Ananthakumar | Earth Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ananthakumar | Earth Sciences | Best Researcher Award

University Of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, India

Author Profile

🌱 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Ananthakumar M.A. embarked on his academic journey in the field of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry with an enduring passion for agricultural sustainability and soil health. He obtained his Master’s degree from the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, during 2002-03, where he built a strong foundation in soil management, agronomy, and land resource utilization. Recognizing the need for advanced scientific research, he pursued a Ph.D. from the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, completed in 2010-11. His early academic pursuits reflect a deep commitment to understanding the interplay between soil chemistry, water technology 💧, and crop productivity 🌾, which laid the groundwork for his future endeavors in agricultural research and geospatial technologies 🛰️.

👨‍🏫 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Ananthakumar’s professional career spans over two decades, encompassing various significant roles in both governmental institutions and academic settings. His initial tenure at the Central Coffee Research Institute, Coffee Board, for six years, exposed him to practical research in plantation crop management and soil fertility. Subsequently, he served as an Assistant Soil Survey Officer at the Soil and Land Use Survey of India for three years, gaining hands-on experience in land resource assessment 🗺️ and geospatial mapping.

Since then, he has been contributing to academia, having served as Assistant Professor for 12 years and presently as an Associate Professor at the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, for the past 3 years. His affiliation with the Water Technology Centre, Zonal Agricultural Research Station, Mandya, positions him strategically to address the challenges in soil and water resource management in Karnataka and beyond.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Ananthakumar’s research portfolio reflects an impressive blend of innovation, applied science, and policy-oriented studies. His key areas of research include:

  • Geospatial Applications 🌐

  • Micro Irrigation Management 💦

  • Precise Water and Nutrient Management

  • Problematic Soil Management 🧪

  • Smart Irrigation Systems

  • AI and ML Applications in Soil Resource Management 🤖

He has led and participated in multiple externally funded research projects, with significant contributions in soil health, land inventory, and water-saving irrigation techniques. Notable projects include:

  • Ongoing Projects:

    • Monitoring the effect of one-time controlled land application of distillery spentwash – focusing on sustainable industrial waste disposal.

    • Strengthening of Water Technology Center – promoting applied research on soil and water management.

  • Completed Projects:

    • Land Resources Inventory & Digital Library Portal – funded by the World Bank 🌍, enabling decision-support systems for efficient land use.

    • Natural Farming 🌿 – aligning traditional practices with modern sustainability approaches.

    • Remote Sensing and GIS for Land Resource Inventory – promoting digital transformation in resource planning.

    • Simulation Modeling for Cropping System Design – addressing climate change impacts through data-driven planning.

His 33+ research publications span high-impact journals such as Land, Plant Archives, Journal of the Indian Society of Soil Science, and International Journal of Plant & Soil Science, among others. His Google Scholar profile shows growing influence, with 18 citations, while his ORCID and Web of Science IDs reflect strong academic visibility 📊.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Ananthakumar has earned recognition through academic and professional platforms. He has been appointed for editorial responsibilities with the Journal of Farm Sciences and is actively involved in open peer review management. His collaborations with the National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning further establish his role as a national resource person in soil resource studies.

As a life member of prestigious scientific societies including:

  • Indian Science Congress

  • Indian Society of Agronomy

  • Journal of Soil Biology and Ecology

  • Journal of Plantation Crops

  • Indian Society of Soil Science

—he actively contributes to scientific discourse and development of soil and water conservation strategies.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Ananthakumar’s research has real-world impact, especially in Karnataka’s agricultural ecosystem, where water scarcity and soil degradation are pressing concerns. His work on micro-irrigation in paddy 🌾 and subsurface drip fertigation in sugarcane 🍬 showcases practical solutions to reduce water usage and enhance soil longevity. The fertigation scheduling for corn 🌽 and crop planning under climatic uncertainty exemplify his commitment to climate-smart agriculture.

He has guided one Ph.D. and six Master students as Chairman, and mentored over 10 postgraduates as a committee member—helping to cultivate the next generation of agricultural scientists 👩‍🔬👨‍🔬.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

As a thought leader in soil and water sciences, Dr. Ananthakumar is shaping the future of sustainable agriculture through technological integration, digital land inventory systems, and AI-based solutions. His long-standing efforts in knowledge dissemination, capacity building, and scientific mentoring contribute significantly to agricultural policy frameworks in India.

Going forward, his work is expected to influence precision agriculture practices, development of AI/ML-powered decision support systems 🤖🛰️, and data-driven natural resource management. His vision is aligned with India’s agricultural transformation goals, especially under the changing climatic conditions 🌦️

Notable Publications 

  • Title: Assessment of Soil Quality Indicators of Channegowdarapalya Micro-watershed
    Authors: M Harsha, A Sathish, MA Ananthakumar
    Journal: Journal of the Indian society of soil science
    Year: 2021.

  • Title: Impact of Large Scale Demonstration on Productivity and Profitability of Blackgram Under Rainfed Conditions

    Authors: CM Sunil, C Hanagi, B Manjunath, DB Gayathri, MA Ananthakumar

    Journal: Legume Research- an international journal

    Year: 2023

  • Title: Comparison of natural farming with organic and conventional farming practices in green gram-paddy cropping system
    Authors: S Malakannavar, MA Ananthakumar, MT Sanjay, KS Divyashree,

    Journal: Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge
    Year: 2024.

  • Title: Influence of row spacing and organic nutrient management practices on growth, yield and nutrient uptake of chia (Salvia hispanica)
    Authors: P KM, Y SB, F PS, AK MA

    Journal: The Indian Journal of Agricultural Sciences
    Year: 2024.

  • Title: Effect of Drip Fertigation on Growth, Yield and Quality of Ratoon Sugarcane
    Authors:  NN Annappa, MA Ananthakumar, MN Thimmegowda, GG Kadalli

    Journal: International Journal of Plant & Soil Science

    Year: 2023.

Kalaiselvi S | Remote Sensing | Best Research Award

Dr. Kalaiselvi S | Remote Sensing | Best Research Award

National Engineering College, Kovilpatti- India

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

S. Kalaiselvi’s academic journey began with a strong foundation in computer science and engineering, which has been the cornerstone of her illustrious career. From her early days, she demonstrated a keen interest in the field, eventually leading her to pursue higher education in computer science. Her passion for technology and innovation guided her through her undergraduate and postgraduate studies, laying the groundwork for her future contributions to the field of remote sensing, image processing, and data analytics. This solid educational background equipped her with the necessary skills and knowledge to embark on a professional career that would later see her rise through the ranks of academia.

Professional Endeavors 👩‍🏫

S. Kalaiselvi began her professional career as a Lecturer at Aditanar Arts and Science College, Tiruchendur, from September 2004 to May 2005. This initial experience provided her with valuable teaching and academic exposure, which she later built upon in her subsequent roles. She then moved on to Arasan Ganesan Polytechnic College in Sivakasi, where she served as a Lecturer from June 2006 to May 2007. These early teaching experiences were crucial in shaping her pedagogical approach and deepening her understanding of the academic environment.Her journey continued at the National Engineering College (NEC), Kovilpatti, where she joined as a Lecturer in June 2009. Over the next decade, she steadily progressed through various roles, including Assistant Professor and Assistant Professor (Senior Grade). Her dedication to teaching and research was evident as she took on more responsibilities and contributed significantly to the department’s growth. In April 2022, she was promoted to the position of Associate Professor, a role she continues to excel in, contributing to the development of future engineers and researchers in the field of computer science.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔍

Throughout her career, S. Kalaiselvi has maintained a strong focus on research, particularly in the areas of remote sensing, image processing, and data analytics. Her work in these fields has been characterized by a deep commitment to advancing knowledge and finding innovative solutions to complex problems. Remote sensing and image processing are critical areas of research with applications in various domains, including environmental monitoring, agriculture, and urban planning. S. Kalaiselvi’s research has contributed to the development of new techniques and methodologies in these fields, enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of data analysis.Her expertise in data analytics further complements her research in remote sensing and image processing, allowing her to develop comprehensive solutions that leverage the power of data. By integrating these research areas, S. Kalaiselvi has been able to address complex challenges in various domains, making significant contributions to the field and advancing the state of knowledge in computer science and engineering.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

S. Kalaiselvi’s contributions to research and academia have not gone unnoticed. She holds supervisor recognition from Anna University, Chennai, under Ref. No: 4140004, which attests to her expertise and capability as a Ph.D. supervisor. Currently, she is guiding four Ph.D. scholars, helping to shape the next generation of researchers and contributing to the academic community.Her professional profiles on platforms such as ORCID (0000-0003-1923-3827), ResearcherID (AAO-8544-2021), Google Scholar, Scopus, and Vidwan showcase her extensive research output and impact. These profiles are a testament to her active engagement in the research community, where she continues to contribute valuable knowledge and insights in her areas of expertise.

Impact and Influence 🌍

Over her 16+ years in academia, S. Kalaiselvi has had a profound impact on her students, colleagues, and the broader research community. Her teaching has inspired countless students to pursue careers in computer science, while her research has influenced the direction of studies in remote sensing, image processing, and data analytics. Her work has not only contributed to academic knowledge but also has practical applications in various industries, making a tangible difference in the world.As an Associate Professor at the National Engineering College, Kovilpatti, she plays a pivotal role in shaping the curriculum and guiding the research activities of the department. Her influence extends beyond the classroom, as she actively participates in academic conferences, workshops, and seminars, where she shares her knowledge and insights with the broader academic community.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🌟

Looking ahead, S. Kalaiselvi is poised to continue making significant contributions to her field. Her ongoing research projects and her role as a Ph.D. supervisor ensure that her influence will extend to future generations of researchers. Her work in remote sensing, image processing, and data analytics will continue to evolve, addressing new challenges and contributing to advancements in technology and society.Her legacy is not only defined by her research contributions but also by the impact she has had on her students and the academic community. As she continues her career, she is likely to leave an indelible mark on the field of computer science and engineering, inspiring others to follow in her footsteps and contribute to the advancement of knowledge.In conclusion, S. Kalaiselvi’s career is a testament to her dedication, expertise, and passion for teaching and research. Her contributions to remote sensing, image processing, and data analytics have made a significant impact, and her influence continues to grow as she mentors the next generation of researchers and engineers. Her legacy is one of excellence, innovation, and a commitment to advancing the field of computer science.

Citations

A total of 45 citations for his publications, demonstrating the impact and recognition of his research within the academic community.

  • Citations         45
  • h-index           15
  • i10-index        5

Notable Publications 

  • Title: Downstream lingering attention transformer network (DsLATNet) for land use land cover classification: A bicolor deep learning framework
    Authors: Anitha, V., Manimegalai, D., Kalaiselvi, S.
    Journal: Applied Soft Computing
    Year: 2024.
  • Title: Emotion Recognition from Speech – an LSTM approach with the Tess Dataset
    Authors: Sankara Pandiammal, K., Karishma, S., Harine Sakthe, K., Kalaiselvi, S., Anitha, V.
    Conference: 2024 5th International Conference on Innovative Trends in Information Technology (ICITIIT)
    Year: 2024.
  • Title: A Decentralized Fog Architecture for Video Preprocessing in Cloud-based Video Surveillance as a Service
    Authors: Divya, G., Swetha, K., Siva Shruthika, S., Santhi, S., Kalaiselvi, S.
    Conference: 2024 International Conference on Cognitive Robotics and Intelligent Systems (ICC-ROBINS)
    Year: 2024.
  • Title: Convolutional neural network for remote sensing classification
    Authors: Fathima, H.M., Lakshmi, M., Pooja, P., Anitha, Kalaiselvi
    Journal: AIP Conference Proceedings
    Year: 2023.
  • Title: A Recommendation System for Crop Prediction Under Diverse Weather Conditions
    Authors: Shunmugalakshmi, P., Ram Kishore, V., Ramachandran, P.P., Santhi, S., Kalaiselvi, S.
    Conference: 2023 9th International Conference on Advanced Computing and Communication Systems (ICACCS)
    Year: 2023.

Thota Sivasankar | Remote Sensing | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Thota Sivasankar | Remote Sensing | Best Researcher Award

NIIT University- India 

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Thota Sivasankar, Ph.D., embarked on his academic journey with a strong foundation in electronics and communications, earning his B.Tech. degree from RVR & JC College of Engineering, Guntur, India, in 2011. He then pursued an M.Tech. in Remote Sensing from Andhra University, Visakhapatnam, India, where his thesis focused on the spatio-temporal changes of HIV/AIDS in the Visakhapatnam district using a medical GIS approach. This early work demonstrated his interdisciplinary approach and innovative use of GIS in health studies. Dr. Sivasankar completed his Ph.D. in Geomatics from the Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines), Dhanbad, India, in 2019, with a thesis on Vegetation Biophysical Parameters using RISAT-1 Hybrid Polarimetric SAR Data, showcasing his expertise in advanced remote sensing techniques.

Professional Endeavors

Dr. Sivasankar’s professional career is marked by significant contributions to both academia and research institutions. Since February 2020, he has been serving as an Assistant Professor in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) at NIIT University, Neemrana, India. Prior to this, he was a Research Scientist at the North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC) in Umiam (Shillong), India, from December 2016 to December 2019. Here, he worked on disaster risk reduction, playing a crucial role in mitigating natural disasters in the North Eastern region of India. His earlier role as a Research Scholar in the Agriculture and Soils Division at the Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS), ISRO, Dehradun, India, further honed his research skills in remote sensing applications for agricultural and soil studies.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Sivasankar’s research has predominantly focused on the application of remote sensing and GIS technologies in environmental monitoring, disaster management, and agricultural studies. His Ph.D. work on RISAT-1 Hybrid Polarimetric SAR Data for vegetation analysis is a testament to his expertise in SAR data and its applications in environmental monitoring. At NESAC, he contributed to disaster risk reduction efforts, leveraging remote sensing data for early warning systems and mitigation strategies. His interdisciplinary approach combines technology with practical applications, addressing real-world problems through innovative research.

Accolades and Recognition

Throughout his career, Dr. Sivasankar has received recognition for his contributions to remote sensing and GIS. His work has been acknowledged in various academic and professional circles, highlighting his commitment to advancing the field. His innovative research and teaching methods have earned him accolades, establishing him as a respected figure in the academic community.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Sivasankar’s impact extends beyond his immediate research contributions. His role as an Assistant Professor allows him to shape the next generation of GIS professionals, imparting his knowledge and experience to students. His work in disaster risk reduction has had a tangible impact on the communities in North Eastern India, demonstrating the practical benefits of remote sensing technologies in mitigating natural disasters.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Dr. Sivasankar aims to continue his research in remote sensing and GIS, with a focus on developing new methodologies and applications that address global environmental challenges. His ongoing work at NIIT University is expected to produce significant advancements in the field, contributing to both academic knowledge and practical solutions for environmental monitoring and disaster management. Dr. Sivasankar’s legacy will be defined by his commitment to integrating technology with real-world applications, ensuring that his contributions have a lasting and meaningful impact on society.

Citations

A total of 317 citations for his publications, demonstrating the impact and recognition of his research within the academic community.

  • Citations         317
  • h-index           11
  • i10-index        11
Notable Publications 

Geomorphic assessment of active tectonics in Jaisalmer basin (western Rajasthan, India)

M Biswas, MP Gogoi, B Mondal, T Sivasankar, S Mukherjee, S Dasgupta
Geocarto International

Assessing the potentials of multi-temporal sentinel-1 SAR data for paddy yield forecasting using artificial neural network

PK Sharma, P Kumar, HS Srivastava, T Sivasankar
Journal of the Indian Society of Remote Sensing

Development of an interactive web-based geovisual analytics platform for analysing crime data

MA Kaif, S Samaiya, RA Purnima, T Sivasankar, A Roy, A Poojitha
2023 IEEE Symposium on Wireless Technology & Applications

Soil moisture estimation underneath crop cover using high incidence angle C-band Sentinel-1 SAR data

HS Srivastava, T Sivasankar, MD Gavali, P Patel
Kuwait Journal of Science

Jyoti Sharma | Remote sensing | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Jyoti Sharma | Remote sensing | Best Researcher Award

India Meteorological Department- India

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits:

Jyoti Sharma’s academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry from M. J. P. Rohilkhand University, Bareilly, followed by a Master’s in Physics from the same institution. These foundational years laid the groundwork for her future academic pursuits and research interests.

Professional Endeavors:

Upon completion of her master’s degree, Sharma embarked on her Ph.D. in Remote Sensing at the Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Technology, BHU, Varanasi. Her doctoral research focused on “Retrieval of soil moisture and biophysical parameters using microwave spaceborne observations.” This period marked her transition into the realm of Earth observation and satellite data analysis.After obtaining her Ph.D., Sharma transitioned into the role of a Research Associate at the Hydrology Process Group, National Centre for Earth Science Studies, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Here, she delved deeper into hydrology processes, further honing her skills in data analysis and satellite data processing.

Contributions and Research Focus:

Sharma’s research has primarily revolved around leveraging satellite data for environmental monitoring and assessment. Her expertise spans LU/LC mapping/classification, image processing, and radar data analysis. Through her work, she has contributed significantly to the understanding of soil moisture dynamics and biophysical parameters, crucial for agricultural and environmental management.

Accolades and Recognition:

Sharma’s contributions have been recognized both nationally and internationally. She received the Best Poster Award in the category of “Retrieval and Assessment” at the International Soil Moisture School (ISMS) by IEEE-GRSS society, held at IIT Bombay, Mumbai, in 2023. Additionally, her academic achievements include qualifying the CSIR-NET JRF in Physical Science with an impressive All India Rank of 98 in 2017.

Impact and Influence:

Sharma’s work has left a lasting impact on the fields of remote sensing and hydrology. By advancing methodologies for soil moisture retrieval and leveraging satellite data for environmental monitoring, she has contributed to the scientific community’s understanding of Earth’s systems. Her research findings have implications for agricultural productivity, water resource management, and climate change mitigation.

Legacy and Future Contributions:

As Sharma continues her career as a Project Scientist at the India Meteorological Department, her legacy extends beyond individual achievements to shaping the future of Earth observation and environmental science. Through continued research, mentorship, and collaboration, she aims to further enhance our understanding of Earth’s processes and contribute to sustainable development initiatives globally.

Citations

A total of 115  citations for his publications, demonstrating the impact and recognition of his research within the academic community.

  • Citations         115
  • h-index            7
  • i10-index         4
Notable Publications 

Improving spatial representation of soil moisture through the incorporation of single-channel algorithm with different downscaling approaches

J Sharma, R Prasad, PK Srivastava, SA Yadav, VP Yadav
IEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing

Challenges in Radar remote sensing

PK Srivastava, R Prasad, SC Kumar, SA Yadav, J Sharma, S Suman, …
Radar Remote Sensing,

Development of a new vegetation modulated soil moisture index for the spatial disaggregation of SMAP soil moisture data product

J Sharma, R Prasad, PK Srivastava, SA Yadav, SK Singh, B Verma
Physics and Chemistry of the Earth,