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Md. Farhan Rafiq

Oceanography | GIS & Remote Sensing | Geospatial AI
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About Me

I am an Oceanography graduate and geospatial enthusiast with a strong foundation in remote sensing, GIS mapping, and environmental data science. My expertise encompasses geospatial analysis, spatial modeling, and advanced data visualization, with proficiency in tools such as ArcGIS, SeaDAS, and Google Earth Engine for processing satellite data and conducting geographic analysis.

In addition to my technical skills, I have experience in programming with Python and R, as well as advanced MS Excel, which enables me to apply computational, statistical, and spatial approaches to complex environmental and oceanographic datasets. I am particularly passionate about leveraging these skills to address practical challenges in coastal and urban systems, contributing to innovative, data-driven research and solutions.

Research Interests

  • 🌍
    Remote Sensing & GIS Applications
    Satellite data analysis, spatial modeling, and geospatial data management.
  • 📊
    Oceanographic Data Science
    Computational and statistical approaches to marine and atmospheric datasets.
  • 🌊
    Coastal & Urban Flood Risk Assessment
    Integrated modeling, spatial analysis, and machine learning applications.
  • 🌡️
    Climate Change & Environmental Monitoring
    Impacts on coastal ecosystems, agriculture, and trade vulnerability.
  • 🤖
    Geospatial Artificial Intelligence (GeoAI)
    Machine learning and predictive modeling for environmental systems.

Research Projects

Integrated Modelling of Urban Flood Risk in Chattogram: Application of TOPSIS, Machine Learning and Spatial Analysis Approaches

Masters' Thesis   |   Supervisor: Dr Md Alamgir Kabir   Co-Supervisor: Abu Bokkar Siddique   |   Dec 2025

Summary

My master’s thesis focuses on developing an integrated framework to evaluate urban flood risk in Chattogram, one of Bangladesh’s most climate-vulnerable coastal cities. This research combines multi-criteria decision analysis (TOPSIS) with machine learning and spatial analysis to identify high-risk zones and the key environmental and socio-economic factors driving flood vulnerability.

Spatial and Temporal Variability of PAR, Kd490, and SST in the Bangladesh EEZ (2016–2022)

Undergraduate Research Project   |   Supervisor: Abu Bokkar Siddique   |   Dec 2023

Summary

This research investigates how Photosynthetically Available Radiation (PAR), Diffuse Attenuation Coefficient (Kd490), and Sea Surface Temperature (SST) vary both spatially and temporally in the Bangladesh Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) from 2016 to 2022. Using satellite-derived data (MODIS-Aqua) processed in SeaDAS and ArcGIS, the study analyzes monthly and annual trends for each parameter. The aim is to elucidate how these physical factors impact marine ecosystems in the Bay of Bengal and to provide insights essential for sustainable management in the face of climate change.

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Quantitative Analysis of Annual Chlorophyll-a and Sea Surface Temperature Fluctuations in the Bay of Bengal

Mini Project under “Remote Sensing and Satellite Oceanography” coursework   |   Supervisor: Dr. Subrata Sarker   |   Jun 2023

Summary

This research analyzes the spatial and temporal patterns of Chlorophyll-a concentration and Sea Surface Temperature (SST) in the Bay of Bengal using monthly satellite data from January to December 2020. Data were sourced from the NASA Ocean Color Web and processed using SNAP and ArcMap software. Specific coastal regions near Bangladesh were selected for detailed comparison, while regional and seasonal variability across the Bay was mapped and quantified. The study aimed to enrich understanding of marine ecological dynamics and climate processes in the Bay of Bengal, providing valuable data for marine research and management.

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Experience

Internship

Growth, Observation, and Identification of Indigenous Marine Phytoplankton of the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh

Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (BFRI), Marine Fisheries and Technology Station, Cox's Bazar

Supervisor: Zahidul Islam   |   Mar 2025

Summary

This internship provided a comprehensive overview of a study focused on marine phytoplankton indigenous to the Bay of Bengal. The research encompassed the culture, growth observation, isolation, and identification of these microscopic organisms. The findings contribute meaningfully to enhancing marine biodiversity assessments and supporting effective management strategies for fisheries resources in the region.

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Teaching Experience

Private Tutor & Coaching Instructor   |   Oct 2021 - Present

  • Delivered personalized instruction to over 40+ students from Edexcel, IGCSE, O-Level, A-Level, and National Curriculum (Class 5–12), ensuring improved academic performance.
  • Specialized in Higher Mathematics and Physics at the Higher Secondary level, simplifying complex concepts through structured lessons and problem-solving strategies.
  • Provided comprehensive guidance in all core subjects at the Secondary level, adapting teaching methods to diverse learning styles.
  • Conducted over 250+ classes at multiple coaching centres, developing classroom management and communication skills.
  • Designed lesson plans, practice materials, and exam-focused sessions that prepared students for board exams and international curricula.

Field Works

2023

Cox's Bazar Field Work
  • Used quadrant and transect sampling techniques to collect various types of plastic materials from the beach
  • Analyzed the collected samples and found that polythene and plastic bottles were the most prominent types of waste
  • Explored the Bakkhali River estuary, observing various types of aquaculture, including: Seaweed farming, Oyster farming, Green mussel farming, Vetki and Khoral culture
  • Collected water data using a mini CTD to measure key parameters like temperature, salinity, and conductivity

2022

Kuakata Field Work
  • Visited the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (BFRI) to explore its research activities and facilities
  • Acquired and processed CTD data to assess temperature, salinity, and conductivity
  • Performed on-site water quality assessments using DO, pH, and turbidity meters
  • Collected sediment samples with an Ekman grab sampler for textural analysis

2020

Sundarban Field Work
  • Collected sediment samples to analyze particle size distribution and organic matter content
  • Conducted plankton sampling at Trikon Island to examine biodiversity and productivity levels
  • Recorded temperature, salinity, and pH variations across different sampling sites
  • Interacted with local fishermen at Dublar Char to gain insights into conservation issues
  • Observed wild deer populations at Hiron Point as part of a biodiversity assessment

2019

Saint Martin's Field Work
  • Studied coral reef ecosystems and identified key biodiversity challenges
  • Measured essential water quality parameters using a multiparameter instrument
  • Visited the Fish Landing Center and Radiant Fish World to explore marine resources and research initiatives

Education

Master of Science (Thesis) in Oceanography

Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet, Bangladesh

CGPA: 3.83 out of 4.00

Award: National Science and Technology Fellowship, Ministry of Science & Technology, Bangladesh

Relevant Coursework

  • Computational Oceanography and Data Analysis
  • Advanced Ocean Dynamics
  • Coastal and Marine Fluid Dynamics
  • Coastal Hydrogeology

Bachelor of Science in Oceanography

Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet, Bangladesh

CGPA: 3.66 out of 4.00

Relevant Coursework

  • GIS Technology
  • Ocean Modelling
  • Ocean Geophysics
  • Remote Sensing and Satellite Oceanography
  • Meteorology and Ocean Forecasting
  • Marine Environment and Climate Change