Prof. Tarendra Lakhankar

tarendra lakhankar
City University of New York

Dr Tarendra Lakhankar has made significant contributions to NOAA and NASA's satellite remote sensing missions, focusing on water prediction and ecosystem services research. He has exhibited outstanding leadership by designing and managing major field campaigns, including the Snow-SAFE site in Caribou, ME, the Soil Moisture Field Campaign at CUNY-SMART in Millbrook, NY, and the NYC-Urban HydroMet Testbed project. The NYC-Urban HydroMet Testbed involved the installation of 21 weather stations across key research and educational outreach locations in New York City, such as public schools, botanical gardens, and community colleges. These projects have yielded valuable datasets, enhanced the accuracy of weather and water predictions, and raised public awareness about environmental issues. His work has resulted in numerous publications in top-tier journals and has contributed significantly to the advancement of environmental research.

Beyond research, Dr. Lakhankar is deeply committed to education and mentorship. At The City College of New York, he has taught a range of courses, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in Water Resources, Introduction to Satellite Remote Sensing and Imaging, Environmental Systems Science, and Environmental Water Resources. His teaching philosophy emphasizes inquiry-based learning, fostering scientific curiosity, strengthening data analysis capabilities, and honing communication skills. For over a decade, Dr. Lakhankar has extended his impact beyond the classroom by mentoring undergraduate and graduate research students and dedicating summers to teaching high school and undergraduate learners. His exceptional service and dedication to the City College of New York were recognized with the S.T.A.R. Award in 2022.

In addition to teaching and research, Dr. Lakhankar has played a pivotal role in organizing research meetings, conferences, and professional development seminars. His mentoring, advising, and outreach initiatives have fostered a strong culture of learning and innovation. Through his multifaceted contributions, Dr. Lakhankar continues to inspire the next generation of environmental scientists while advancing critical research in satellite remote sensing and environmental water resources.