K M Ashraful Islam
About Me
I am a PhD student in Geography and Geospatial Sciences at Oregon State University (OSU), USA. Before pursuing my graduate degree, I worked as an assistant professor (currently on study leave) in the Department of Urban and Regional Planning at Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET), Bangladesh. I joined OSU as a graduate teaching and research assistant in 2023 and earned my Master’s degree in Geography and Geospatial Science from OSU.
My research focuses on geospatial analysis, remote sensing, urban microclimate, environmental modeling, and earth system processes. I aim to understand geographic, climatic, temporal, and spatial insights through fundamental and applied research. Using methodologies such as machine learning, deep learning, and system digitalization, I strive to enhance planning, decision-making, and operational efficiency. I am passionate about creating better maps and tools for stakeholders. My work focuses on streamlining the process of monitoring landscape disturbances and delivering solutions that are robust, adaptable, and easy to implement for diverse stakeholder needs.
A list of my research projects is given here. The courses I teach are also listed.
I am a student member of the American Geophysical Union (AGU) and American Association of Geographers (AAG). I am also a member of the Bangladesh Institute of Planners (BIP).
I have been honored with several awards for my academic and research achievements. I received the Best Paper Award from CUET in October 2020 for one of my research articles published in an international journal. At Oregon State University, I was awarded the Chuck Rosenfeld Muddy Boots Scholarship by the College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences in May 2023. Additionally, I received the Warren W. Denner Memorial Graduate Fellowship in June 2024 and The Gordon Matzke Scholarship in November 2024, recognizing my commitment to excellence in geospatial sciences and research.
The Latest
Mastering Mangroves:
A Milestone Achieved!
I earned my Master’s degree in Geography and Geospatial Science from Oregon State University in December 2024. My thesis, titled “In the Grove of Mangroves: Expanding Google Earth Engine Applications for Meticulous Mangrove Mapping,” focuses on leveraging Google Earth Engine (GEE) to improve the monitoring and mapping of mangrove ecosystems.
Key highlights:
My research identifies challenges in current methodologies and proposes innovative, multi-model approaches to produce improved mangrove maps.
A case study in Bangladesh incorporates pixel-level quantification of model consensus, addressing stakeholder demands for more precise and uncertainty-aware mapping.
Reviewer, Environmental Challenges, ELSEVIER
Received foundation training for teachers
Merit Award given by CUET Ex-Students Association
Chuck Rosenfeld Muddy Boots Scholarship awarded in 2023