By Alistina Shrestha
July 25, 2024 — In an insightful seminar held at the Milton Bender Auditorium, AIT, Prof. Soni M. Pradhanang from the University of Rhode Island, USA, delivered a lecture titled “Combining Observational and Modeling Approaches to Estimation of the Watershed Contribution to the Water and Nutrients in Coastal Environments.” The event attracted a diverse audience of scholars and students keen to delve into the intricate dynamics between watersheds and coastal waters.
Prof. Pradhanang’s presentation highlighted the necessity of an interdisciplinary approach combining direct contaminant discharge monitoring with advanced modeling techniques. This dual strategy, she explained, is essential for accurately assessing the impact on nutrient budgets and water quality as water travels from highlands to oceans..
Highlighting the pressing issues faced by coastal environments, Prof. Pradhanang discussed her latest research which centers on determining the feasibility and effectiveness of nature-based solutions through advanced data-gathering methods and numerical modeling. She detailed various methodologies used for capturing the concentration of radioactive contaminants in groundwater sources through spatial surveys and the post-processing of satellite and drone-based survey data. The output of these methodologies is vital for mapping hotspots of high concentrations of critical groundwater contaminants, which is crucial for determining appropriate and cost-effective water treatment options. Notably, this research is pivotal as 30% of the US population relies on coastal wells for potable water.
During her lecture, Prof. Pradhanang announced three exciting PhD openings at the University of Rhode Island. These positions will focus on the economic viability and analysis of nature-based solutions, the use of remote sensing and GIS in coastal aquifers and their impact on coastal communities, and the development of augmented reality/virtual reality tools for stakeholder management in coastal environments.The announcement was met with great enthusiasm from students, who were eager to explore these new academic opportunities. AIT is grateful to Prof. Pradhanang for providing these valuable opportunities to our students.
Afterward, an interactive question-and-answer session was held during the seminar, allowing the attendees to engage directly with Prof. Pradhanang and delve deeper into the topics discussed. This interactive session allowed for a robust exchange of ideas and addressed specific queries from the audience.
Ms. Anjelica P. Ancheta, a PhD student in the Water Engineering and Management (WEM) program, shared her reflections on the seminar. “Prof. Pradhanang’s lecture was extremely enlightening, especially with the rapid development and application of remote sensing technologies. Her insights into classic water quality issues and the challenges in data-scarce areas were precious. The opportunities for PhD students, especially in augmented reality, are exciting,” she remarked.
A productive meeting was held at the SET Meeting Room following the seminar. The AIT delegation, comprising Prof. Sangam Shrestha, Dean of the School of Engineering and Technology (SET); Dr. Ekbordin Winijkul, Head of the Department of Water Resources and Environmental Engineering; Prof. Mukand S. Babel, faculty of Water Engineering and Management (WEM) Program; Dr. Natthachet Tangdamrongsub, faculty of WEM; Dr. Mohana Sundaram Shanmugam, faculty of WEM; Dr. Wenchao Xue, faculty of the Environmental Engineering and Management Program; Ms. Alistina Shrestha, Manager – Marketing, Recruitment & Digital Strategy, SET; and Ms. Rojina Shrestha, Business Development and Communication Officer, Wem, engaged in discussions with Prof. Pradhanang.
The discussions explored collaborative opportunities between AIT and the University of Rhode Island. The meeting covered potential faculty exchange programs to promote the sharing of expertise and enhance joint research initiatives. There was also a significant focus on developing dual degree programs, which would allow students to benefit from both institutions’ academic resources and strengths. Collaborative research projects were another key topic, particularly water quality and coastal management. These projects aim to leverage the strong research capabilities of both institutions to address global challenges related to water resources and environmental sustainability. After the meeting, Prof. Pradhanang visited the Global Water and Sanitation Center to discuss potential collaborations further.
AIT extends its heartfelt thanks to Prof. Pradhanang for sharing her expertise and to all attendees for participating. We look forward to future collaborations and the exciting opportunities they will bring.
