Statement of Purpose

Shubham Bhagat

Growing up in a small village nestled amidst the lush landscapes of Chhattisgarh state,
India, I developed a profound reverence for the environment. The significant impact of
human activities and environmental degradation on the ecosystems that once captivated
me as a child ignited a strong desire to explore the complexities of ecological sustainabil-
ity. During my third year of college, I engaged in a project titled “Fire Risk Mapping
and Management in Makwanpur District, Nepal”, employing GIS and remote sensing
technologies for mapping fire risk zones. This experience not only unveiled the intricate
vulnerability of ecosystems but also highlighted the crucial role of geospatial analysis and
remote sensing methods in addressing real-world environmental challenges. As I contin-
ued to integrate remote sensing and GIS to understand environmental dynamics, I delved
into projects that deepened my expertise.

In 2018, I joined IISER1 in Kolkata, where I completed a BS-MS dual degree in

Geological Sciences with a minor in Chemical Sciences. Throughout my undergrad-
uate studies and research internships, I have developed a strong theoretical foundation,
excellent analytical problem-solving skills, and proficiency in programming. Motivated
by the transformative impact of geospatial applications on environmental studies, I pur-
sued interdisciplinary knowledge. I completed certification courses, attended webinars,
and engaged in self-directed learning activities focused on remote sensing, GIS, and pro-
gramming languages. This multidisciplinary approach enabled me to bridge theoretical
knowledge with hands-on expertise, preparing me to tackle complex environmental issues
from various angles. During an internship at the IIT2 Palakkad, under the guidance of Dr.
Athira P., I worked on the project titled ”Assessment of Land Use/Land Cover Change
Detection and Modeling Urban Growth in the Bharathapuzha River Basin, Kerala, India,
using the Cellular Automata approach.” The project involved analyzing land-use changes
and urban growth in the Bharathapuzha river basin for three periods and forecasting po-
tential urban growth for 2035 using QGIS with the MOLUSCE plugin (CA-ANN) model.
This experience honed my skills in remote sensing and GIS techniques and revealed their
transformative potential in addressing real-world challenges within urban planning and
environmental sustainability.

In my academic journey, I explored the impact of human-induced changes on ecosys-

tems. For my master’s thesis project, conducted under the guidance of Dr. Rama
Chandra Pillutla, I worked on ”Assessing the Impact of Spatio-temporal Land Use and
Land Cover Changes on Land Surface Temperature, with a major emphasis on Mining
Activities in the State of Chhattisgarh, India.” Employing the Mono-Window algorithm,
I studied LULC changes and their effects on land surface temperature. This study pro-
vided critical insights into the environmental consequences of coal mining, advocating
sustainable mining practices to mitigate the warming effects of coal mining in the region.
Presently, my research findings are under review in the ”Spatial Information Research”
journal, showcasing my proficiency in scientific writing. Presently, I am working on CLUE
(Conversion of Land Use and its Effects) model to simulate land use change in Korba
1
the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research1
2
Indian Institute of Technology2

1
district, Chhattisgarh, state, using empirically quantified relations between land use and
its driving factors in combination with dynamic modelling of competition between land
use types, under the guidance of Dr. Rama Chandra Pillutla.

What draws me to Vanderbilt University’s Ph.D. program is the prospect of working

under the esteemed guidance of Dr. Lin Meng. Her profound research in Global Change
Ecology, utilizing methods like remote sensing, in situ observation, and advanced mod-
eling, aligns perfectly with my academic and research pursuits. I am deeply inspired by
Dr. Meng’s dedication to understanding the intricate interplay between climate change,
human activities, and terrestrial ecosystems. Her work, exploring the responses of plants
to urbanization, deforestation, and other human-induced changes, holds immense signif-
icance in addressing global challenges related to biodiversity loss, ecosystem resilience,
and sustainable urban development.

In joining Dr. Lin Meng’s research team, I am enthusiastic about contributing my in-
terdisciplinary expertise, honed analytical skills, and technical proficiency in GIS, remote
sensing techniques, and quantitative methods to the ongoing research endeavors. Specif-
ically, I am deeply passionate about exploring the intricate responses of plants to climate
variations, urbanization, and deforestation, fundamental aspects that are central to the
project’s objectives. These aspects fascinate me because they hold the key to understand-
ing how ecosystems adapt and evolve in the face of environmental challenges. Leveraging
my diverse background and hands-on experience, I intend to unravel the complexities of
how climate change and human activities impact terrestrial ecosystems. I am committed
to generating valuable insights that can inform sustainable conservation strategies and
advance our understanding of ecological resilience. I plan to share my knowledge and
findings with the academic community, fostering an environment of continuous learning
and collaboration. Through my active involvement and innovative contributions, I aim
to significantly enhance the research outcomes and the overall impact of the project on
the field of Global Change Ecology.

In my future graduate studies, I intend to pursue in-depth research experiences and

knowledge, focusing on understanding the responses of terrestrial ecosystems to natu-
ral and anthropogenic changes. I plan to employ a mixed-method approach, integrating
geospatial and remote sensing techniques, along with quantitative/qualitative data collec-
tion through fieldwork. Pursuing graduate studies at Vanderbilt University represents a
pivotal step in my academic journey. Vanderbilt University offers and ideal environment
to cultivate my multidisciplinary approach, integrating diverse scientific methodologies
to address pressing environmental challenges. My diverse background and passion for en-
vironmental sustainability make me confident in my ability to contribute to the ongoing
research at Vanderbilt University. I am excited about the opportunity to work alongside
esteemed researchers and contribute meaningfully to the field of Global Change Ecology.
Earning a Ph.D. from the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (EES) at
Vanderbilt University will signify the culmination of years of dedication and mark the
beginning of a vibrant and impactful academic career. I am sincerely grateful for the
consideration of my application and eagerly anticipate the opportunity to contribute to
and thrive within the vibrant academic community at Vanderbilt University.