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Dr. K Ajith Joseph

Principal Scientist & Executive Director

Presently the Principal Scientist and Executive Director of Nansen Environmental Research Centre - India (NERCI), a non profit research centre accredited by DSIR, Ministry of Science and Technology for environment and climate research (http://www.nerci.in) and a recognised research centre of Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, Kochi. Doctorate in Physical Oceanography from Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT), India in 1998 with graduation in Mathematics and Masters in Oceanography. He joined NERCI as Scientist in 2000. He has more than Thirty years of research including twenty years of project management experience with CUSAT and NERCI through various projects. He is currently the Principal Investigator for ISRO-SAC Oceansat3 calibration and validation project and also the Co Investigator for H2020-MoES co funded project Ocean Observations and indicators for Climate and Assessments (ObsSea4clim) coordinated by Danish Met office and National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research.

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Dr. N. Nandini Menon

Principal Scientist & Deputy Director

Doctorate in Marine Biology from Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT), India. She joined NERCI as Senior Scientist in 2009 and has twenty years of post doctoral research experience and nineteen years of teaching experience. Before joining NERCI, she had been working at CUSAT in the capacity of Research Associate in projects funded by various national agencies like MoEF, DBT, CSIR, DST and MoES and as Ad-hoc lecturer in the Dept. of Marine Biology, Microbiology and Biochemistry, CUSAT. She had also implemented an independent project as PI under the DST –SERC young scientist scheme in CUSAT. At NERCI, she was the leader of 2 work packages in the European Commission FP7 project INDO-MARECLIM ( 2012 - 2015) and organised 2 international workshops and one winter school as part of the project. As an alumnus of NF-POGO (Nippon Foundation - Partnership for Observation of Global Oceans) and member of NANO (NF-POGO Alumni Network for Oceans), she headed two Indo-SriLankan projects funded by POGO-NANO. She is involved in the projects funded by Dept. of Environment and Climate Change, Kerala State, DST-SEED scheme, SAC-ISRO and DST-SPLICE scheme as PI /Co-investigator.

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Dr. G. Bindu

Principal Scientist

Dr. Bindu G is presently scientist in Nansen Environmental Research Centre, India (NERCI). She has been awarded PhD in Meteorology from Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT), India in 1998. She is an approved research guide of Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS). Presently principal Investigator of DST funded project on ‘Atmospheric carbon sequestration potential of trees in Kochi City under the changing environmental scenario’ and has completed one project on Assessment of carbon sequestration potential of different species of mangroves existing in Kunhimangalam area, a coastal district in the State of Kerala under CSR initiatives of Appollo Tyres. She has also completed projects related to air pollution studies and climate change issues, funded by various agencies like CSIR, DST, MoEF & USAID in her capacity as principal Investigator, Scientist fellow, Senior research Associate etc. in CUSAT, NEERI & KSSP. She joined NERCI in 2012. She is an Environmental Consultant for different Consultancies like ENTEC, KITCO & ENVIROTECH.

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Dr. R. Ranith

Scientist

National Post-doctoral Fellowship awardee (2016-2018), sponsored by DST Science and Engineering Research Board. Doctorate in Ocean science and Technology from Centre of Advanced Studies in Marine Biology, Annamalai University (2015) on the topic “Spatial distribution of ecological stressors and SST as proxies for developing coral reef vulnerability model- a tool for site specific management of Lakshadweep atolls”. Have about 12 years of experience in multidisciplinary research studying the marine ecological interactions and climate change impact. Completed a short course on the implementation of statistical program R in modelling ecosystem interactions from the Cambridge University, United Kingdom during 2014. His research interests are largely directed towards understanding the response of marine ecosystem to climate change and anthropogenic interactions through ecosystem modelling using remote sensing and geo-statistical techniques. He is also interested in studying upper ocean processes and its interaction with biological productivity. He is experienced in planning and execution of marine Environmental Impact Assessment studies and assessment reports.

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Anu Chacko

Accounts Officer

Anu Chacko has been a valued member of Nansen Environmental Research Center India since 2018, where she is responsible for managing the organization's financial and accounting functions. With over eight years of professional experience, including two years in the construction industry prior to joining the organization, she brings strong expertise in accounting, financial management, and project finance.

At Nansen, Anu oversees the accounts of both international and domestic projects, ensuring accurate financial reporting, compliance, and efficient financial operations. As the primary person responsible for all accounting activities, she plays a key role in maintaining the organization's financial integrity and supporting project implementation. She is also experienced in PFMS-related processes and fund transfer procedures, contributing to the smooth management of project finances and financial administration.

Akash. S

Senior Research Fellow

Postgraduate in Climate Change Adaptation from College of Climate Change and Environmental Science (formerly known, Academy of Climate Change Education and Research), Kerala AgriculturalUniversity, Thrissur, Kerala, India. He currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Physical Oceanography on the topic “Climate-induced variabilities of physical oceanography on the oxygen dynamics in the coastaland open waters of the Northern Indian Ocean” at Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies(KUFOS), Kochi, Kerala, India. He joined NERCI as Junior Research Fellow under Ministry of EarthSciences sponsoring project entitled “COMFORT - Our common future ocean in the Earth system –quantifying coupled cycles of carbon, oxygen, and nutrients for determining and achieving safeoperating spaces with respect to tipping points (2019 – 2022)”. COMFORT is a Horizon 2020 programme of the European Commission having 32 partners from different countries including India.

Anand M Vijayan

Junior Research Fellow

He holds a postgraduate degree in Physical Oceanography from the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS), Kochi, Kerala. He is currently pursuing his PhD in Physical Oceanography, focusing on "Unveiling the Drivers of Primary Productivity in the Northern Indian Ocean: A Coupled Remote Sensing and Ecosystem Modelling Approach" at Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS) under the guidance of Dr. Ranith R, Scientist, NERCI.

He began his journey at NERCI as a Junior Research Fellow on the ISRO-SAC funded project "OCM-3 Calibration and Validation" working under the supervision of Dr. Ajith Joseph K, Director of NERCI. His research interests encompass Ocean Color Remote Sensing, Marine Optics, and Productivity, aiming to shed light on the intricate dynamics of the marine ecosystem.

Anjanalakshmi M P

Project Fellow

Project Fellow at Nansen Environmental Research Centre, India, under the project "Enhancing algal bloom/HAB advisory through mechine learning integrated methods for early algal bloom/HAB detection and toxin risk mapping", with a primary focus on plankton identification. She holds a postgraduate degree in Marine Biology from Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, Kochi. She completed her Master's dissertation on zooplankton at the National Institute of Oceanography RC Kochi, where she gained experience in plankton related works

Chandu P J

Senior Project Associate

Chandu P J is a Senior Project Associate at the Nansen Environmental Research Centre (India). He holds a Master's degree in Applied Geology from the Central University of Karnataka and has been awarded the Summer Research Fellowship by the Indian Academy of Sciences. He completed his SRFP at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune. Chandu has more than 4 years of experience in remote sensing and GIS, GHG accounting, and PCF analysis. He is a part of Urban Sustainability in Action Multi-disciplinary Approach through Jointly Organized Research schools, and has contributed to various environmental impact assessment projects and commercial carbon neutrality assessment projects.

Farzana Haris

Junior Research Fellow

Postgraduate in Climate Change Adaptation from the College of Climate Change and Environmental Science, Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur, Kerala. She is currently working as a Junior Research Fellow (JRF) on the Indo- Norwegian project "Climate Change Impact on the Marine Coastal Ecosystem of Kerala (C3-eKerala)." Her research focuses on understanding the effects of shoreline changes on sensitive coastal habitats such as mangroves and seagrass along the Kerala coast. She qualified for the UGC- NET lectureship in Environmental Science and also qualified for the DST- INSPIRE fellowship (Level-I). Previously, she worked as an Assistant Professor in Climate Change Adaptation at Kerala Agricultural University.

Research Interests: Climate Change studies, Biological Oceanography, Climate Projection, Remote Sensing and GIS, Geo-statistical modelling

Jaishnu J Nair

Project Fellow

Project Fellow at the Nansen Environmental Research Centre (India) since January 2024, holds an M.Sc. degree in Geography from MKU, Tamil Nadu, and specializes in GIS & Remote Sensing projects, especially in land monitoring analysis, which involves using GIS and Remote Sensing techniques to observe, evaluate, and analyse land use and land cover changes, focusing on detecting environmental impacts and sustainability trends. Also works in carbon neutrality assessment.

Nancey Selin

Project Fellow

Nancey Selin is a Project Assistant at Nansen Environmental Research Centre, India, with key expertise in phytoplankton identification for the project "Waterborne Infectious Diseases and Global Earth Observation in the Near Shore” since April 2023. She holds a Postgraduation in Marine Biology from Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, Kochi, and completed her dissertation at the National Centre for Coastal Research, Chennai, where she also gained experience in benthic related studies.

Rithin Raj M

Resarch Associate

Rithin Raj M is a marine biology researcher working on the ''WADIM"; project, which addresses Water-Associated infectious Diseases in India through digital Management tools. He holds a degree in Botany, an MSc in Aquaculture and Fish Processing, and an M.Phil in Life Sciences. He is currently pursuing PhD in Marine Sciences at Cochin University of Science and Technology. Rithin has served as a Research Fellow and Research Associate at Nansen Environmental Research Centre - India, and as a Research Fellow at Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS). His roles include Programme Coordinator and Office Secretary at Swadeshi Science Movement, Teaching Faculty at CISTAM, and Project Coordinator for the Coconut Development Board Project. His research interests include biodiversity, ecology, and taxonomy, with specialisations in marine biology, planktonology, microbiology and aquatic ecology. Rithin has published on topics such as ‘Antimicrobial resistance in Vibrio parahaemolyticus’, Reproductive biology of Malabar pufferfish, etc. He has contributed to Environmental Impact Assessments for KITCO Ltd., Indian Oil Corporation, and Kerala Water Authority. Awards include the DST Purse fellowship and a Trevor Platt Science Foundation grant.

Saradhy Surendran

Junior Research Fellow

He holds postgraduate M.Tech in Ocean and Coastal Safety Engineering from Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, Panangad, Kochi, Kerala. He is currently working as a Junior Research Fellow on the MoES-funded project, ObsSea4Clim. His research focuses on understanding the effects of Marine Heatwaves in the Barents Sea and Nordic Seas (Arctic Ocean). He achieved the prestigious first rank in his post-graduation, a testament to his hard work, dedication, and excellence. He also qualified for GATE in Engineering Science (Fluid Mechanics, Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences).

He began his journey at NERCI as a Junior Research Fellow in the Ministry of Earth Sciences-EU H2020 co-funded project, Ocean Observations and Indicators for Climate and Assessments (ObsSea4Clim), at the Nansen Environmental Research Centre (India), working under the supervision of Dr. Ajith Joseph K, Director of NERCI.

Research Interests: Physical Oceanography, Climate Change Studies, Ocean and Coastal Hazards

Ullas M Pillai

Senior Research Fellow

Post graduate in Physical oceanography from Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, he currently serves as Senior Research Fellow at Nansen Environmental Research Centre (India) and a Nansen Fellow of the Nansen Scientific Society, Norway for his PhD on "Sea level variability over the North Indian Ocean and Future Projection for the Indian Coast”. His Bachelor's degree was in Physics, and he completed his Master's in Physical Oceanography with University First Rank.

He joined NERCI under the Nansen Fellowship for research during his MSc dissertation, where he worked under Prof. Ola M Johannessen, Dr. Roshin P Raj, and Dr. Ajith Joseph. He earned a second Nansen Fellowship for his PhD from the Nansen Scientific Society. He was one of the crew members of the One Ocean Expedition 2021-23 and participated in the ESA-NERSC Advanced Ocean Synergy Training Course onboard the Statsraad Lehmkuhl from Maputo to Cape Town. He has presented his work at national and international conferences, including EGU General Assembly 2022.

Research Interest: His research expertise includes Satellite Oceanography, Mesoscale variabilities, and Sea Level Changes

Vijaitha Baby

Junior Research Fellow

She is a Junior Research Fellow at the Nansen Environmental Research Centre (India), working on the project titled “Climate Change Impact on the Marine Coastal Ecosystem of Kerala (C3-eKerala)”. She holds a master's degree in Remote Sensing and GIS from the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, where she secured the first rank and subsequently qualified the GATE 2024. Her current research focuses on Shoreline Change analysis along the Kerala coast.

Previously, she completed her M.Sc. dissertation at SAC-ISRO, focusing on Radiative Transfer simulation using INFORM and DART models for the retrieval of LAI from satellite imagery. She has also worked as a Junior Project Associate at the Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL) under Project “SWASS,” where her research centered on feature extraction and pattern detection.

Vishal

Project Associate

He is a Project Associate at the Nansen Environmental Research Centre (India), with key expertise in zooplankton identification for the project “Water-Associated Infectious Diseases in India: Digital Management Tools and Harmful Algal Bloom.” He also has expertise in water quality assessment and conducting field sanitation surveys among households in coastal areas. He holds a postgraduate degree in Marine Biology from the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS), Kochi. He completed his dissertation at the National Institute of Ocean Technology, Chennai, where he also gained experience in pigment production from marine bacteria.

Location

Nansen Environmental Research Centre (India),
Amenity Centre,
Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies,
Madavana Junction, Panangad P.O,
Kochi-682506., Kerala, INDIA.