Alok Raj

About

Dr. Alok Raj, a young, dynamic environmental scientist and remote sensing expert, was born in 1996, in a small village in Bihar, India. His journey through the realms of environmental science, geospatial technology, and sustainable resource management is a testament to his unwavering commitment to the betterment of our planet. His academic journey and scientific temperament were set to begin at S.N.S. College, Jehanabad, where he graduated in physical sciences with distinction, then pursued his passion for environmental science, completed his post-graduation from Central University of South Bihar, Gaya. His thesis, titled "Spatial and Temporal Variation of Air Pollutants Over Humid Subtropical Zones in India and Their Health Impact," showcased his early dedication to environmental research. Continuing his educational pursuit, he received a Ph.D. in Environmental Science from Central University of Rajasthan, Ajmer. His doctoral research, titled "Assessment of Eco-Sensitivity in the Central Aravalli Region Using Geospatial Approach Under Changing Climatic Conditions," demonstrated his passion and expertise in environmental remote sensing, sustainable development goals, and climate change. He holds a broad skill set, including proficiency in software such as R, Python, JavaScript, SPSS, and various geospatial tools like ArcGIS, Imagine ERDAS, ENVI, and TerrSet Modeller. Along with these, his expertise extends to different remote sensing datasets, i.e., optical, microwave, hyperspectral, and LiDAR datasets, for applications in land use dynamics, forestry, wetland studies, agricultural studies, and natural resource management. With a remarkable ability for statistical analysis and report writing. He is fluent in languages such as English, Hindi, Sanskrit, and regional dialects (Magahi and Bhojpuri). Currently serving as a Research Associate position at DST’s Centre of Excellence, Department of Geology, Sikkim University in the climate change division, earlier he served as postdoctoral-SRF at the CORAL at IIT Kharagpur, He is involved in a ground-breaking project that uses computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and high-performance Performing Computers (HPC) for the determination of forest fire flow in the Sikkim region of the Himalayas. Previously, he worked as an Earth Observation Data Scientist at the FAO - UN, focusing on crop type mapping and prediction at the national level. His contributions to environmental research are exemplified by his numerous research publications, book chapters, and patents. Notably, his authored book, "India's Natural Green Wall - The Aravalli's: Past, Present, and Their Prospects," is a testament to his dedication to preserving natural resources. In addition to his academic achievements, he has participated in various workshops, training programmes, and conferences, presenting his research findings and advances in the field of environmental science. His life journey epitomises his commitment to environmental sustainability and his mission to use remote sensing and geospatial technology for the betterment of the world. His dedication, expertise, and innovative thinking continue to make a profound impact on environmental research and conservation efforts. In addition to all this, his tutored students are achieving great heights by accomplishing their higher studies at some of the best institutes of India such as IITs and NITs.

Publications