research on ecosystem services, hydrologic systems, and forest economics. Her focus on economic evaluations of ecosystem services within protected areas like Ifrane National Park demonstrates a clear commitment to research on sustainable development and environmental conservation.

Education

  • 2021-2024: PhD Candidate in Natural Resources Economics and Environment at IAV Hassan II.
  • 2019-2021: State Water and Forest Engineer Diploma, specializing in Forestry Economics from ENFI (National School of Forest Engineers).
  • 2017-2019: Diploma in General Forestry from ENFI.
  • 2015-2017: Two years of preparatory cycle in Agronomy at ENAM.
  • 2014-2015: Baccalaureate (Very Good Honors) in Life and Earth Sciences from Maarabat Boudnib Errachidia High School.

Professional Experience

  • Since 2022: Engineer at the National Water and Forests Agency, involved in the PIAR Project for ecotourism development in Ifrane National Park.
  • 2021: End of study dissertation on the Economic Evaluation of Ecosystem Services in the Toubkal National Park.
  • 2019: Summer Internship at the Provincial Direction of Water and Forests in Casablanca. Participated in an integrated development project in the Ben Slimane region and a multidisciplinary tour in the Middle Atlas and Rif.
  • 2018: Summer Internship at the Regional Direction of Water and Forests in the Middle Atlas. Participated in a multidisciplinary tour in the Middle Atlas and East.
  • 2014: Internship on a farm in Errachidia Province.

Publication top Notes:

Economic Assessment of Hydrologic Ecosystem Services in Morocco’s Protected Areas: A Case Study of Ifrane National Park

Economic Assessment of Hydrologic Ecosystem Services in Morocco’s Protected Areas: A Case Study of Ifrane National Park

Evaluation and Mapping of Carbon Sequestration Service in Morocco’s Protected Areas : A case study of Ifrnae National Park

Hydrologic Ecosystem Services values in Morocco’s Protected Areas: A Case Study of Ifrane National Park

Impact of land use dynamics on ecosystem services in Ifrane National Park (INP)

 

 

 

Dr. Adolph Nyamugama | Remote Sensing | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Adolph Nyamugama | Remote Sensing | Best Researcher AwardΒ 

Dr. Adolph Nyamugama, Agricultural Research Council, South Africa

Dr. Adolph Nyamugama is an accomplished environmental geographer with a strong academic background, holding a PhD in Environmental Geography with a focus on the application of remote sensing in environmental monitoring. He completed his MSc in Geographical Information Systems & Cartography and his BSc Honors in Geography at Enrique Jose Varona University in Havana, Cuba. Dr. [Your Name] is fluent in English, Spanish, Shona, and Mandarin, and enjoys traveling and watching soccer in his spare time.Currently serving as a Senior Researcher at the Agricultural Research Council in Pretoria since January 2015, Dr. Adolph Nyamugama has excelled in strategic planning, operations management, research, and business development. He has successfully led the crop estimation project, generating R10 million annually, and introduced innovative spatial technology for crop disease monitoring. His expertise extends to stakeholder management, where he has fostered strong relationships with clients, peer organizations, and international partners.

Professional Profile

πŸ“š Education

PhD in Environmental Geography
πŸ“… Feb 2009 – Apr 2013
πŸŽ“ Focus: Application of Remote Sensing in Environmental Monitoring

MSc in Geographical Information Systems & Cartography
πŸ“… Sep 2001 – Jul 2005

BSc Honors in Geography
πŸ“… Sep 1993 – Jul 1998
πŸŽ“ Enrique Jose Varona University, Havana, Cuba

πŸ’Ό Employment

Senior Researcher
πŸ“… Jan 2015 – Present
πŸ“ Agricultural Research Council, Pretoria

  • Strategic Planning: Developed team strategies aligning with organizational goals, participated in strategy development, monitored delivery, and provided strategic advice on revenue generation.
  • Operations Management: Directed crop estimation using drones and GIS, including project planning, KPI development, human/financial resource management, and milestone monitoring.
  • Research: Led multidisciplinary research projects, managed data collection/analysis, published reports/articles, and maintained spatial datasets.
  • Business Development: Created business strategies for revenue generation and long-term sustainability, drove marketing initiatives, and promoted services/products.

Senior GIS Consultant
πŸ“… Jan 2011 – Dec 2013
πŸ“ Kanimambo Cosmos Engineering Company, Cape Town City Council

  • Managed all GIS functions and monitored project work by technicians.
  • Provided GIS support for database-related issues and ensured mapping standards adherence.
  • Controlled mapping standards, reported on GIS aspects, and ensured timely completion of documents.
  • Managed, developed, and maintained spatial databases.

πŸ† Achievements

  1. Crop Estimation Project: Successfully implemented a national project, generating at least R10 million annually.
  2. Spatial Technology for Crop Disease Detection: Introduced NRF-funded project for detecting and monitoring crop diseases.
  3. GIS Tools for Data Analysis: Implemented GIS tools for data analysis in various organizations.
  4. Intern Funding and Department Capacitation: Secured funding for interns to support departmental strategic objectives.
  5. SENTI2 Agri-System SA Demonstration Project: Led ARC-Catholic University collaboration on an Uncloud-ESA funded project.
  6. United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification: Appointed as an Independent Expert and Country Representative.

Publications Notes:πŸ“„

Integrating Sigmoid Calibration Function into Entropy Thresholding Segmentation for Enhanced Recognition of Potholes Imaged Using a UAV Multispectral Sensor

Radiometric Compensation for Occluded Crops Imaged Using High-Spatial-Resolution Unmanned Aerial Vehicle System

Irrigation Scheduling for Small-Scale Crops Based on Crop Water Content Patterns Derived from UAV Multispectral Imagery

Prospects of Improving Agricultural and Water Productivity through Unmanned Aerial Vehicles