Tarek Kandakji
Remote Sensing Specialist and Manager of Yale Center for Earth Observation
Researcher with Ph.D. in Geosciences and demonstrated track record in conducting research in multi-disciplinary environments such as international NGOs and universities. Dr. Kandakji is currently a Remote Sensing Specialist and Manager of Yale Center for Earth Observation at Yale School of the Environment, Yale University. His areas of expertise include environmental science, earth science, ecology, atmosphere, air quality, water quality, geomorphology, hydrology, environmental health, land management, and land conservation. Strengths include geospatial analysis and modeling, GIS, remote sensing, and data analysis. An effective communicator with significant success as a lecturer and mentor to diverse student populations. Author of multiple research papers. Dr. Kandakji is a licensed sUAV remote pilot by the Federal Aviation Administration.
Prior to joining Yale, Dr. Kandakji has been conducting multi-disciplinary research in national and international organizations for many years. Over more than a decade of both academic and non-academic research, he has worked at and collaborated with many NGOs (e.g. ICARDA and FAO), IGOs (e.g. USAID and NATO), government agencies (e.g. USDA and NASA), and universities in Europe, the Middle East, and the U.S.
Dr. Kandakji's research objectives are focused on using the cutting-edge technology of Google Earth Engine and other open source tools to reach a robust classification method to accurately model earth system processes, like emission of dust and minerals and its effect on health, using satellite images. Additionally, he focuses on coupling remote sensing and geospatial analysis with ground data collection to study the effect of environmental factors on arid and semi-arid areas that may suffer from drought. For data collection, Dr. Kandakji utilizes PXRF and field portable spectroradiometer, among other tools and instruments.
Education
PhD Geosciences, MSc Soil Science, MSc Land, Water, and Environment, BSc Agricultural Resources Management and Environment