Gunjan Barua, Ph.D.

Developed an automated workflow that transforms handwritten forestry field sheets into structured digital spreadsheets, eliminating manual data entry. Built a financial assistant that automatically extracts and tags key receipt details, streamlining the accounting process.

Incorporating active and passive remote sensing (optical/SAR satellite data, airborne and terrestrial LiDAR) in AI/ML frameworks to predict Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda) yield in the Southeast United States. Research contributes to the Forest Productivity Cooperative (FPC) and involves field data collection, point cloud processing, and model development using Python and R. Assessing the generalizability and transferability of the developed models.

Developed an innovative Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) system for real-time forest surveillance using machine learning and remote sensing. Contributed to creating Bangladesh's first-ever carbon credit marketplace by transforming climate action into quantifiable science. Leading research on new AI and remote sensing methodologies, and developing an API for calculating Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions for corporate companies.

Revised and updated the company's forest and business operation dashboards, optimizing them on ArcOnline for improved efficiency and usability. Pioneered workflow automation by integrating Survey123, Microsoft Power Automate, and ArcOnline maps to streamline tasks. Improved the structure and performance of hosted layer databases in ArcOnline using the ArcGIS API for Python.

Explored and analyzed airborne LiDAR data and satellite imagery to understand complex forest structures. Applied geospatial analysis and machine learning methods to analyze forest productivity.

Determined forest productivity based on bedding orientation using LiDAR data and Google Earth Engine. Produced a scalable product accompanied by a detailed protocol, along with Python and JavaScript code.

Served as Instructor for Advanced Remote Sensing across three semesters (Fall 2021, Spring 2022, and Fall 2022) with a total enrollment of 232 students. Responsible for teaching and supervising lab sessions, grading assignments, consulting on class projects, holding office hours, and designing and conducting course assessments.

Collected and processed thermal drone data across multiple locations in Blacksburg and Roanoke, VA. Built high-resolution thermal models to analyze and understand communities’ heating experiences at a small scale.

Collected thermal data using UAVs and applied photogrammetry to build high-resolution thermal models. Developed a new thermal visualization method by combining optical satellite imagery and LiDAR data to create shaded thermal images. Conducted a perception study using PsychoPy and analyzed experimental data using Python and JMP.

Supported courses including Geography of Wine (Spring 2021), Advanced Geovisualization (Spring 2022), and Advanced Analysis in GIS (Fall 2022) for over 700 combined students. Led weekly lab sessions, held office hours, graded coursework, and consulted with students on class projects.

Managed a $350,000 portfolio and oversaw the field implementation of project activities, facilitating capacity building for municipality staff. Maintained liaisons with the Local Government Engineering Department and key stakeholders to draft a national WASH action plan and prepare a 10-year sanitation strategy for five municipalities.

Managed a $500,000 communications portfolio, pitched advocacy agendas, and prepared comprehensive communications and campaign plans. Coordinated social mobilization, BCC campaigns, and project report writing, while producing policy briefs and data visualizations. Conducted research for policy analysis and business development.

Prepared maps based on spatial analysis and geospatial data, and conducted topological, hydrological, and transportation modeling. Authored research reports and conducted targeted spatial analysis for the utilities, health services, real estate, and transportation industries.

Conducted spatial analysis for a large geo-database and prepared a research report on the social vulnerability index. Drafted a comprehensive report for an earthquake research project focused on Dhaka city.