• The Summer Institute is a partnership between NOAA, CUAHSI, CIROH and the University of Alabama that aims to engage the academic community in research to advance the mission of the National Water Center.
• Developed a hydrologic model using the National Water Center’s NextGen CFE model, a hydrodynamic model using GeoClaw and three machine learning models (Random Forest, Support Vector Machines and Multi Layers Perceptron).
• Assessed the contributions of different flood drivers to compound flooding and identified the most significant drivers that contribute to flooding events in New York City under different storm scenarios using coupled modeling (hydrologic and hydrodynamic models) and machine learning.

Responsibilities include:

• Serving as a lead scientist with the Duwamish River Valley Community in Washington, and the Anthropocene Alliance.
• Analyzing flooding risk and contributions of flood drivers, such as precipitation and river discharge, to the impact of flooding.
• Developing strategies for prevention, mitigation and adaptation to flooding risks between now and future sea level rise.
• Developing community participatory flood vulnerability mapping activity. *Creating material to spread awareness about flooding impacts via public engagement and outreach campaigns.
• Developing recommendations for an emergency management plan that can be proposed to city and county government officials.

Doctoral Researcher and Graduate Research Assistant in the Coastal Risks and Engineering (CoRE) Lab at the National Center for Integrated Coastal Research, University of Central Florida. My current research focuses on multi-hazards risk assessment and analyzing compound climate and weather extreme events to better understand their interrelationships at different spatial and temporal scales as well as assessing their corresponding socio-economic impacts.

Currently involved in 4 big multi-institutional research projects:

1. The Megalopolitan Coastal Transformation Hub (MACH) (funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation).
2. The New First Line of Defense: Building Community Resilience through Residential Risk Disclosure (funded by the U.S. National Academy of Sciences)
3. Geomorphic versus Climatic Drivers of Changing Coastal Flood Risk (funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation)
4. Clean, Affordable, and Resilient Energy Systems (CARES) for Socially Vulnerable and At-Risk Communities (funded by the U.S. Department of Energy)

Responsibilities include:

• Develop post-flood survey questionnaires for collecting human behavioural responses and perceptual data in Southern France
• Analyse the data and performed statistical analysis for understanding the human behavioural dynamics during the flash floods
• Develop questionnaires for participatory modelling exercises for stakeholders
• Develop an agent-based model for simulating individuals and groups behavioural responses during flash floods
• Study flash flood dynamics, population exposure and vulnerability dynamics in order to predict the potential socio-economic impacts of flash floods
• Study the social dynamics associated with flash flood disasters, the decision making of people to adapt their daily practices to changing environmental circumstances

Project: Simulating Human-Flood Interactions for Flood Risk Management using Agent-Based Modelling

Responsibilities include:

• Developed a hydraulic model and an Agent-Based Model (ABM) based on geospatial information, disaster psychology and decision-making theories for simulating the human-flood interactions to evaluate the effectiveness of flood risk communication systems, social vulnerability and determining the critical factors in regional flood evacuations.
• Analysed the human behaviour, and their responses during the flood event and their perception of risk.
• Determined the critical factors that govern the effectiveness of the evacuation process due to extreme flood events, considering the road network, the information dissemination among people, local information centres and the lead-time of the early warning system.

Worked as a Technical Advisor on project “Leak Detection in Water Supply System by means of Sound Signal Recording (Shazam-like Leak Detection Method)”. This project consisted of recording the sound signals that are produced by water fixtures and appliances, building a database and then use these recordings to detect any abnormal situation by using a Shazam-like water leak detection model, which may be an indication of a leak.

Climate-KIC is one of three Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs) designated by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) as key drivers of European excellence, innovation and growth. The Pioneers into Practice programme is a professional mobility programme, aiming to create a team of agents for change. Professionals on low carbon economy from education, research, enterprise and administration put in practice their expertise in the territory to create new products and services on the field of the climate change.

I took part in the Pioneers into Practice programme from Clime-KIC (the EU’s main climate innovation initiative). I worked with the Municipality of Bunnik in Utrecht District on a climate adaptation project.

Project: Climate Adaptation for the Sustainable Development in the Bunnik, Utrecht, Netherlands Supported by Municipality of Bunnik

Responsibilities include:

• Worked as a Research Lead and proposed policy recommendation, a series of workshops and action learning cycles and developed a framework for the policy-makers.
• An awareness campaign was created with some exemplary cases for climate adaptation for the municipality.

Project: “Design for Impact Framework: Integrating Open Data and Risk Communication for Decision Making”

A project by the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (World Bank), Resurgence and Vizonomy that aims to optimize the use of risk data to guide and support different stakeholders in their decision-making for disaster risk management and climate change adaptation.

The purpose of the Framework is to aid in design and planning of projects that use disaster risk data for effective risk communication and decision-making at various levels. This Framework is introduced through a publication which includes approximately 20 case studies, a real world scenario, and additional resources.

Link to the publication: https://opendri.org/resource/design-for-impact-open-data-and-risk-communication-for-decision-making/

Responsibilities include:

• Research Lead on OpenDRI initiatives on Risk Modelling, Risk Visualisation, and Risk Communication Projects and the projects submitted by different organizations from all around the world
• Supporting graphics generation for the Intellectual Framework and Process Diagram and other publication graphics
• Lead Author for Risk Modelling, Visualization and Communication Projects
• Analysed 20+ projects that were submitted from across the globe + OpenDRI projects
• Corresponded and managed relationships with multiple stakeholders - The World Bank/GFDRR, Vizonomy, Project Submitters, DRR and related Community Experts
• Co-developed the narrative and text of the publication.

Responsibilities include:

• Attended lectures, seminars and training in the fields of Hydrologic Modelling, Integrated Hydrologic-ecological Modelling and Water Quality Modelling with specific reference to the Great Everglades Ecosystem Restoration Project
• Learnt different Hydroinformatics tools used in this project for predictions & projections of future precipitation, linking hydrologic scenarios with ecological models, real-time spatial hydrological & ecological forecasting and climate change impact on the environment.
• Visited the Greater Everglades restoration project sites and interacted with the scientists from South Florida Water Management District, United States Army Corps of Engineers, Florida State Local Government Officials, Florida Center for Environmental Studies (FAU)

Project: Experimental Studies of Constructed Wetlands Treating Polluted Groundwater

Analysed the quality of water and the amount of nitrate absorbed by the plants in the water using ion-selective electrode analysis and ion chromatography

Responsibilities include:

• Active member of an interdisciplinary council, driving initiatives for a dynamic and inclusive graduate community. Spearheading discussions, synthesizing experiences, and proposing solutions to address diverse challenges unique to graduate students, bolstering student-faculty relationships and enhancing campus culture
• Fostering a collaborative relationship with the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies, providing innovative insights on student wellness, expanding research opportunities, and advocating for competitive stipend structures.

Responsible for ensuring proper usage of brand assets, updating social media pages, posting upcoming events on various platforms, creating social media graphics and physical posters, and coordinating the distribution of promotional material to promote SAGE events effectively.

Responsible for maintaining an overview and guiding YESS activities and serves as the contact point for communication both within the YESS community and with external partners.

Responsibilities include:

• Promote the activities done by the broader H3S subcommittee, and assist in developing the professional branding of its individual members
• Disseminate information about H3S happenings to the broader community and share resources within and between the community using popular social media platforms

Responsibilities include:

• Mentoring international undergraduate and graduate students at UCF
• Providing personal and professional guidance to international graduate students

Responsibilities include:

• Contribute to UCF’s efforts to build a global brand
• Represent UCF externally
• Engage with high school counselors, higher education professionals, prospective students and families

Responsibilities include:

• Creation and monitoring of internal and external communication strategies.
• Develop annual strategic plans.
• Stakeholder engagement and partnerships.
• Represent the Water Youth Network to build and maintain partnerships with other organizations.
• Support the President when needed on external affairs or any other matter.
• Advisory Board Liaison for Disaster Risk Reduction Group and YouKnoW! Project Team.
• Represent young water professionals in international events.

Reviewed Chapter 4: Water, Second Order Draft of the Working Group II contribution to the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report (AR6). Part of Group Review jointly organized by APECS/MRI/PAGES-ECN/PYRN/YESS

Reviewed the Hazard Information Profiles (HIPs) for UNDRR-ISC Technical Working Group on Sendai Hazard Definitions and Classification.

Download and read the report: Hazard Definition & Classification Review: Technical Review

Responsibilities include:

• Summarizing and analysing the discussions that took place during World Water Week 2019
• Extracting solutions and ideas on how to create situations that provide economic as well as societal benefits while at the same time maintaining ecosystem integrity or even improving environmental conditions.
• Preparing a concluding report on social aspects from events, seminars, and showcases at World Water Week 2019 that addressing water-related issues with the theme “Water for Society - including all.”

Reviewed the First Order Draft of the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) Climate Change 2021: The Physical Science Basis from the Working Group I (WGI)

Reviewed, evaluated and provided feedback to some of the educational tools which are currently being developed by the International Council for Science (ICSU), within the TROP ICSU project.

Responsibilities include:

• Coordinate members of Water Youth Network DRR Team to contribute to the intergovernmental process on DRR, Habitat and the Agenda 2030 through the United Nations Major Group of Children and Youth (UN-MGCY).
• Develop and support pilot local level research projects on DRR by young scientists.
• Design, coordinate and implement capacity building and knowledge sharing events on DRR and sustainable development for young scientists together with UN-MGCY, GFDRR World Bank, WMO and other organizations. For example UN World Conference on DRR, Understanding Risk Forums, World Water Forums, EFDRR, GPDRR etc.
• Support the development of the Young Scientists Platform on DRR being facilitated by the Science Policy Interface Platform of UN MGCY

Responsibilities include:

• Panellist on Regional Process Session (Asia-Pacific Region) – “Risk Communication Strategies for Water-Related Disasters” at 8th World Water Forum held in Brasilia, Brazil during 16-23 March 2018

• Official Rapporteur in the following sessions:

  • “How Climate Change Affects Water Users: the Need for Cross-Sectoral Approaches for Adaptation”
  • “Managing Risk and Uncertainty for Resilience and Disaster Preparedness”

• Co-coordinator of the Session 8.c.1 “Use of Mobile Phone Technology, Sensor Technology, Remote Sensing, Drones and Modelling in Water Monitoring and Management” organised by World Meteorological Organization (Switzerland) in collaboration with ISDR United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (India), K-Water (Korea), University of Brasilia (Brazil) and Water Youth Network (the Netherlands) at the 8th World Water Forum.

Communication Focal Point for Disaster Risk Reduction Thematic Group of Water Youth Network

Responsibilities include:

• Be aware of the status and achievements of DRR projects

• Develop and maintain materials to represent DRR project achievements

• Responsible for communicating with external organizations on behalf of DRR Working Group

• Reporting about the WG

  • Info on new projects + updates on existing ones
  • Any engagement reports (links / docs)
  • Events participation / coordination (webinars / consultations / meetings / conference side events - concept notes, flyers, pictures)

• Update the information on the website about Working Group projects / events

• Coordinate a write up (blog post) for the website within Working Group

• Communication in WYN internally / externally before, during and after an event

• Manage the Water Youth Network’s social media platforms (FB, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram)

• Providing brief updates that can be used in the newsletter

• Comments, additions and corrections on newsletter before it is submitted to the Advisory Board

Responsibilities include:

• Assisted SIWI in organising events, seminars and interviews during the World Water Week 2017

Focal Point of Database Management for the YouKnoW (Youth-driven Knowledge in Water) Platform.

YouKnoW! is a virtual space for collaboration founded on collective wisdom towards today’s water challenges. It’s an online centralized dynamic database where youth-led organizations are able to connect with a vibrant community. Just with the “click of a mouse” on our interactive world map, you will have access to knowledge from projects aimed at solving water issue & sharing of successful and innovative water practices.

Project Reviewer for Global Competition for Youth-Led Projects on “Integrated Approaches to Flood and Drought Risk Management: The Role of Youth”

Member of Disaster Risk Reduction Team at UN-MGCY

• Contributed an article on “Developing and implementing effective (multi-hazard) early warning systems: the vital role of young professionals” to UNMGCY Youth Science Policy Interface Publication – Special Edition: Disaster Risk Reduction: A Road of Opportunities. May, 2017.
• Attended European Forum for Disaster Risk Reduction (EFDRR) 2017 as a Youth Delegate of UN-MGCY hosted by Government of Turkey in Istanbul.
• Member of the organizing team for Technical Season 1: Economic Risk Management in Disaster Risk Reduction for EFDRR2017.

Trained by Former U.S. Vice President and Founder of The Climate Reality Project Al Gore. I’m working with a vision to

• Cut Carbon Pollution and create a healthy & prosperous future powered by clean energy,
• Make people aware of the impacts of Climate Change and the possible solution of such problems,
• Inspire youths to take action to reduce the impacts of climate crisis.

Teacher in the NGO formed by university students, ASTITVA, for providing free basic education to the underprivileged children inside the Pantnagar University Campus Area

The National Service Scheme (NSS) is an Indian government-sponsored public service program conducted by the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports of the Government of India. I currently hold ‘B’ and ‘C’ certificates for serving the society.

Responsibilities include:

• Coordinated the teams responsible for social surveys
• Conducted surveys in the village to understand the social and environmental problems
• Promoted social awareness through street plays, rallies and interviews regarding the various problems related to water, sanitation, education and basic human rights for the welfare of society and rural development in India

• The Summer Institute is a partnership between NOAA, CUAHSI, CIROH and the University of Alabama that aims to engage the academic community in research to advance the mission of the National Water Center.
• Developed a hydrologic model using the National Water Center’s NextGen CFE model, a hydrodynamic model using GeoClaw and three machine learning models (Random Forest, Support Vector Machines and Multi Layers Perceptron).
• Assessed the contributions of different flood drivers to compound flooding and identified the most significant drivers that contribute to flooding events in New York City under different storm scenarios using coupled modeling (hydrologic and hydrodynamic models) and machine learning.

Main topics covered during the program:

• Concept of compound events
• Copula theory
• Causality
• Dependence
• Impact modeling
• Machine learning methodologies
• Multivariate extreme value theory
• Physical Drivers and Mechanisms
• Societal Impacts

Research project: Assessing causality in compound events

The aim is to investigate the interdependencies among the different variables involved in a compound event. Note that, the interdependence relationships among variables may be causal or spurious. Distinguishing between causal and spurious dependence is a key issue in understanding the behavior of compound events. To do this, causal discovery tools, based on the conditional mutual information (Runge, 2018; Runge et al., 2014). Causal discovery tools have been useful to investigate and quantify boreal summer tropical – extratropical links (Di Capua et al., 2020), polar vortex dynamics (Kretschmer et al., 2016), Silk Road pattern variability (Stephan et al., 2019) and tropical cyclones activity (Pfleiderer et al., 2020). In the project, causal discovery tools will be applied to a meteorological compound event as exemplary case study. The project will put also emphasis on the importance of causal investigations in the different typologies of compound events.

OpenMOLE ex-Modelo Summer School

• Learnt different methodologies to explore models on OpenMOLE platform, including innovative sensitivity analysis, calibration, direct sampling, stochastic replications, fitness and calibration method, pattern space exploration method, spatial sensitivity and validation techniques.
• Built a zombie agent-based model and explored the ways how zombies and humans can co-exist?

Main topics covered during the course:

• Water Accounting Plus: theory, applications and exercises
• Water Policy Negotiations: the need for supporting, independent and verified information
• GIS and Remote Sensing, and open access databases for Water Accounting
• Spatial Data: Remote Sensing precipitation, ET, green & blue water, ET partitioning, vegetation data
• Energy Balance Modelling: Remote Sensing based ET
• Water Productivity, Biomass production and crop yield
• Hydrological modelling for Water Accounting: Water Pix and SurfWat
• Runoff calculator and pixel, based water balance, continuation exercises
• Groundwater recharge and groundwater abstraction