Kamel Didan

My teaching and research center on global remote sensing of land-surface vegetation, with a strong emphasis on developing accurate measurements, datasets, algorithms, and models for calibrated time-series analysis. I investigate how climate change and land-use dynamics affect vegetation, phenology, ecohydrology, and the water, carbon, and nutrient cycles, as well as ecosystem composition and function across a wide range of biomes. By integrating natural-resource management with advanced remote-sensing approaches, my work addresses interdisciplinary challenges in engineering and society, from agricultural productivity and ecosystem management to watershed dynamics and detailed environmental observation at local to global scales.

My research group also leads the development of an applied drone-engineering program, leveraging UAV technology to provide rapid, cost-effective platforms for land-surface characterization, precision mapping, precision agriculture, and low-cost validation of global remote-sensing products. This rapidly evolving field is presenting exciting opportunities and promising challenges.

I am also committed to cultivating a dynamic and supportive academic environment. I actively engage undergraduate and graduate students in internships, MS and Ph.D. research, and collaborative, hands-on projects that encourage them to explore and develop their own research interests and future careers.