I am a Ph.D. student in the Geospatial and Environmental Analysis Program at Virginia Tech, whose academic journey has been enriching and transformative. With a Master’s degree in Geography from the same institution, my studies have focused on advancing geospatial technologies and environmental analysis. My research aims to harness geospatial technology to develop decision-support tools that enhance forest management and broader natural resource management.
My current research utilizes lidar and remote sensing data, along with machine learning techniques, to create advanced decision-support frameworks. Specifically, I focus on precision silviculture to improve the management and conservation of Loblolly Pine forests in the Southern United States. By developing a growth and yield model based on lidar-derived structural matrices, I aim to improve the accuracy of tree stem volume estimation, benefiting forest economists and enhancing forest harvest predictions.
My future work will continue to leverage remotely sensed data and machine learning algorithms to accurately predict tree stem volume, improving the use of satellite data, reducing man-hours, and increasing accuracy over large forest areas. My Master’s research involved using drones with infrared cameras to map urban heat islands in detail, resulting in advanced thermal models. Through a perception study, I assessed the effectiveness of different map visualizations in communicating urban heat data, aiding urban planners.
The publication of my work in the Cartography and Geographic Information Science (CAGIS) Journal, along with awards such as the Sigma Xi Research Award and the ICA Scholarship, reflects my commitment to advancing geographic information science. My ambition is to further explore the potential of satellite, lidar, and GIS data combined with machine learning to develop decision-support tools that ensure resource efficiency and foster productivity. I aspire to bridge the gap between industry and academia, driven by a belief in the transformative power of geospatial technology for natural resource management and climate change mitigation.
