Associate Professor


Research Area \ Research Statement \ Research Group Info

My group is a dynamic and interdisciplinary research team dedicated to advancing scientific understanding of the Himalayan cryosphere and high altitude ecosystems, regions that serve as some of the most sensitive and critical indicators of ongoing climate change. Our research spans a wide spectrum of interconnected themes, integrating field based observations, advanced geospatial technologies, and modelling approaches:


GLACIER AND SNOW PROCESSES: My group investigates glacier dynamics using a combination of close range sensing including UAV based surveys, satellite remote sensing, and in situ measurements. Our work focuses on geodetic and glaciological mass balance, melt processes of both clean and debris covered glaciers, and high resolution snow depth monitoring. We also examine the role of atmospheric aerosols such as black carbon and dust in altering snow and ice albedo and accelerating melt.


PERMAFROST AND ROCK GLACIER DYNAMICS:
In cold mountain environments, frozen ground plays a crucial role in landscape stability and hydrology. My group monitors active layer thickness and ground temperature regimes, and employs geophysical techniques such as Ground Penetrating Radar and Electrical Resistivity Tomography to characterize subsurface conditions. Our research also tracks deformation and displacement patterns of rock glaciers using remote sensing data supported by GNSS observations.


CRYOSPHERE RELATED HAZARDS: My group assesses and maps high impact hazards such as Glacial Lake Outburst Floods, permafrost degradation induced slope failures, and rock ice avalanches. By integrating terrain analysis, satellite data, and field validation, we aim to improve early warning systems and risk assessment frameworks in vulnerable mountain regions.


HIGH ALTITUDE ECOSYSTEM AND CLIMATE INTERACTIONS: Our work extends to understanding how fragile alpine ecosystems respond to environmental and climatic changes. This includes high altitude meteorological monitoring, snow atmosphere interactions, and ecosystem sensitivity to warming trends and human pressures.


In the face of rapid warming and increasing anthropogenic stress in the Himalaya, our research is driven by the goal of generating science based, actionable knowledge. We aim to inform policy, support climate adaptation strategies, enhance disaster risk reduction, and contribute to the long term resilience of mountain communities and ecosystems. My group actively welcomes curious, motivated, and passionate researchers, from students and early career scientists to experienced professionals, who are eager to work in challenging yet rewarding high altitude environments. By joining my group, you become part of a collaborative effort that bridges field science, geoinformatics, and policy engagement, delivering research with tangible real world impact on sustainable mountain development and environmental stewardship.