I am an Assistant Professor in Center for Peaceful and Sustainable Futures (CEPEAS) at International Development and Cooperation (IDEC) in Hiroshima University, Japan. I have been doing research on GIS and Remote Sensing Engineering domain. My area of research is City Climate Modelling, Land Use Planning, Urban Trajectories Modelling, Urban Morphological Dynamics, Surface Urban Heat Island phenomena, Carbon Sequestration, Environmental Vulnerability, Glaciers Melting, Machine Learning Application, Time Series Dynamic and Climate Change.

Research topic: Analysis of Future Change in Temperature and Precipitation Patterns Across Pakistan's Major Cities: A Study Based on Shared Socio-Economic Pathways

Abstract: This proposed Ph.D. research project aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the future changes in temperature and precipitation patterns across major cities in Pakistan. The study will be conducted within the framework of Shared Socio-Economic Pathways (SSPs) to address the interconnected dynamics of climate change and societal development. Pakistan, with its diverse topography and socio-economic conditions, is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Understanding the projected climatic shifts is critical for informing climate adaptation and mitigation strategies. This research will utilize state-of-the-art climate models and data to investigate the anticipated temperature and precipitation variations in the coming decades. The analysis will focus on key urban centers in Pakistan, encompassing cities such as Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and Peshawar. By examining these major cities, this study will provide region-specific insights into climate change effects, enhancing the applicability of findings for policymakers and stakeholders. The utilization of the SSP framework will enable the examination of various socio-economic scenarios, allowing for a holistic understanding of climate impacts on the economy, infrastructure, and livelihoods of urban populations. It will also facilitate the evaluation of potential policy interventions to foster resilience in the face of changing climate conditions. Ultimately, this research endeavors to contribute to the body of knowledge surrounding climate change in Pakistan and to provide guidance for evidence-based decision-making. Exploring the complex relationship between socioeconomic development and climate change will offer valuable insights for policymakers, urban planners, and environmental scientists, helping to shape a more sustainable and resilient future for Pakistan's major cities.

Hobbies: Cricket, Travelling, Photography

Research topic: A deep learning approach to analyze future urban emission pathways

Abstract: This study predominantly assesses the influence of urbanization in key global nations on carbon emissions. It incorporates deep learning algorithms to forecast future carbon emissions. The research involves the computation of carbon emissions using energy data from several countries and conducts an impact analysis employing the grey model methodology. Building upon this foundation, a variety of fundamental forecasting models, ensemble forecasting models, and optimization models are applied to project future carbon emissions.

Hobbies: I enjoy running, watching movies, and playing handheld video games

Research topic: Urban Resilience Assessment: A Global Analysis of Indices and Application in Vietnamese Cities 

Abstract: Urban resilience is increasingly vital as cities confront growing environmental and socio-economic challenges. My research undertakes a global analysis of existing frameworks for assessing urban resilience, offering a critical examination of their applicability across various contexts. I evaluate prominent global resilience indices, assessing their relevance to the unique urban dynamics of Vietnam. By applying an integrated resilience assessment framework to select Vietnamese cities, I aim to uncover specific strengths and weaknesses in urban planning and disaster preparedness. My research highlights the importance of context-specific adaptations of global indices to better reflect local conditions, facilitating more effective resilience strategies. Furthermore, I explore how these insights can inform policymakers in enhancing urban infrastructure, fostering community engagement, and promoting sustainable development aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Ultimately, this study contributes to the ongoing discourse on urban resilience, providing actionable recommendations for Vietnamese cities to strengthen their resilience in the face of future uncertainties and risks.

Hobbies: Reading, Travelling, Sports and Cooking  

Research topic: Machine Learning Approach to Examine the Implications of Urban Form for Water Resilience 

Abstract:  TBW

Hobbies: Travelling, Cooking  

Research topic: Decarbonizing Urban Bangladesh 

Abstract:  TBW

Hobbies: Travelling, Biking, Cars, Cooking

Research topic: Urban Climate Gentrification 

Abstract:  Is there a relationship between the environment, climate change, and the processes of gentrification at a global level? What types of methodologies allow us to address the complexity of such intersections? Do these processes affect social life in both the Global North and Global South? Is it still possible to stop the environmental, cultural, and social collapse that these conditions may generate? In general, these are the questions I ask myself every day. My research is focused on these issues. I am a sociologist, educator, and musician. I work as a social advisor at Costa Rica's Ministry of the Environment, but I am now a PhD researcher.

Hobbies: Playing guitar, Hiking, Reading, and philosophizing about everyday life

Research topic: Spatial Representation, Quantification and Finance Landscape for Ecosystem-Based Non-Economic Loss and Damage  

Abstract:  I am a PhD researcher focusing on ecosystem-based Non-Economic Loss and Damage (NELD) at the intersection of climate change, spatial analysis, and climate finance. My research examines the spatial representation of NELD to map how climate-induced ecosystem degradation affects cultural heritage, biodiversity, livelihoods, and social cohesion across vulnerable landscapes. I also work on quantifying NELD using integrated geospatial, socio-ecological, and mixed-methods approaches to translate intangible losses into decision-relevant metrics. In parallel, my work critically analyzes the climate finance landscape for ecosystem-based NELD, assessing policy coherence, financial flows, and institutional readiness to support NELD-responsive adaptation and loss-and-damage mechanisms in developing countries.

Hobbies: Travelling

Research topic: Integrating urban growth models and climate change scenario making for building resilient cities in Africa

Abstract:  Africa’s urban population is projected to triple by mid-century, with much of this growth occurring in informal settlements that are disproportionately exposed to climate hazards, including extreme heat and flooding. While numerous studies examine either urban expansion or climate impacts independently, limited research integrates both dimensions in African contexts, particularly in African cities, where data gaps and informal development dynamics are most pronounced. This study will develop a coupled urban climate modelling framework that links high-resolution satellite mapping, machine learning and cellular automata based urban growth simulation, and downscaled CMIP6 climate projections to explore how alternative socio-economic (SSPs) and climate (RCPs) futures shape spatial patterns of exposure. The study will map and characterize historical trends in the expansion of formal and informal settlements, calibrating model parameters using a deep learning classification methodology. The integrated modelling will generate future land-use scenarios for 2030, 2050, and 2080, alongside spatially explicit climate projections. By producing open, planner-ready datasets and tools, this research aims to improve evidence-based urban planning and climate adaptation in rapidly growing African cities, while demonstrating the added value of a harmonized climate modelling approach over traditional non-integrated methods.

Hobbies: Football, tennis, movies, travelling

Research topic: A global analysis of National Urban Policies and their effectiveness in promoting sustainability and resilience.  

Abstract:  Managing current and future urbanization to deliver sustainable outcomes remains a pressing concern in policy and academic circles, informing proposals to recalibrate existing urban management frameworks. I build upon this background and focus on National Urban Policies, a key output of the New Urban Agenda. The New Urban Agenda expects National Urban Policies to incorporate the Sustainable Development Goals and climate action to equip them to manage urbanisation and localise sustainability goals. Despite the anticipation of the New Urban Agenda that National Urban Policies shall incorporate Sustainability Goals and Climate action, the question of which National Urban Policy incorporates these remains unexplored. Therefore, I undertake a global-scale analysis to examine whether aspects of sustainability and climate action are reflected within National Urban Policies. The study dataset comprises National Urban Policy documents from individual countries and research articles. To accomplish the study's purpose, I employ a mixed-methods approach, specifically a Systematic literature review, Natural Language processing, and Topic modelling, applied to the study dataset to address specific research questions.        The study is significant because the ineffectiveness of National Urban Policies can foster the expansion of unplanned urbanization. Consequently, unplanned urbanization shall compromise sustainability attainment through multiple pathways, such as; overwhelming capacity of existing carbon sinks, diminishing the annual 80 percent share of global Gross Domestic Product generated by urban areas and amplifying the probability of countries defaulting from international agreements that aspire for sustainability. Policy makers and practitioners could utilize findings to monitor and reinforce urban management frameworks even beyond the 2030 deadline of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Hobbies: Farming, construction and travelling

Research topic: Strengthening food resilience through city-region food systems: A system dynamics approach

Abstract:  Rapid urbanization and the growing complexity of food supply chains have increased the vulnerability of cities to shocks and disruptions. City-region food systems (CRFS) are proposed as a way to reconnect urban areas with their surrounding and distant hinterlands, but their concrete contribution to food security and food resilience is not yet fully understood. This study investigates how the adoption and implementation of integrated CRFS strategies can enhance food security and resilience in urban areas. It first clarifies the relationships between CRFS, food security, and food resilience, and assesses the extent to which an urban area depends on surrounding regions for its food supply. Using a system dynamics approach, the study develops a model that traces how different areas contribute to meeting an urban population’s daily nutritional needs under normal conditions and under shock scenarios characterized by reduced resource consumption and localized provisioning. The model represents key features of CRFS complexity, including diversity, redundancy, connectivity, and feedbacks, and examines how these properties influence the system’s capacity to maintain food availability, access, and stability over time. By linking CRFS strategies to measurable outcomes for food security and resilience, the study aims to provide an evidence-based framework to support planning and governance decisions at the city-region scale.

Hobbies: Playing Dota 2, badminton, and watching a bushcraft video at 2x speed

Research topic: Leveraging Digital Twin Technology and AI-Based Modelling for Flood Resilience

Abstract:  Climate change, rapid urbanization, and aging infrastructure are intensifying flood hazards worldwide, requiring new frameworks that go beyond static, siloed risk assessments. This research proposes an integrated, AI-driven approach that combines Digital Twin (DT) technology, Machine Learning (ML), Reinforcement Learning (RL), and Agent-Based Modeling (ABM) to advance real-time flood prediction, dynamic vulnerability assessment, and community-scale resilience planning. While recent advances in hydrological modeling and remote sensing have improved flood forecasting, existing methodologies inadequately capture the adaptive behavior of individuals and communities during flood events. To address this gap, the project develops a high-resolution digital twin, continuously updated with real-time meteorological, hydrological, and behavioral data. Within this virtual environment, AI-enhanced ABM simulates human decision-making—such as evacuation choices, risk perception, and compliance with policy interventions—under evolving flood scenarios. ML models will process multisource environmental data to improve prediction accuracy, while RL will be used to optimize adaptive strategies, including evacuation routing and resource allocation. By integrating behavioral dynamics into a real-time digital twin ecosystem, the research provides an innovative framework capable of stress-testing infrastructure plans, informing policy, and guiding community preparedness. The outcomes are expected to contribute significantly to the development of resilient, climate-responsive smart cities and offer transferable insights for AI-powered disaster risk reduction in Japan and globally.

Hobbies: Fitness, Photography, Listening to music, Watching anime, Playing video games, Volleyball, and Football

Research topic: Assessing progress toward achieving the sustainable goals in Ghanaian cities

Abstract: Countries are gradually becoming overwhelmed with the rapid growth of their cities and urban centers. It has become increasingly difficult to maintain high living standards for the growing urban population. For this reason SDG 11 provides 10 targets and 15 indicators for countries to be able to measure their progress and to know where to focus their policies and resources in order to make their cities sustainable. This study seeks to assess the progress of Ghana towards achieving SDG 11. Specifically I will be reviewing and analyzing the current state of urbanization across the three (3) Metropolitan Assemblies, review policies implemented in the three Metropolis that are geared towards achieving SDG 11,discuss challenges in implementing these policies and recommend strategies towards accelerating progress towards achieving SDG11. The study will adopt both quantitative and qualitative approaches in data collection. The outcome of the study would aid policy directions and provide a basis for further research into other areas of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Hobbies: Reading, Singing, Sports and travelling

Research topic: Optimized siting for hybrid solar, wind, and biomass energy infrastructure using geospatial techniques in Kenya

Abstract: Renewable energy promises to complement the realization of Kenya’s Vision 2030 and address the country’s rise in energy demand. This study seeks to address the unique socio-economic context of Kenya to ensure that all individuals have access to affordable and clean energy, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This research focuses on optimizing the siting of hybrid solar, wind, and biomass energy infrastructure using advanced Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS), integrated with Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Analysis (MCDA). This approach will analyze criteria based on technical, social, economic, environmental, political, and legal factors to provide suitable sites for hybrid systems; solar-wind, solar-biomass, biomass-wind, and solar-wind-biomass combinations.  The findings of this research will facilitate informed decision-making that aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and Kenya’s Vision 2030. Additionally, it will provide key insights for developing a practical framework for policymakers and stakeholders in Kenya’s energy sector, fostering the successful implementation of renewable energy projects. This will ultimately contribute to advancing sustainable energy solutions that enhance environmental conservation and promote Kenya’s socio-economic development.

Hobbies: Travelling, dancing, cooking, watching movies, spending time with kids

Research topic: Evaluating Accessibility of Urban Green Spaces in the Context of 15-Minute City Concept in Beirut City

Abstract: TBW.

Hobbies: Soccer, reading and writing

Research topic: Exploring the role of city networks for improved urban food governance

Abstract: Cities are responsible for the majority of food consumed worldwide. This share is predicted to increase. Sustainable food systems transformation hence relies on urban food governance transformation. My research interest lies in the niche of the intersection between food system transformation and glocal governance. The objective of the research is to understand the tools which cities can use individually and as part of city networks to improve urban food governance. The results visualize the current state of urban food governance and highlight potential for improvements.

Hobbies: Cooking, editorial work, bouldering

Research topic: Nature-Based Solutions for Urban Water Management and Climate Change Mitigation

Abstract: Rapid urbanization and climate change have increasingly challenged urban water management systems worldwide. Traditional engineered solutions, while effective, often fall short in providing sustainable, resilient, and adaptive strategies, especially in cities like Kabul, Afghanistan, where research is limited. This study focuses on investigating the role of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) in managing urban water and mitigating climate change impacts in Kabul and other cities. Through a systematic literature review, semi-structured interviews, field monitoring, and hydrological modeling, the project aims to assess the efficiency, scalability, and resilience of NBS under extreme weather scenarios. The outcomes will offer critical insights into enhancing climate adaptation strategies through NBS, with implications for future applications in Kabul and similar urban environments. By bridging gaps between global research and local needs, this work supports sustainable urban development, policymaking, and climate resilience building.

Hobbies: Books, Hiking, Football

Research topic: Revitalizing Small and Medium-Sized Japanese Cities: Strategies for Sustainable Development in the Context of Depopulation

Abstract: This study will focus on identifying and developing strategies for repurposing underutilized and abandoned spaces in Kure, Japan. A systematic literature review will be conducted to determine how underutilized spaces can best be repurposed along with how the 15-minute city concept can be utilized in a depopulating society. Spatial analysis using GIS will be conducted on Kure City to run a network analysis in the constraints of a 15-minute city concept, map the locations of abandoned and underutilized properties, identify areas of the city that have dangerous slope conditions, and then overlap the three to produce an overarching map that can be used with the local government.  

Hobbies: Traveling, hiking, drinking coffee

Research topic: Feasibility and Impact Analysis of Installing Solar Panels on Electric Three-Wheelers (easy-bikes) in Bangladesh

Abstract: TBW.

Hobbies: Playing and listening to music; watching football, cricket and movies; reading books; being in nature and -most importantly- spending time with family and friends.

Research topic: Siting Optimization of Public Electric Vehicle Charging Stations: A Case Study of Ho Chi Minh City

Abstract: Vietnam is regarded as a fast-growing market for electric vehicles (EVs). However, the lack of charging infrastructure has hindered EV adoption in this country. This study aims to propose an integrated model combining Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) and Multi-Objective Optimization to implement an optimal location strategy for EVs charging stations in Ho Chi Minh City. The framework provides planners with a scientifically grounded decision-making tool while simultaneously minimizing investment costs for relevant stakeholders.

Hobbies: Pickleball, Tennis, Yoga

Research topic: Green Building Certification in Sri Lanka: Current Status and Barriers to Adoption

Abstract: Sri Lanka has a small but growing green-building sector driven by a domestic rating system (GREENSL) and an active national body (Green Building Council of Sri Lanka) that together provide standards, accreditation and a directory of certified projects. GREENSL is modeled on international systems but tailored to Sri Lanka’s tropical context, sets performance criteria across energy, water, materials, indoor environment and social/cultural factors and issues Silver/Gold/Platinum awards. Adoption to date is uneven: several high-profile commercial and industrial projects have attained international LEED and local GREENSL ratings, but overall market penetration remains limited outside major developers and export-oriented manufacturers.

Hobbies: Playing Cricket, Listening Music and Cooking

Research topic: Evaluating the Effectiveness of Urban Master Plans in Regulating Urban Growth: A Spatiotemporal Study of Colombo, Sri Lanka

Abstract: To be Written

How has Colombo’s urban form and land use changed over the past century?

To what extent have Colombo’s master plans achieved their intended spatial outcomes?

Hobbies: Creating artwork and designs

Research topic: TBD

Abstract: TBW

Hobbies: Spending time in nature, at the dog/cat shelter, getting to know different places & people

Research topic: Understanding the Implications of Meteorological Drought under Future Climate Change Scenarios in Genale Dawa River Basin, Ethiopia

Abstract: TBW

Hobbies: Hiking and Reading

Burger Bonifaz Niki

Carolina Aldama Dewit