Hakim Abdi

I am a geographer by training and the focus area of my research is ecosystem remote sensing. My work involves understanding various diverse dimensions of global environmental change such as the link between biodiversity and land-use; satellite remote sensing of ecosystems; mapping with machine-learning; large-scale monitoring of conservation areas; impacts of climate change; and public perceptions of, and stakeholder interactions in, environmental change, among other topics. 

I have a PhD in Geobiosphere Science from Lund University and a joint MSc in Geospatial Technologies from the University of Münster in Germany and the NOVA University of Lisbon in Portugal. I received my BSc in Geoscience from Montclair State University in New Jersey, USA.

I am currently the principal investigator on a project tasked with mapping the tree species composition of southern Swedish forests using a combination of optical and radar satellite observations. This work includes several interconnected parts such as using national forest inventory data in combination with satellite data to predict the forest tree species composition, conducting field-work to collect validation data to ensure that the machine-learning predictions are grounded in reality, and using unoccupied aerial vehicles (UAVs) to get more detailed maps of the forest to be used in biodiversity assessments. A preliminary map that I created as part of this project can be accessed here. 

At Lund University and abroad, I've taught a variety of courses focused on geospatial technologies that range from beginner to advanced level. I am current a co-coordinator for a bachelor's course on environmental monitoring and also teach a module within it on GIS for environmental monitoring. 

Outside of work, I like to go birding on weekends. I've been birding for 30 years and it has been a rewarding hobby for me because it has many of things I enjoy; natural history, taking walks, nature photography, traveling to new places, and of course the birds themselves. I've started a small weekend initiative in Malmö, where I live, in which I take people out birding around the city. I usually focus on taking people who are new to the region, beginners, and those that are curious about the hobby and would like to get started, but everyone is welcome. Through this initiative, I was nominated for the award “Environmental Hero of the Year” by the WWF.

You can find me on LinkedIn or on my personal website. My scientific publications can be found on Google Scholar or ORCID.