Aymn Elhaddad

*** ******** **.

Fort Collins, CO 80525

Phone: 970-***-****

Email: ad46ic@r.postjobfree.com

LinkedIn Profile

Objective:

Seeking roles as a dedicated GIS Manager/Specialist, Remote Sensing, and Geospatial Scientist. Proficient in Geospatial Analysis and Problem Solving, as well as expertise in Evapotranspiration/surface energy balance modeling, land cover change, deforestation, and soil moisture modeling utilizing Landsat, MODIS, SMAP, LiDAR, and SAR data. Experienced in climate change modeling, Extreme weather forecasting, hydrology, water resources management, hydrometeorology, environmental science, GIS specialization, land data assimilation, and geospatial analyses. Possess a wide-ranging background in remote sensing and satellite data applications within water resources, environmental studies, forestry, ecology, and agricultural domains. Currently seeking opportunities as a Geospatial/GIS Specialist and Remote-Sensing Data Scientist.

Publications:

ResearchGate Profile

Professional Skills:

GIS Skills

● Proficient in ESRI ArcGIS Desktop, ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, and ESRI’s Enterprise Portal and ArcSDE database .

● Experience in managing GIS projects from conception to completion, including requirements gathering, planning, budgeting,execution, and documentation.

● Ability to perform complex spatial analysis including buffering, overlay analysis, interpolation, and network analysis.

● Experience in managing geospatial data including data collection, data conversion, data editing, and data storage.

● Skills in cartographic design principles for creating visually appealing and informative maps and spatial visualizations.

● Understanding of statistical methods applied to spatial data analysis, including spatial regression, cluster analysis, and hotspot analysis.

● Familiarity with GIS data standards such as OGC standards (e.g., WMS, WFS, WCS) and ISO standards for geospatial data exchange.

● Understanding of interdisciplinary concepts related to geography, environmental science, urban planning, civil engineering, or other relevant fields.

● Ability to identify, analyze, and solve spatial problems using GIS tools and techniques, often in multidisciplinary contexts.

● Possessed a strong understanding of GIS and LiDAR data concepts, including raster and vector data types, coordinate systems, projections, and datums.

● Experienced in FME, Python scripting, and ESRI's Modelbuilder for GIS workflows.

● Proficient in Google Earth Engine code editor, Colab, Microsoft Planetary Computer,, QGIS, ArcPy, GitHub, GeoServer, Python and libraries/packages

(arcpy/urllib/scapy/pandas, shapely, geopandas,and many others), Model Builder, and SWAT.

● Experienced in supervised/unsupervised image classification, data mining and feature extraction technologies.

● Strong knowledge of spatial databases, including Microsoft SQL Server and PostgreSQL.

● Skilled in mapping, spatial analysis, and geospatial data visualization. Other Skills

● Seasoned GIS/RS professional and lead scientist in Research and Development, specializing in land surface modeling using a variety of image collections, Unmanned Aerial System, Thermal, Landsat,MODIS,VIIRS,NAIP,Sentinel and HLS,SAR and LiDAR.

● Experienced in consuming data with REST APIs

● Expert in data Modeling and System/Application Architecture, Enterprise Systems, MS Azure Cloud, AWS Development/Implementation.

● Proficient in surface energy balance modeling, ET, Soil moisture estimates and hydrological modeling.

● Experienced in imagery preprocessing, orthorectification,feature extraction, LiDAR and classification using ArcGIS and ERDAS

● Developed scripts, models, and macros for various sensor platforms to streamline workflows.

● Managed data, including planning and monitoring production data, coordinating with IT and Operations to ensure resource availability, and enforcing data management protocols.

● Implemented quality control measures throughout processes to ensure deliverables met client specifications.

● Provided feedback and support for developing or updating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) as needed.

● Supported process improvements and automation of production and quality control processes by offering technical guidance and ideas.

● Managed tasks, resolved problems, wrote reports, and facilitated collaboration among team members.

● Conducted quality assurance, documented processes, and provided feedback to improve efficiency.

● Demonstrated expertise in multi-sensor processing, manipulation, and production.

● Exhibited proficiency in lidar production workflow and explained the conceptual basis of lidar acquisition, processing, and deliverable creation.

● Analyzed point clouds and various geospatial data layers derived from point cloud data.

● Proficient in basic computer applications, especially MS Office (Word, Excel, and Access).

● Managed multiple priorities under tight schedules effectively.

● Possessed strong verbal and written communication skills.

● Provided mentorship and training to junior geospatial staff. Remote Sensing Skills

● Proficient in leveraging environmental satellite data to meet user needs and drive innovative scientific research.

● Skilled in extracting valuable insights from satellite observations to inform decision-making processes.

● Experienced in developing efficient algorithms tailored to analyze and process environmental satellite data effectively.

● Capable of designing algorithms that enhance the accuracy and reliability of information derived from satellite observations.

● Proficient at remote sensing modeling (e.g., data cleaning, feature selection, analysis, designing, building, and model assessment).

● Proficient at advanced spatial analysis and geoprocessing (e.g., image segmentation, object-based image analysis).

● Proficient in integrating new observations into existing datasets to enhance the comprehensiveness of environmental information.

● Skilled in incorporating diverse sources of data to provide a holistic understanding of Earth's systems.

● Demonstrated ability to provide decision-makers with accurate and comprehensive insights derived from environmental satellite data. Experienced in translating complex scientific findings into actionable recommendations for stakeholders.

● Proven track record of leading efforts to develop actionable and reliable environmental information across the Earth observing system.

● Skilled in guiding multidisciplinary teams to achieve common objectives in environmental research and analysis.

Projects:

During my tenure at my last position in Gro Intelligence, I have utilized innovative methods in geospatial analysis and remote sensing to tackle various natural resource challenges. These applications encompass estimating evapotranspiration, assessing and forecasting droughts, analyzing deforestation patterns, evaluating forest biomass, detecting changes, and extracting and classifying information from multispectral imagery, radar data, and LiDAR imagery. Some of the projects that I have participated in.

1. Spearheaded the development of the ModGroETa, a global near real-time remote sensing-based Evapotranspiration Indicators, as part of the European Union Copernicus project. Utilized Python as the primary coding language, leveraging various libraries including gdal, pandas, shapely, geopandas, rasterio, and Arcpy. 2. Used Global Fire WEather Database (GFWED) in combination with evapotranspiration to develop wildfire prediction and detection application. 3. Used SAR and LiDAR data in multiple applications such as deforestation detection and trees identification and detection.

4. Created a global water balance sheet application under Google Earth engine environment. 5. Contributed to the creation of Gro's Yield Forecast Models, employing a suite of machine-learning algorithms to estimate in-season yields at district, provincial, and national levels on a daily basis. Implemented GIS Arcpy library with Python to generate crop masking layers with varying certainty levels. 6. Performed high resolution image orthorectification, classification and feature extraction to determine green area, impervious areas and trees for the city of denver. Different ESRI packages were used to develop the final product of the multi GIS layer with an inventory of the area of each land cover class.

7. Designed and implemented the ReSET model, a comprehensive surface energy balance model, using ESRI Arc Model Builder.

8. Developed a GIS Python model utilizing CMIP6 data to forecast global water availability and sustainability. Employed Python/Arcpy for harvesting, ingesting, exporting, and reformatting model inputs from diverse raster formats such as netcdf, grib, and others. 9. Created online GIS/Remote Sensing-based applications and models tailored for precision agriculture and water resources management, leveraging various Esri products including ArcGIS Pro, ArcSDE database, and Arc server.

10. Served as Co-PI for The Gro Drought Index (GDI), the world’s first high-resolution global agricultural drought index. Applied Python/GIS and Arcpy for importing and processing input GIS layers.

11. Managed enterprise-level ESRI products including ArcGIS Desktop, ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, Portal, and ArcSDE database.

12. Developed a Cloud-based near real-time Irrigation Scheduling Tool using ESRI products ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, and ArcSDE database. The tool is based on actual crop evapotranspiration derived from a satellite-based surface energy balance model

(ReSET-Raster).

Education:

● Ph.D. Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado State University, July 2007. Dissertation: “Use of Remote Sensing to Estimate Soil Salinity and Evapotranspiration in Agriculture Fields” (GPA: 4.0/4.0), Adviser: Dr. Luis Garcia.

● M.Sc. Forestry Sc.-GIS and remote sensing, Colorado State University, May 1998. Thesis: “Evaluation of High Accuracy GPS Receivers” (GPA: 4.0/4.0), Adviser: Dr. Roger Hoffer.

● M.Sc. Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado State University, July 1997. Thesis: “GIS Integration in Groundwater Flow Models” (GPA: 3.8/4.0), Adviser: Dr. James Warner.

● B.S., Alexandria University, Alexandria, June 1988. Civil and Environmental Engineering.

Experience:

Senior GIS/RS and Team Lead, Modeler/Analyst Lead Scientist R&D Gro Intelligence, Remote February 2016 – Present

● Developed scripts, models, and macros for various satellite imagery sensors platforms to streamline workflows.

● Developed global near real-time remote sensing-based Evapotranspiration (ModGroETa) model.

● Co-PI of The Gro Drought Index (GDI), the world’s first high-resolution global agricultural drought index.

● Developed forecasted crop water requirements and drought index models.

● Implemented quality control measures throughout processes to ensure deliverables met client specifications.

● Managed tasks, resolved problems, wrote reports, and facilitated collaboration among team members.

● Utilized ESRI ArcGIS Desktop, ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, ESRI’s Enterprise Portal, and ArcSDE database for GIS project management and operations.

● Managed GIS projects from conception to completion, including requirements gathering, planning, budgeting, execution, and documentation.

● Conducted complex spatial analysis tasks such as buffering, overlay analysis, interpolation, and network analysis.

● Managed geospatial data lifecycle, including data collection, conversion, editing, and storage.

● Applied cartographic design principles to create visually appealing and informative maps and spatial visualizations.

● Employed statistical methods for spatial data analysis, including spatial regression, cluster analysis, and hotspot analysis.

● Identified, analyzed, and resolved spatial problems using GIS tools and techniques within diverse multidisciplinary contexts.

Research Scientist

Civil Engineering Department, Colorado State University, June 2011 – February 2016

● Developed online GIS/Remote Sensing-based applications and models for precision agriculture and water resources management.

● Applied surface energy balance modeling for crop evapotranspiration estimation.

● Applied Surface energy balance modeling to implement and monitor the application of deficit irrigation approach to increase or enhance yield quality.

● Developed Cloud-based near real time Irrigation Scheduling Tool based on actual crop evapotranspiration using satellite-based surface energy balance model (ReSET-Raster). Research Associate

Civil Engineering Department, Colorado State University, June 2006 – May 2011

● Developed a surface energy balance model for estimating crop evapotranspiration.

● Applied remote sensing to estimate soil properties and crop stress factors. Consultant/Contractor

Intera Inc., Longmont, CO, February 2002 – June 2006

● Engaged in regional-scale hydrological modeling projects. Research Assistant

Civil Engineering Department, Colorado State University, May 1998 – June 2006

● Conducted various tasks related to imagery preprocessing, orthorectification, and classification.

Leadership Skills:

● Conducted classes and workshops on surface energy balance concepts and modeling.

● Developed plans, schedules, budgets, and documentation for funded projects.

● Organized monthly events, workshops, and conferences.

● Experienced in strategic planning and management, program/project/portfolio planning/management.

Peer Reviewer:

● Technical reviewer for NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP).

● Journal of Irrigation & Drainage Engineering (ASCE).

● Journal of Surveying and Mapping Engineering (JSME).

● Journal of Remote Sensing of Environment.

● Technical reviewer for the Bureau of Reclamation's Science and Technology Program

(PropC.).

Honors & Awards:

● 2016 Best Paper Award for the Journal of Irrigation and Drainage.

● 2015 ASCE-EWRI’s Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering Honorable Mention Paper award.

● Joint Japan/ World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP), 1996-1998. Memberships:

● American Association of Civil Engineering (ASCE)

● American Geophysical Union (AGU)

● National Groundwater Association (NGWA)

● American Society of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS). References available upon request.

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