The Tzortziou Bio-Optics Laboratory
Director: Dr. Maria Tzortziou
The Research in the Tzortziou Bio-Optics Laboratory centers on evaluating how human activities and environmental threats affect biogeochemical cycles, ecological dynamics, and ecosystem services in inland, coastal, and open ocean environments over varying timeframes and geographic scales. Current projects investigate a range of environmental stressors, including urbanization, population changes, air pollution, eutrophication, global warming, sea level rise, permafrost melt, and shifts in hydrological patterns. The lab employs an interdisciplinary approach that combines advanced ground-based and satellite remote sensing techniques with newly developed coupled models that integrate atmospheric, hydrodynamic, photochemical, and biogeochemical processes. A central goal of this research is to bridge science and practice by working with stakeholders to inform and improve decision-making and support systems.
The Environmental Remote Sensing and Data Analytics (ERSA) Laboratory
Director: Dr. Tarendra Lakhankar
The Environmental Remote Sensing and Data Analytics (ERSA) Lab is focused on advancing our understanding of environmental change through quantitative remote sensing. Utilizing a range of sensors-including infrared, thermal infrared, microwave radiometers, gamma sensors, and drones- thhe lab conducts research to estimate hydro-meteorological parameters, monitor environmental changes at local scales, and develop scalable algorithms applicable from regional to global levels. In addition to cutting-edge research, the ERSA Lab is dedicated to fostering opportunities for learning and professional development in STEM, particularly through hands-on experience and interdisciplinary collaboration.
The Optical Remote Sensing Laboratory
Director: Dr. Fred Moshary
The ORSL Laboratory is part of the CUNY CREST Institute at The City College. The lab focuses on monitoring and analyzing the optical properties of both complex coastal environments and clear open ocean waters. This work is carried out using remotely sensed data collected from operational and research satellites, various observing platforms, and in situ measurements. Ongoing research projects in the ORS Lab include: (1) monitoring and tracking Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs); (2) conducting multiangular hyperspectral polarimetry in both Case I (open ocean) and Case II (coastal) waters; (3) developing and refining algorithms for oceanic and coastal remote sensing applications; (4) deploying observing platforms for satellite data calibration and validation; and (5) retrieving chlorophyll fluorescence to better understand marine biological activity.
Director: Dr. Kyle McDonald
The Ecosystem Science Laboratory supports advanced remote sensing and field-based research focused on vegetation biometry and ecosystem characterization. The lab is equipped with a wide range of tools, including a portable, backpack-mounted Terrestrial Scanning LiDAR (TSL) system; a LiCOR LAI-2200C Plant Canopy Analyzer with a tall canopy package; and two drone systems capable of aerial photogrammetry, multispectral imaging, and thermal data collection. To ensure accurate geolocation and survey alignment, the lab utilizes an EMLID RTK system for high-precision geodetic measurements. Additionally, the lab maintains a comprehensive suite of ground survey instruments-such as a relascope, transits, clinometers, densiometers, and a Haglöf LASER GEO precision laser rangefinder with integrated GPS and compass-to support in-depth terrestrial ecosystem studies.
