Sangay Gyeltshen | Earth and Planetary Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Sangay Gyeltshen | Earth and Planetary Sciences | Best Researcher Award

 Mr. Sangay Gyeltshen, Nagoya University, Bhutan

Sangay Gyeltshen is a Ph.D. candidate in Civil and Environmental Engineering at Nagoya University, Japan, specializing in environmental engineering and geospatial technology. With over a decade of experience in GIS, remote sensing, and academia, he has contributed to numerous projects funded by international organizations like ADB, UNDP, and the World Bank. Sangay has served as a Lecturer at Jigme Namgyel Engineering College, Bhutan, and as a GIS Analyst in consultancy. His research focuses on landslide susceptibility mapping, urban dynamics, groundwater potential, and disaster management. Skilled in GIS tools, programming, and multilingual communication, he is dedicated to advancing environmental sustainability.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Sangay Gyeltshen is a highly skilled and experienced researcher with a strong academic and professional background. His focus on environmental sustainability, disaster management, and geospatial technologies is well-aligned with global priorities. His involvement in high-profile international projects and academic roles showcases his ability to contribute meaningfully to both science and society.

 

🎓 Education

Mr. Sangay Gyeltshen has pursued advanced studies in environmental engineering, remote sensing, and GIS. He is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Civil and Environmental Engineering with a specialization in Environmental Engineering at Nagoya University, Japan (2023-2026). He completed a Master of Technology in Remote Sensing and GIS at Andhra University, India (2018-2020), and a Post Graduate Diploma in Remote Sensing and GIS at CSSTEAP, India (2018-2019). He also holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics and Communication Engineering from the College of Science and Technology, Royal University of Bhutan (2009-2013).

 

💼Experience

Mr. Sangay has extensive experience in academia and consulting, spanning over a decade. He served as a Lecturer at Jigme Namgyel Engineering College, Royal University of Bhutan (2021-2023), where he taught undergraduate and diploma-level courses in remote sensing, GIS, cartography, disaster management, and surveying adjustments. Before that, he worked as a Remote Sensing and GIS Analyst at APECS Consultancy Services, Thimphu, Bhutan (2013-2020). In this role, he was involved in GIS mapping, report preparation, liaising with clients, public consultations, and coordinating workshops and training. He also contributed to research projects and managed procurement activities.

 

🔬Research Focus

His research primarily revolves around environmental engineering and geospatial technology. He has worked on landslide susceptibility mapping, urban dynamics analysis, soil loss estimation, groundwater potential delineation, and the evaluation of digital elevation models. His work incorporates advanced GIS modeling, remote sensing, and statistical methodologies to address pressing environmental and geographical challenges.

 

Awards

Mr. Sangay has significantly contributed to projects funded by esteemed organizations such as ADB, the World Bank, UNDP, and others. Notable achievements include his work on climate risk in agriculture and disaster risk reduction decision support systems. His efforts in research and academia have garnered international recognition, including peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

 

Skills

Mr. Sangay possesses strong technical skills in GIS and mapping software, including ArcGIS, QGIS, ERDAS Imagine, and SMAP. He is proficient in AutoCAD and SketchUp for drawing and design and has foundational knowledge of programming languages like R and Python. Additionally, he is adept in Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. His multilingual capabilities include fluency in English, Dzongkha, Nepali, and Hindi, enabling effective communication in diverse contexts.

Publications

  • Evaluation of statistical modeling (SM) approaches for landslide susceptibility mapping: geospatial insights for Bhutan
    • Authors: Gyeltshen, S., Chhetri, I.B., Dema, K.
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0

 

  • Investigating the interplay between urban dynamics and environmental factors in Thimphu, Bhutan: a satellite remote sensing approach
    • Authors: Chhetri, I.B., Gyeltshen, S., Dema, K.
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0

 

  • Delineating groundwater potential zones using an integrated geospatial and geophysical approach in Phuentsholing, Bhutan
    • Authors: Gyeltshen, S., Kannaujiya, S., Chhetri, I.K., Chauhan, P.
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 9

 

  • Remote Sensing and GIS based Soil Loss Estimation for Bhutan, using RUSLE model
    • Authors: Gyeltshen, S., Adhikari, R., Bahadur Budha, P., Kumar Subedi, K., Kumar Singh, B.
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 3

 

  • Estimating soil water susceptibility to salinization in the Mekong River Delta using a modified drastic model
    • Authors: Le, T.N., Tran, D.X., Tran, T.V., Nguyen, D.Q., Dao, T.V., Gyeltshen, S.
    • Year: 2021
    • Citations: 13

 

  • Characterizing spatiotemporal patterns of mangrove forests in Can Gio Biosphere Reserve using Sentinel-2 imagery
    • Authors: Le, H.T., Tran, T.V., Gyeltshen, S., Luu, T.H., Duong, M.B.
    • Year: 2020
    • Citations: 25

 

  • Groundwater potential zones using a combination of geospatial technology and geophysical approach: case study in Dehradun, India
    • Authors: Gyeltshen, S., Tran, T.V., Teja Gunda, G.K., Chatterjee, R.S., Champatiray, P.K.
    • Year: 2020
    • Citations: 37

Conclusion:

Sangay’s qualifications and contributions make him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. However, to enhance his candidacy, he could focus on increasing his research impact through high-profile publications, interdisciplinary collaboration, and tangible societal benefits. By addressing these areas, he has the potential to further elevate his profile and align with the award’s objectives.

Prof. Oļģerts Nikodemus | Planetary Sciences | Best Soil Research Publication

Prof. Oļģerts Nikodemus | Planetary Sciences | Best Soil Research Publication

 Prof. Olgerts Nikodemus, University of Latvia, Latvia

Prof. Oļģerts Nikodemus is a leading environmental scientist and professor at the University of Latvia, specializing in climate change, sustainable land use, and soil ecology. With over two decades of experience, he heads the Department of Environmental Sciences and has held prominent roles, including Dean and Program Director. Prof. Nikodemus has published extensively in his field, leading impactful research projects funded by EU programs like LIFE+ and Horizon 2020. He is also a committed mentor, guiding doctoral research and advancing environmental science in Latvia and beyond.

 

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Prof. Nikodemus is a well-respected researcher with a strong publication record and hands-on project leadership in soil science, particularly in soil organic matter dynamics, sustainable land use, and climate-smart agricultural practices. His research contributions are critical to current ecological challenges, and his publications reflect a deep commitment to advancing soil research. His leadership in academia and mentoring in environmental science further strengthen his candidacy for recognition in soil research.

🎓 Education

Oļģerts Nikodemus completed his Doctorate in Geography at the University of Latvia in 1996. Prior to that, he earned a Master’s degree in Geography in 1993 and a Higher Education diploma in Geography in 1981, both from the University of Latvia.

💼Experience

Nikodemus has been a Professor at the University of Latvia’s Faculty of Geography and Earth Sciences since 2002 and currently serves as Head of the Department of Environmental Sciences. He was previously the Dean of the Faculty (2007-2016), as well as Programme Director for the BSc study program in Environmental Sciences (1998-2016). His tenure includes roles as Associate Professor, Docent, Lecturer, and Engineer within the university’s Geography and Environmental Sciences departments.

🔬Research Focus

His research primarily explores climate change impacts, sustainable land use, and soil management in agriculture. As project leader or scientific executor, he has contributed to projects on sustainable resource management and climate-smart agricultural soil practices under initiatives like the EU LIFE+ and Horizon 2020 programs.

🏆Awards

He is a member of various scientific associations, including the Latvian Soil Science Association and the Landscape Ecology Association of Europe, reflecting his esteemed role within the scientific community. Nikodemus has supervised numerous doctoral theses, with 17 students under his guidance, 12 of whom have defended their dissertations successfully.

 

Skills

Oļģerts Nikodemus possesses strong skills in environmental science and geography, particularly in climate change, sustainable resource management, and soil ecology. His expertise includes leading scientific research projects funded by the EU LIFE+ and Horizon 2020 programs. As an experienced academic, he has taught and directed courses in environmental planning, resource management, and landscape ecology. He has published extensively on soil management, land use, and forest ecology, demonstrating his capability in both scientific research and applied environmental science. Nikodemus is also skilled in mentoring, having supervised numerous doctoral theses successfully.

Publications
  • Nikodemus, O., Kārkliņš, A., Dirnēna, B., Tabors, G., & Vinogradovs, I. 2024. “Soil cover on complex glacial terrain and challenges for large-scale soil mapping using the World Reference Base (WRB) classification system.” Catena, 245, 108305.

 

  • Tabors, G., Brūmelis, G., Nikodemus, O., Dobkeviča, L., & Viligurs, K. 2023. “Decreased atmospheric deposition of heavy metals in Latvia shown by long-term monitoring using the moss Pleurozium schreberi.” Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 30(41), 94361–94370.

 

  • Vinogradovs, I., Nikodemus, O., Avotiņš, A., & Zariņa, A. 2023. “Distribution of ecosystem service potential in marginal agroecosystems in a mosaic-type landscape under exploratory scenarios.” Journal of Land Use Science, 18(1), 356–373.

 

  • Nikodemus, O., Dirnēna, B., Bārdiņa, E., Kukuļs, I., & Kasparinskis, R. 2022. “Impacts of historical land use on forest soil properties in the hemiboreal forest zone, Latvia.” Geoderma Regional, 31, e00574.

 

  • Rendenieks, Z., Liepa, L., & Nikodemus, O. 2022. “Spatial patterns and species composition of new forest areas present challenges for forest management in Latvia.” Forest Ecology and Management, 509, 120097.

 

  • Baranovskis, Nikodemus, O., Brūmelis, G., & Elferts, D. 2022. “Biodiversity conservation in private forests: Factors driving landowner’s attitude.” Biological Conservation, 266, 109441.

 

  • Rūsiņa, S., Prižavoite, D., Nikodemus, O., Gustiņa, L., & Kasparinskis, R. 2021. “Land-use legacies affect Norway spruce Picea abies colonization on abandoned marginal agricultural land in Eastern Baltics.” New Forests, 52(4), 559–583.

 

  • Richer-de-Forges, A.C., Lowe, D.J., Minasny, B., Yang, J.E., & Arrouays, D. 2021. “A review of the world’s soil museums and exhibitions.” Advances in Agronomy, 166, 277–304.

 

  • Nikodemus, O., Kaupe, D., Kukuļs, I., Dauškane, I., & Treimane, A. 2020. “Effects of afforestation of agricultural land with grey alder (Alnus incana (L.) Moench) on soil chemical properties, comparing two contrasting soil groups.” Forest Ecosystems, 7(1), 38.

 

  • Rendenieks, Z., Nita, M.D., Nikodemus, O., & Radeloff, V.C. 2020. “Half a century of forest cover change along the Latvian-Russian border captured by object-based image analysis of Corona and Landsat TM/OLI data.” Remote Sensing of Environment, 249, 112010.

 

Conclusion:

Prof. Oļģerts Nikodemus is an exemplary candidate for an award in “Best Soil Research Publication” due to his impactful research, international project involvement, and academic mentorship. Recognizing his work would honor his contributions to soil science and encourage further advancements in sustainable land management practices, both regionally and globally.