Dr. Hankui Zhang
Associate Professor, Geospatial Sciences Center of Excellence
South Dakota State University
Email: Hankui.Zhang@sdstate.edu
Phone: 605-688-5352
Office: Wecota Hall Box 115G
Mailing Address: Wecota Hall 115
Geospatial Science Center of Excellence-Box 0506
University Station, Brookings, SD 57007
I am a remote sensing scientist and Associate Professor at the Geospatial Sciences Center of Excellence (GSCE), South Dakota State University (SDSU). My work bridges satellite data processing, geospatial modeling, and machine learning to address agricultural and environmental challenges. I lead and contribute to multiple NASA and USGS projects focused on soil moisture monitoring, crop classification, and climate resilience.
Appointment
Associate Professor (Tenured), August 2025 - now, Geospatial Sciences Center of Excellence, Department of Geography and Geospatial Sciences, South Dakota State University (SDSU), Brookings, SD, USA
Assistant Professor, August 2019 - July 2025, Geospatial Sciences Center of Excellence, Department of Geography and Geospatial Sciences, SDSU, Brookings, SD, USA
Assistant Research Professor, November 2017 - July 2019, Geospatial Sciences Center of Excellence, SDSU, Brookings, SD, USA
Postdoctoral Fellow, February 2014 - October 2017, Geospatial Sciences Center of Excellence, SDSU, Brookings, SD, USA
Education:
Doctor of Philosophy in Geography and Resource Management, August 2013, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
Master of Engineering in Geological Resources and Geological Engineering, April 2010, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
Bachelor of Science in Geographic Information Science (graduation with honors), July 2007, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
Grants:
1. (PI) Zhang, H. K., Fu, K., Zhang, X., Roberts, D., Time series multi-modal foundation model for near-real-time land surface dynamics characterization in support of ESDT. NASA NNH23ZDA001N-AIST, Advanced Information Systems Technology), 1.5-year budget $462,517 for Jun 2025 – Dec 2026.
2. (PI) Zhang, H. K., Maimaitijiang, M., Hoover, R. C., Tinant, C. J., Gehring, D., SMD: High spatial-temporal resolution soil moisture retrieval using deep learning fusion of multimodal satellite. NASA NNH24ZHA001C - Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR), 3-year budget $750,000 for Aug 2024 – Jul 2027.
3. (PI) Zhang, H. K., Maimaitijiang, M., Zhang, X., Democratic Republic of the Congo swamp and peatland extent mapping demonstration in support of Wildlife Works Carbon LLC Reduction Emission Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) projects. Wildlife Works Carbon LLC, 3-year budget $250,039 for Feb 2024 – Jan 2027.
4. (Institutional PI): Zhang, W., Zhang, H. K., Sun, Y., Ball, J., Sustaining maple syrup industry under a changing climate through expanding research and extension. USDA Acer Access and Development Program (FY 2023), 3-year budget $499,280 for Oct 2023 – Sep 2026.
5. (Institutional PI) Korinek, J., Kovalsky, V., Zhang, H. K., ODF: National Ag Producer Data Cooperative: Strategic Development of a National Framework. USDA National Agricultural Producer Data Cooperative (NAPDC) Convening Award program, 1 year budget $79,702 for Feb 2024 – Jan 2025.
6. (Co-I): Zhang, X., Zhang, H. K., Maimaitijiang, M., Yang, Z., Developing an enhanced geospatial tool for operationally monitoring species-specific crop progress and growth condition in near real time from Geostationary Satellite Observations and Harmonized Landsat-8 and Sentinel-2 Time Series. USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) - Foundational and Applied Science Program, 4-year budget $759,272 for Sep 2023 – Aug 2027.
Academic Service:
NASA and USGS Landsat Science Team member
NASA proposal review panelist
Managing guest editor for Remote Sensing of Environment (deep learning) (2022-2023)
Associate editor for Remote Sensing Applications: Society and Environment (RSASE) (2025-now)
Editorial board member of Remote Sensing of Environment (2019-now)
Top 20 reviewers for Remote Sensing of Environment (2020, 2022, 2023, and 2024)
2023 honorary coach for the SDSU football team (NCAA FCS champion)