Santosh K. Panda, Ph.D.

Associate Prof. of GIS & Remote Sensing

Biographical Summary:

I received my undergraduate academic training in India, and graduate academic training in India and the U.S.A. My current research is focused on improving the understanding of rapidly evolving permafrost dynamics in Alaska with an ultimate goal of predicting the response of permafrost to climate change, and its effect on the Arctic systems. I use a variety of techniques to study the complex permafrost dynamics that range from detailed ground observations to modeling using information derived from remotely sensed images. My research is vital to address some of the urgent climate change issues affecting Alaskan land, water and people through changes in permafrost such as dramatic changes in surface hydrology, vegetation, forest fires, and wildlife habitats. These changes are not only affecting Arctic environment but also the subsistence resources and subsistence lifestyle of Alaskans.