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EIGS
Graduate Fellows
The
Enterprise for Innovative Geospatial Solutions has awarded 15
fellowships to graduate students in remote sensing related fields at
Mississippi universities. The EIGS Geospatial Graduate Studies Program
offers $22,000 graduate scholarship packages for students seeking a
Master’s degree or Ph.D. degree in remote sensing related fields. The
fellowships are for students attending Jackson State University,
Mississippi State University, The University of Mississippi, and the
University of Southern Mississippi. This year’s recipients cover a
wide range of fields including: environmental science, geosciences,
computational engineering, plant and soil sciences, agriculture and
biological engineering, wildlife and fisheries science, entomology and
plant pathology, computer science, anthropology, geology, business,
marine science, and international development.
Name: Valentine Anantharaj
University: Mississippi State University
Department: Computational Engineering
Project: Application of MODIS Data to Improve Land Surface Parameterization in Mesoscale Numerical Weather Production Models
Advisor: Dr. Roger King
Valentine Anantharaj is currently enrolled in the Computational Engineering Ph.D. program at Mississippi State University. He holds a B.Sc. in Physics and M.S. in Meteorology. Originally from India, Valentine has worked for the Center for Air Sea Technology and the Institute fro Naval Oceanography.
Abstract: The vegetation and soil properties at the land surface exert significant influence over the short-term weather forecasts of numerical weather prediction (NWP) models. The Coupled Ocean Atmosphere Mesoscale Prediction System (COAMPS) model derives the necessary land surface properties from the USGS 1-km global land-use databas, which is based on historical and climatological data. Recent studies, using remotely sensed data, illustrate the changing nature of vegetation phenological cycles and land surface characteristics in response to climatic and anthropogenic effects. It is proposed that suitable techniques be developed to incorporate the land-use/land-cover and vegetation information from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) sensors on board the NASA Terra and Aqua satellites into the COAMPS model. It is expected that the new land cover parameterization will result in improved accuracy and reliability of COAMPS forecasts.
Name: Parishweta Bhatt
University: University of Mississippi
Department: Computer Science
Project: A Virtual Laboratory Using Interactive 3-D Simulation for Remote Sensing Education
Advisor: Dr. Pamela Lawhead
Parishweta Bhatt, a graduate student enrolled in the Computer Science program at The University of Mississippi, is originally from Baroda, India. She graduated in 1998 with a B.S. in Instrumentation. Pari is a student member of the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing.
Abstract: The proliferation of virtual reality technology into the 21st Century offers educators a unique opportunity to introduce students to activities, exercises, and environments that they might never access in the real world. This project will develop a 3-D, web-hosted, interactive virtual laboratory environment that could be used to simulate field exercises, offer equipment training, or host-embedded, interactive animations in the area of remote sensing. This laboratory will provide students with simultaneous access to collaboration tools, enrichment material, data analysis software, student monitoring statistics, and multiple views of the virtual landscape. The prototype of the proposed project will simulate the collection of ground control points using a GPS receiver in a distinctive virtual environment.
Name: Nathan Wade Buehring
University: Mississippi State University
Department: Plant and Soil Sciences
Project: The Use of RS for Herbicide Drift Detection in Corn (Zea mays) and Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum)
Advisor: Dr. Daniel Reynolds
Nathan Buehring, originally from Tupelo, MS, is currently enrolled in the Weed Science Ph.D. program at Mississippi State University. He holds a B.S. in Agriculture Pest Management from Mississippi State University and a M.S. in Weed Science from the University of Arkansas. Mark is involved with several organizations including the Southern Weed Science Society, the Weed Science Society of America, and Alpha Theta Chi Honorary Society.
Abstract: In the past few years, there has been an increasing problem with herbicide spray drift. After a spray drift event in corn, producers are often left with a difficult decision on whether to terminate the crop and replant; or keep the crop in production. Previous research has indicated that visual injury estimates and plant height reductions do not strongly correlate to potential yield losses from sublethal applications of non-target herbicides. Therefore, other methods of assessing potential yield losses from non-target herbicides are needed. Research in remote sensing would indicate the possibility of detecting herbicide spray drift onto susceptible crops. This project will address if remote sensing can be used to accurately identify herbicide spray drift from non-target herbicides in corn and cotton.
Name: Srinivas Chappidi
University: University of Mississippi
Department: Computer Science
Project: An Application for Automating the Processing of Hyperion Hyperspectral Data
Advisor: Dr. Pamela Lawhead
Srinivas Chappidi is currently enrolled in the Computer Science program at The University of Mississippi and expects to graduate in 2005. A National Merit Scholar, Srinivas holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Science and Engineering. Upon graduating with her M.S. in Computer Science, Srinivas plans to further her education and pursue a Ph.D.
Abstract: This research focuses on the design and development of an application to automate the preparation and processing of Hyperion hyperspectral data. At present, the preparation of hyperspectral data for classification is a time-consuming and labor-intensive process. This application intends to significantly reduce these disadvantages by automating data calibration, bad band removal and stable band selection. It is intended that this software module could be integrated into existing commercial off-the-shelf products, such as ENVI, to facilitate its widespread use throughout the remote sensing community. In order to accomplish this, the feasibility of using the Interactive Data Language (IDL), upon which ENVI is based, will be investigated. This would permit the design of this application as a potential add-on module and allow customization of the existing functionality to streamline the entire Hyperion processing and analysis flow.
Name: Derek Emerine
University: Mississippi State University
Department: Plant and Soil Sciences
Project: Predicting Field Scale Nitrogen Status of Cotton Using Remote Sensing and Geostatistics
Advisor: Dr. Jac R. Varco
Derek Emerine, originally from Benton, Missouri, is a graduate student at Mississippi State University pursuing a Master’s Degree in Agronomy with an emphasis on soils, remote sensing, and precision agriculture. Derek graduated Magna Cum Laude from Mississippi State University in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agronomy. Derek is a member of Golden Key National Honor Society, American Society of Agronomy, and Mississippi State Agronomy Club.
Abstract: A rapid technique for evaluating in-season N status of cotton is needed to improve fertilization efficiency. The primary objective of this study will be to determine the accuracy in predicting field scale cotton N status using remote sensing and geostatistics. Cotton leaf N status and reflectance will be determined at the early square, early bloom, and peak bloom stages of growth. Missions for acquisition of multispectral or hyperspectral imagery will coincide with leaf samplings. Vegetative indices such as green normalized difference vegetative index (GNDVI) and NIR/green will be evaluated for their ability to predict leaf N. Co-kriging of leaf N values with canopy irradiance at selected wavelengths or vegetative indices will be used to develop spatial crop N sufficiency maps. Ultimately, resulting maps could be used by a producer to manage a side dress or foliar application of fertilizer N.
Name: Mihaela Livia Marian
University: Jackson State University
Department: Environmental Science
Project: Effects of Hydrological Regime Change on Riparian Wetland Vegetation on the Pearl River near Walkiah Bluff, MS and LA
Advisor: Dr. Paul B. Tchounwou
Livia Marian is currently enrolled at Jackson State University in the Environmental Science Ph.D. program. Originally from Romania, Livia holds a Bachelor of Science in Geological Engineering and Geophysics. Livia has gained a lot of work experience including 11 years as a geologist and 3 years as a visiting assistant professor teaching paleontology. In addition, Livia interned for one year with the U.S. Geological Survey.
Abstract: Multi-temporal remotely sensed data and historical and current information from other sources are going to be input in a GIS and used to document, assess, and model the effects of hydrological regime alteration on riparian wetland vegetation on a portion of the Pearl River, at the Mississippi and Louisiana border. The project will cover a twenty-year period of natural water diversion and a five-year period of anthropological restoration of the hydrological regime in the study area. This information will allow for an environmental impact assessment of the current restoration project, and will have implications for future hydrology restoration efforts in the State of Mississippi.
Name: Michael Michalski
University: University of Southern Mississippi
Department: Marine Science
Project: Primary Production Variations as a Response to the Loop Current Cold-Core Rings
Advisor: Dr. Stephan Howden
Michael Michalski, originally from Flanders, New Jersey, is currently a graduate student at the University of Southern Mississippi pursuing a Master of Science in Biological Oceanography. Michael graduated in May 2000 with a B.S. in Marine Biology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Michael’s work experience includes fisheries biologist for the U.S. Geological Survey, field biologist for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and scientific observer for Atlantic Inspection Services.
Abstract: Cold-core rings in the Gulf of Mexico introduce increased levels of primary production to surrounding waters. Building upon databases collected from in situ, ship-based observations, the researcher with use of satellite remote sensing will identify variances of biological properties within cold-core rings. Satellite remote sensing will be used to view sea surface temperature, sea surface height, and chlorophyll a levels in the Gulf of Mexico. These satellite remote sensing systems will delineate a field of study and show biological chlorophyll a levels within these areas. With the use of a 1-degree mod algorithm ocean color remote sensing chlorophyll a data will be transformed into a primary production map to show a large view picture of the Gulf of Mexico’s primary production. This map will be analyzed to show the variations in primary production brought on by the presence of cold-core ring as compared to surrounding waters.
Name: Brian Mitchell
University: University of Southern Mississippi
Department: Geography/International Development
Project: Streamside Management Zone Delineation and Assessment: A Sustainable Forestry Practice Base on Applied Geospatial Technologies
Advisor: Dr. Jerry Griffith
Brian Mitchell, currently enrolled at the University of Southern Mississippi as a Ph.D. student in the International Development program, is originally from Memphis, Tennessee. Brian graduated from the University of Tennessee in 1994 with a Bachelor of Science and from Mississippi State University in 1997 with a Master of Science. Among Brian’s notable distinctions include NASA/ASEE Summer Faculty Fellow in 2001, Outstanding Dedication to Education in Forestry Technology in 2001, and David Moehring Memorial Award for Outstanding Graduate Student in Forestry in 1997.
Abstract: The information needed to address issued of sustainability extends well beyond that traditionally required by foresters. Digital remote sensing and GIS technologies have tremendous potential for satisfying such needs, but are currently underutilized. This paper defines the practices of sustainable forestry and explains how geospatial technologies will be applied to support it. This research is develoing a Geographic Information System (GIS) model that integrates DigitalGlobe’s QuickBird imagery and supporting data layers into a tool that guides the sustainable forestry practice of implementing streamside management zones (SMZ’s) to protect water quality. In doing so, this project will demonstrate how SMZ maps can be efficiently and accurately produced to provide useful tools for planners, land managers, and poicymakers worldwide. The products of this research will strengthen the technological infrastructure, and increase the demand for geospatial information products, within natural resource management communities.
Name: Jennifer Murray
University: Mississippi State University
Department: Entomology and Plant Pathology
Project: Investigation Into the Use of GIS, GPS and RS Spatial Technologies in Entomology to Improve Monitoring and Management of Agricultural Pests
Advisor: Dr. Scott Stewart
Jennifer Murray, originally from Bartlett, Tennessee, is currently enrolled as a Ph.D. student in Entomology at Mississippi State University. She holds a B.S. in Zoology and a M.S. in Entomology from Arkansas State University. Jennifer is a past president of the President of the MSU Entomology Club and is a member of Entomological Society of America. Upon completion of her degree, Jennifer plans to work within the Ag-Chemical industry utilizing her knowledge of entomology and GIS, GPS, and remote sensing technologies.
Abstract: The goals of this research are to use GIS, GPS, and remote sensing technology to gain a better understanding about the spatial distribution of arthropod populations in agroecosystems, to identify precision sampling techniques for monitoring arthropod populations given better information about their spatial variability, to manage pests of row crops in a spatially variable manner, to determine the appropriate scale(s) at which these technologies can best be implemented, and use this information to create a historical database that would like the geo-referenced samples to images and maps. These investigations will be pursued in corn and soybean crops in Mississippi and will compliment previous research conducted.
Name: Amanda Nelson
University: Mississippi State University
Department: Agricultural and Biological Engineering
Project: Inundation Maps of the Mississippi Gulf Coast
Advisor: Dr. J. Alex Thomasson
Amanda Nelson, originally from Moss Point, Mississippi, is currently a graduate student enrolled at Mississippi State University. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biological Engineering from Mississippi State University. Her distinctions include Golden Key National Honor Society, President’s/Dean’s Scholar, and Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society. Upon graduation, she plans to work as an environmental engineer with an emphasis in remote sensing and GIS.
Abstract: Natural processes and human-induced changes along coastal regions impact human, property, and economic safety. The region of concern in this study is the three counties along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Hurricane storm surges and extensive flooding have affected this region for years. This study will take past hurricane data (from the USGS) and incorporate it with remote sensing and GIS to establish inundation boundary lines that can be superimposed on USGS Quad maps. This methodology could be used in developing hurricane evacuation routes, determining flood-plain management protocols, mapping wetlands, and demonstrating how to estimate wetland loss due to relative sea-level rise. Past and probable natural disasters can be modeled, and coastal areas which are at high risk of being inundated can be shown. Evaluation of the models will be critical in order to determine which methods are applicable to other coastal regions of the U.S.
Name: Cindy Jones Shields
University: University of Mississippi
Department: Business Administration
Project: The Use of High-Resolution Digital Imagery in Marketing Science: Advancing Market, Trade Area and Consumer Spending Analysis
Advisor: Dr. Hugh Sloan
Cindy Shields, originally from Knoxville, Tennessee, is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration from The University of Mississippi and expects to graduate in December 2004. She graduated in 2002 with a B.S. in Nuclear Engineering from The University of Tennessee. Some of Cindy’s many notable distinctions include General Electric Scholar, Golden Key National Honor Society, University Honors Program, Past Treasurer of the Society of Women Engineers, and Past President of the American Nuclear Society.
Abstract: The proposed continuation research draws upon the research already done. It was found that using existing tools and resolutions of data imagery, it is difficult to perform the required analysis with the necessary degree of precision – roof characteristic extraction – suggesting that there is a need for more precision, but only in selected areas of the base imagery (e.g., IKONOS) on a sampling of habitats. Research proposed here continues and supplements stages of previous work. In extending the research, we will overlay “geo-registered” finer precision digital imagery from low-level aerial platforms on orbital imagery from contemporary high-precision sources (e.g., IKONOS, QuikBird) to better define roofs. This should provide sufficient roof characteristic detail to increase the level of confidence in analytical outcomes until a habitat area has been categorized on a sample basis. Only a sampling of objects will be evaluated at higher resolution, and the findings will be extrapolated.
Name: Brady Smith
University: Mississippi State University
Department: Geosciences
Project: A Remote Sensing and GIS Analysis of Drought Effects on the Estuaries of Coastal Alabama
Advisor: Dr. John Rodgers
Brady Smith, originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma, is a graduate student in the Geoscience program at Mississippi State University. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Geoscience in 1996. After graduating, he worked for 6 years as a broadcast meteorologist in Columbia, South Carolina. After graduation, he hopes to work as a GIS analyst.
Abstract:
This project uses remote sensing to determine the effects of the 1999-2000 drought on the vegetative health of the Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in coastal Alabama. LANDSAT images taken before, during, and after the drought are used to analyze the changes in the condition of the vegetation in the Reserve. Estuaries are among the most important ecosystems on earth because of their biological and economic importance. This project seeks to quantify the effects of drought on the estuarine environment and provide information on how to better manage and predict vegetative changes in drought conditions.
Name: Mark Smith
University: Mississippi State University
Department: Wildlife and Fisheries
Project: Comparison of Space-Use and Abundance Based Approaches to Habitat Modeling Using High Resolution Remotely Sensed Imagery
Advisor: Dr. Loren W. Burger, Jr.
Mark Smith, a native of Washington, Michigan, holds degrees in Wildlife and Fisheries from Michigan State University and Mississippi State University. Currently he is enrolled as a Ph.D. student in Forest Resources at Mississippi State University. Mark hopes to use his education to pursue a career focusing on incorporating the use of spatial information technologies in wildlife management and conservation.
Abstract: Increasing economic growth, modernization, and human population expansion has resulted in conversion of natural communities and habitats to other uses causing significant declines in some wildlife species. Consequently, numerous national and international conservation strategies have been developed to reverse these declines. Remote Sensing, coupled with wildlife habitat models, have played an integral role in the assessment and monitoring of recovery plan goals. However, currently used LandSat imagery may not be suitable for fine-scale habitat assessments. Low spatial resolution, relative to the animal’s perception of its environment, may not b e sufficient to detect habitat characteristics determining use. The goals of this research is to demonstrate the application of wildlife habitat models using high-resolution imagery. Specifically, this research compares two habitat-modeling approaches. These models may be incorporated into customized GIS software extensions, or “toolkits” for wildlife habitat assessment.
Name: Lance Yarbrough
University: University of Mississippi
Department: Geology and Geological Engineering
Project: Artificial Neural Networks and Their Use in Bathymetric and Benthic Habitat Mapping Within Littoral Waters Using Multispectral and Hyperspectral Sensors
Advisor: Dr. Gregory Easson
Lance Yarbrough, originally from Oxford, Mississippi, is currently enrolled in the Geological Engineering Program at The University of Mississippi. He holds both a B.S. and M.S. in Geological Engineering from The University of Mississippi and hopes to complete his Ph.D. in 2004. Lance is an associate member of Sigma Xi Honor Society and a student member of the Association of Engineering Geologists.
Abstract: Remote Sensing technologies have become ubiquitous tools for monitoring the terrestrial and near-shore marine environment. Images of Earth obtained from space provide the capability to regularly and systematically observe the condition of ecosystems, along with measuring the impact of anthropogenic interactions with the environment. As new sensors come online, their increased spectral, spatial and temporal resolutions and increased us of imaging spectroscopy results in an ever-increasing need for improved analysis techniques and algorithms. This proposal will focus on answering specific questions within an environment of multidisciplinary interest, coral reefs. It is the goal of this proposal to develop new analysis techniques and algorithms to determine the benthic habitat and bathymetry using various types of artificial neural networks and newly developed learning paradigms.
Name: Jason Zangari
University: University of Mississippi
Department: Anthropology
Project: Mound Exploration for the 21st Century: A Geophysical Exploration of Mississippian Mounds
Advisor: Dr. Jay Johnson
Jason Zangari is currently pursuing a Master’s of Science degree in the Sociology and Anthropology program at The University of Mississippi.
Abstract: The purpose of this project is to develop a non-intrusive mound exploration technique. This technique will speed up the process of cultural resource management, and provides a low-cost alternative to large-scale excavations. This research will integrate one of the standard 3-dimensional exploration techniques, ground penetrating radar, with bore hole magnetic susceptibility, a more experimental research tool. The objectives are to: 1.) Test an integrated mound exploration technique using Ground Penetrating Radar and magnetic susceptibility; 2.) Expand the use of magnetic susceptibility to cover a broader range of archaeological uses; and 3.) Develop a graphical presentation of magnetic susceptibility data.
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