Remote Sensing Expert
Resume:
ARULMANI CHINNASWAMY, PhD
**** ******** ***, *****, **, 45040
Phone: 605-***-****
Email: *.********@*****.***
______________________________________________________________________________
Objective Statement
A Remote Sensing Specialist in a Research Organization where I can use my abilities
to generate retrieval algorithms from calibrated satellite radiances, information
extraction from the remotely sensed images, and validation of the results with
in-situ measurements.
Experienced in training users to utilize the product generated with its physics to
achieve the desired results and publishing and seeking external funding.
Summary of Qualifications
I bring a diverse technical background with about 20 years of experience researching
remote sensing, satellite image data analysis, interpretation and validation.
I have experience in training other scientists and writing and publishing documents
to seek and gain external project funding. Enjoy the intellectual interchange with
other scientists. Intellectually curious and always-seeking new ideas.
Pride in my ability to write and publish research papers.
Employment experience
(A) LP DACC Senior Systems Engineer at EROS Data Center
(SAIC & ADNET Systems contractors to USGS EROS, Sioux Falls, SD) (2006- July2009)
MRT (MODIS Reprojection Tool) Project Lead
Working as a Project Leader MRT (MODIS Reprojection Tool) with about 10 scientists
ranging from User Services, Science, and Engineering & Development.
MRT is being used for MODIS data processing including Moasicking, Reprojecting
native Sinusoidal projection into various user defined projections. MRT tool has been
in the development cycle from 1999.
The outstanding problems in mosaicking bounting tiles, half-pixel problems are fixed
in the New Release of MRT 4.0 code.
Developed Cloud Masking Scheme for ASTER Data Products.
Evapo-Transpitation Modeling using AVHRR data.
(B) Remote Sensing Specialist (Scientist –III), (UES inc., contractor to US EPA)(2004-2006)
Involved in developing water quality retrieval algorithms from Airborne Hyper Spectral Imager &
Isolated Wetland mapping using Terra satellite’s Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and
Reflection Radiometer (ASTER)
(C) Project Scientist, NCAR (National Center fore atmospheric Research) (2002-2004)
Involved in developing Retrieval algorithms for the recent EOS AURA‘s satellite sensor
High Resolution Dynamics Limb Sounder HIRDLS).
(D) Research Scientist, School of Meteorology, University of Oklahoma (1997–2001)
i) Coastal Meteorology Research Program
Worked for United States Navy's research program as a Remote Sensing Scientist. Satellite
data derived products such as Surface Temperature, moisture, water vapor, cloud cover etc.,
is used extensively in this project. Multi-sensors data are used to derive such parameters
with in-situ observations.
Water vapor and Sea Surface Temperature retrieval algorithms are developed for Geostationary
Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES 8 & 10). Less good estimates can be made using
Geostationary satellites, but these give much more frequent coverage than polar orbiting
satellites/sensors such as NOAA Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR).
The accurate temperature retrievals from AVHRR are being used to improve the GOES estimates.
ii) Collaboration with NASDA Japan
Involved in utilizing Tropical Rainfall Monitoring Mission (TRMM) data products for Navy's
project as well as National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA).
Collaborative work has been carried out with Japan Marine Science and Technology Center
(JAMSTEC), in Ocean carbon flux study.
Participated in US-Japan "Pacific Ocean Observations and Research Initiative" (TYKKI) meeting in Tokyo.
iii) Co-Principal Investigator, Remote Sensing of Air Pollution
Successful in obtaining research fund from Tinker Air force Base, Oklahoma to conduct research
in Air Pollution Monitoring. Multidisciplinary research program is being conducted with
Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and with Signal Processing/Image Processing group at
the University of Oklahoma.
(E) National Environmental Research Council’s (NERC) Environmental Systems Science Center (ESSC),
University of Reading, UK
i) Research Scholar, (1992-1997)
Doctoral thesis research: Developed Water Vapor and Surface Temperature Retrieval Algorithms for
(European Remote Sensing Satellite 1 and 2).
(F) Research officer (University of Reading Sep. 1996- Mar. 1997)
Aquatic Environmental Research Group University of Reading in water quality modeling using
Neural Network approach
(G) Institute of Remote Sensing, (National Remote Sensing Agency),Dept. of Space, INDIA
Senior Scientist, (1986-1992)
Teaching Experience:
(i) Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (1986-1992)
Coordinated and organized courses conducted by the Institute of Remote sensing.
Involved in research and development activities of the institute, satellite data processing &
generation of algorithms, data integration and validation of satellite data with ground based measurements
(ii) University of Reading, UK (1992-1996)
Instructor: Remote Sensing and Image processing & Modeling of toxic cynobacteria and water quality problems
(ii) University of Oklahoma (2000-2001)
Research Project: Landsat Thematic Mapper, Enhanced Thematic Mapper and Indian Remote Sensing Satellite
Images for Air Pollution Monitoring in and around Tinker Air Force Base using Multi-resolution Wavelet
based techniques.
Computing Skills
~20 years of experience in working with various high & low resolution satellite products on
information retrievals and their applications.
Incorporating calibration schemes including the recent missions like Landsat EIM+,
Indian Remote Sensing Satellite, TRMM, GOES, NOAA AVHRR & ERS ATSR.
Generation of research and operational algorithms using MODTRAN Radiative Transfer code.
Utilizing various commercial image processing system such as TerraScan, EASI/PACE, ERDAS, IDL, ENVI etc.,
for Satellite data analysis in UNIX/Linux environment.
Developed and implemented ATSR retrieval algorithms for calibration, cloud detection
and masking & Surface Temperature Retrieval algorithms in C programming and in IDL.
Proficient in utilization of Radiative Transfer Codes for Satellite Radiance Simulation and retrieval algorithms.
Proficient in utilizing Atmospheric Radiative Line by line code (GENLIN)
Proficient in statistical evaluation, data analysis, visualization, and image processing
Validation Statements
MRT is being used for MODIS data processing including Moasicking, Reprojecting
native Sinusoidal projection into various user defined projections. MRT tool
has been in the development cycle from 1999.
Results: The outstanding problems in mosaicking bounting tiles, half-pixel problems
are fixed in the New Release of MRT 4.0 code.
Accurate SST is required by climatologists and oceanographers at time and spatial scale.
European Remote Sensing Satellite includes the Along Track Scanning Radiometer (ATSR)
as part of their payload. The ATSR uses a scanning technique, which produces two curved swaths.
A parameterization scheme has been developed using MODTARN radiative transfer code with
radiosoundig profiles to retrieve sea surface temperature form two views of ATSR.
Results: Developed Sea Surface Temperature Retrieval Algorithms for (European Remote Sensing Satellite)
the accuracy of these algorithms are within 0.5K
Remote sensing of water vapor is important for understanding global hydrological cycle, air-sea interactions,
monitoring global climate change. A parameterization scheme has been developed using MODTARN
radiatve transfer code with radiosoundig profiles to retrieve sea surface temperature from two views of ATSR.
Results: Developed water vapor Retrieval Algorithms for (European Remote Sensing Satellite)
the accuracy of these algorithms are within 1kg per square meter with European Center for Medium range
Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) and Special Sensor Microwave/Imager (SSM/I) results.
Mapping Natural Resource is an important objective of Indian Space program. Worked as a scientist at
Indian Institute of Remote sensing (Indian Space Organization). Co-ordinated as a program leader
and organized courses conducted by the Institute. Involved in research and development activities
of the institute satellite data processing generation of algorithms, data integration and validation
of satellite data with ground-based measurements.
Results: Trained more than hundred officers every year (about six years) in the following
Disciplines:
Principles of Remote Sensing, Image Interpretation, Photogrammetry & Aerial photo-interpretation
National Space Development Agency (NASDA), Japan developed and launched new satellite sensors under
their Earth Simulator Program and were interested in collaborative research program in utilizing the
new satellite products. Invited to NASDA, as a visiting scientist for utilizing satellite data in the
framework of international research co-operation in NASDA's Earth Simulator Research Program
(February - March, 1998 & 1999).
Results: Researched and utilized TRMM & ADEOS-II satellite data products for Sea Surface Temperature
retrievals under clouds, ocean carbon flux and estimating rainfall.
PSG College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore, India announced college competition award to select
the best project work in science discipline. Developed Semiconductor devices tester.
Results: Received the best project work in Science discipline in 1982, PSG college of Arts and Science
Data collected from satellite sensors are has to be calibrated with similar sensors at the ground level
Also, interaction of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) with various natural and man made features have
their own spectral signatures. To study these signatures ground based instrument is required.
Result: Designed and developed such a ground truth spectro-radiometer. The spectral range covers from visible, near-infra red and far infrared region of the EMR spectrum.
To continue in higher study in Engineering, Indian Institute of Technologies (IIT) conducts national
level competitive examination (GATE-Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering).
Results: Successful in GATE and received scholarship for Master of Technology (M.Tech} degree course
from 1984 to 1986.
Highly competitive scholarship (Felix Scholarship similar to Rhodes scholarship for USA) is offered
from India for pursuing Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in England at the University of Oxford & Reading.
Result: Received FELIX Scholarship for doing PhD in the University of Reading, UK from 1992 to 1996
Aquatic Environmental research group in the University of Reading interested in water quality modeling.
As a Research officer in Aquatic Environmental Research Group, a study has been conducted to monit
Modeling of toxic cyno-bacteria and water quality problems.
Results: Developed algorithms for water quality by utilizing data from upstream and predicted
down stream water quality parameters.
Successful in writing/submitting research proposal for seeking external research funding. Received
appreciation letters from David L. Boren, President, The University of Oklahoma for successful
in getting external research funding to the University through the research program, 1999 & 2000.
Co-Principle Investigator for the following projects:
Results:
(i) Variational Analysis of satellite data: Funding Agency: Earth Science and Technology
Organization (ESTO), Japan, 1998
(ii) Variational Sensitivity analysis for Design of TRITON buoy Network: Funding Agency:
Japan Marine Science and Technology Center (JAMSTEC), 1998
(iii) Ocean Carbon flux study: 1998-99
Funding Agency: Japan Marine Science and Technology Center (JAMSTEC).
(iv) Integration of GIS, Remote Sensing and Weather Technologies to develop 4-D Real
time air pollution management system at Tinker Air Force Base.
(v) NASA EPSCoR travel grant to visit NASA Center for Excellence, for the Utilization of MODIS data.
EDUCATION
PhD (Remote Sensing)
Environmental Systems Science Center, NERC, University of Reading, UK, (1999)
M.Tech (Master of Technology (Remote Sensing)
College of Engineering, Anna University, India, (1986)
MSc (Materials Science)
PSG College of Technology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, India, (1984)
BSc (Physics)
PSG College of Arts and Science, University of Madras, Coimbatore, India, (1982)
Citizenship
US Citizen
MEMBERSHIP
Life member of Indian society of remote sensing
Member American Geophysical Union
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