Uma Sankar Panda

About Uma Sankar Panda

I am a Coastal Oceanographer specializing in coastal ecosystem modeling and assessment of ecosystem services. My work includes developing coupled hydro-ecological models for coastal waters and ecosystems, focusing on areas such as Chilika, Pulicat, Kochi backwaters, and the southwest coast of India. I manage a network of buoys with sensors to monitor coastal water quality and integrate this data into models to predict coastal water quality, providing information for a beach alert system. Additionally, I simulate hydrodynamics and wave patterns for coastal regions, ports, and harbors to support port planning and impact assessments.Currently, I am involved in several projects, including Ecosystem Services and Modeling for Coastal Ecosystems, preparing an Ocean Accounting Framework for India, predicting coastal water quality for selected cities along the Indian coast, and developing an Urban Flood Warning System (I-FLOWS) for Mumbai and Chennai. I am also working on the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the construction of the Kalpasar Dam, which aims to create the largest freshwater reservoir with the Government of Gujarat, and participating in the Indo-Norway Collaboration on Ecosystem Services and Accounting under the Integrated Ocean Management initiative.

Experience

1. Scientist-f

   National Centre For Coastal Research Nccr

   Jul 2022 — Present · Chennai, IN

Education

• Government Science College, Chatrapur

  Bachelor's degree, Physics (Hons.)

  1994 — 1997

• Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya - JNV

  10+2, Science

• Berhampur University

  Master's degree, Marine Sciences

  1997 — 1999

• Berhampur University

  Doctor of Philosophy - PhD, Marine Sciences

  2006 — 2008

• Berhampur University

  Master of Philosophy - MPhil, Physical Oceanography

  2003 — 2004