I am interested in hydrology, applications of Bayes’ theorem in machine learning, and global-scale water cycles. The overarching goal of my research is to provide accurate hydrological variables and solve the major challenges related to Earth system science that we will face in the coming decades. My work has practical applications for improving the quantity and quality of satellite- and model-based data to more accurately predict natural disasters and to provide a better understanding of the role played by hydrometeorological factors.
(2022) Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, University of Virginia, VA, USA (NASA and Bicentennial Fellowship)
(2021) M.S. in Data Science, University of Virginia, VA, USA (NASA Fellowship)
(2012) B.S. in Civil Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea
(2023 - present) Assistant Professor, School of Earth Sciences and Environmental Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST)
(2022-2023) Postdoctoral Fellow, USDA, Hydrology and Remote Sensing Laboratory, MD, USA
(2019 - 2023) NASA Future Investigator
(2019) (Summer) Visiting Scholar, NASA, Hydrological Sciences Laboratory, MD, USA
(2018/19) (Summer) Visiting Scholar, USDA, Hydrology and Remote Sensing Laboratory, MD, USA
(Present) Associate Editor, Vadose Zone Journal (link)
(Present) Associate Editor, Frontiers in Remote Sensing (Terrestrial Water Cycle) (link)
(Present) PI of the NASA SMAP satellite core validation site development in South Korea
Review Panel
(2023) NOAA Climate Variability and Predictability Program
(2023) NASA ROSES A.43/CSDA New Vendor Onramp Evaluation
Reviewer Board
Artifical Intelligence Review
Remote Sensing of Environment
Water Resources Research
IEEE Transactions onGeoscience and Remote Sensing
IEEE Geoscience and RemoteSensing Letters
IEEE Journal of SelectedTopics in Applied Earth Observations and Remote Sensing
Geophysical Research Letters
Environmental ResearchLetters
Journal of Geophysical Research-Biogeosciences
Journal of Geophysical Research-Atmosphere
Scientific Report
Journalof Meteorological Research
Remote Sensing Letter
Advances in Space Research
Satellite Navigation
Scientific Report
International Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation
Journal of Hydrology
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment
Radio Science
Theoretical and Applied Climatology
Research Interests
1. Uncertainty of Soil Moisture
2. Land Data Assimilation
3. Deep Learning with Satellite Dataset
Publications
[1] S. Kim, H. Kim*, Y. Kwon and H. Nguyen, A Stand-Alone Framework for Predicting Spatiotemporal Errors in Satellite-Based Soil Moisture Using Tree-Based Models and Deep Neural Networks, GIScience & Remote Sensing (under review)
[2] S. Kim, N. Myoung, S. Jun, and A. Go, “Neural network-based recognition of multiple nanobubbles in graphene”, Curr. Appl. Phys., 68, 44-50 (2024).
[3] S. Lee, J. Kang, S. Kim, J. Jeong, G. Moon, and H. Noh, "Magnetic-field enhanced modulation transfer spectroscopy: theory and experiment", Opt. Express, 29(21), 34770-34780 (2021).
Awards
[1] Korea Research Foundation Master’s Scholarship Recipient (2024-2025)
[2] 1st Place in 5-Minute Student Competition, Korean International Water Week (KIWW) (2025)
Conference Papers
[1] S. Kim, Y. Kwon, H. Kim*, Spatially Continuous Error Maps for Satellite-based Soil Moisture Data Using Machine Learning Approzach, KWRA, 2024
[2] S. Kim and H. Kim*, Developing Temporally Continuous Error Maps for Satellite-based Soil Moisture Data Using Deep Learning Approaches to Enhance Numerical Weather Prediction, COSPAR, 2024
[3] S. Kim, Y. Kwon, and H. Kim*, Enhancing Land Data Assimilation By Considering Spatio-Temporal Error Dynamics of Satellite-based Soil Moisture Data: Integrating TCA and Deep Learning for Accurate Uncertainty Estimation, AGU, 2024
Research Interests
1. Remote sensing of flood
2. Water resource prediction and management
3. Exploring the impact of urban and transportation system of water disaster
Conference Papers
[1] S. Lee and H. Kim*, Water Quality Trend Analysis using Landsat and Sentinel Series based on Machine Learning/Deep Learning Methods, KWRA, 2024
[2] S. Lee and H. Kim*, Estimation of Inland Water Quality Indicators using Satellite and Machine Learning, COSPAR, 2024
[3] S. Lee and H. Kim*, Development of Chlorophyll-ɑ Prediction Model for Inland Reservoirs Using Satellite and Land Surface Model: Applying Deep Learning Approach, AGU, 2024
Experiences
[1] (Sep 2022 - Feb 2023) Korea Railroad Research Institute, Research Assistant
[2] (Jan 2016 - Nov 2019) Ulleung County Office, Assistant Director
Research Interests
1. Constructing satellite-based soil moisture core validation site (CVS) in Korea
2. In-situ soil moisture retrieval
3. Land surface model (LSM) and hydrological cycles
Conference Papers
[1] K. Park, S. Do, K. Kim, V. Lakshmi, and H. Kim*, Flood Detection in East Asia in the 2023 Monsoon Season with Satellite-based Earth Observations, AGU 2024
[2] K. Park, D. Kim, and H. Kim, Developing the First Long-Term Soil Moisture and Brightness Temperature Measurement Site in South Korea Using L-Band Radiometers and Drones, AGU 2024
Research Interests
1. Exploring snow dynamics and its implications for other hydrological cycles
2. Wildfire detection and prediction
3. Development of data fusion methods
Awards
[1] 3rd Place in 5-Minute Student Competition, Korean International Water Week (KIWW) (2025)
Experiences
[1] (Jun 2022 - May 2024) Korea Aerospace Research Institute, Department of Satellite Operation, Jeju Island, Republic of Korea
[2] (Oct 2021 - Mar 2022) Asian Disaster Preparedness Center, Bangkok, Thailand
[3] (Nov 2018 - Feb 2019) Space Science Laboratory on Campus, Yongin, Republic of Korea
Conference Papers
[1] 2024 N. Kwon, E. Cho, H. Kim, Impact of Altered Snow Patterns on Spring Wildfires in Korean Peninsula Using Reanalysis Data in a Warming Climate, AGU 2024
Research Interests
1. Satellite-Based Hydrological and Environmental Monitoring
2. Monitoring of Soil Moisture and Hydrological Changes under Climate Change
3. Satellite-Assisted Pollutant Transport Modeling
Conference Papers
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Research Interests
1. Use of Earth-observing Satellite Data for Drought Monitoring
2. Land-atmosphere Feedback Mechanisms and Their Role in Exacerbating Drought Conditions.
3. Examine Global Drought Trends and Characteristics.
Awards
[1] Asia Oceania Geosciences Society (AOGS) 2024 Best Student Poster Award winner
Conference Papers
[1] A. Bolatbekkyzy and H. Kim*, Comparative Analysis of the 2021-2022 Droughts in Kazakhstan, South Korea, and the USA using Remote Sensing and Reanalysis Data, 2024 Asia Oceania Geosciences Society (AOGS)
[2] A. Bolatbekkyzy, H. Nguyen, H. Kim*, Global-scale Satellite-based Agricultural Drought Monitoring from the Land Atmosphere Interaction Perspective, 2024 American Geophysical Union (AGU)
Exchange Program
Participating in an exchange program at Czech Technical University in Prague (February 2025 - June 2025).
Research Interests
1. Hydrological Cycle and Flood
2. Sentinel-1 Data Analysis with ESA SNAP (Sentinel Application Platform)
3. Deep Learning Model
Awards
[1] Environmental and Energy Olympiad President’s Award (Winter 2025)
Exchange Program
- Summer program at UC Berkeley (June 2024 - Aug 2024)
Research Interests
1. Digital Twin Earth
2. Long short-term memory networks for prediction of ungauged basins
3. Climate Change
Research Interests
1. L-band microwave systems
2. Analysis of marine ecosystems using satellite data
3. Mathematical modeling of ecosystems
Conference Papers
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Holding a Ph.D. degree with a +9-year Research and Development (R&D) experience in academia and industry for hydrometeorology and climate sectors, focusing on applications of AI and high-quality geospatial remote sensing data specialized for these sectors.
Research Interests
1. Flash Drought Monitoring and Prediction with Deep Learning
2. Spaceborne GNSS-R and CYGNSS Soil Moisture
3. Deep Learning for Reconstructing Satellite Observations
Publications
[1] H.H. Nguyen, H. Kim*, W. Crow, S. Yueh, W. Wagner, F. Lei, J.-P. Wigneron, A. Colliander, and F. Frappart. From theory to hydrological practice: Leveraging CYGNSS data over seven years for advanced soil moisture monitoring. Remote Sensing of Environment, 316, 114509 (2025).
[2] S. Kim, H. Kim*, Y. Kwon, and H.H Nguyen. A Stand-Alone Framework for Predicting Spatiotemporal Errors in Satellite-Based Soil Moisture Using Tree-Based Models and Deep Neural Networks. GIScience & Remote Sensing (under review).
[3] Z. Zhu, H.H. Nguyen, H. Kim*, and V. Lakshmi. Leveraging a Novel Straightforward Integration Approach for Independent CYGNSS Soil Moisture Retrieval across Vegetated Regions. Journal of Remote Sensing (under review).
Conference Papers
[1] H.H. Nguyen, and H. Kim*.Leveraging the TCA Method and ML Model to Reconstruct High-Resolution Satellite Soil Moisture Dataset from the Land Surface Model. Korea Water Resources Association Conference (2024)
[2] H.H. Nguyen, A. Bolatbekkyzy, and H. Kim*. Characteristic Time of Groundwater Recharge as a Climate Indicator for Monitoring Flash Drought. AGU Fall Meeting (2024)
[3] A. Bolatbekkyzy, H.H. Nguyen, and H. Kim*. Global-scale Satellite-based Agricultural Drought Monitoring from the Land Atmosphere Interaction Perspective. AGU Fall Meeting (2024)
(2020) Ph.D. in Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Republic of Korea
(2014) B.Sc. in Civil Engineering, Water Resources University (ThuyLoi University), Vietnam
(Sept. 2021 - Jan. 2024) Senior Researcher, Sejong Rain Co., Ltd.
(Mar. 2020 - Aug. 2021) Postdoctoral Researcher, Sungkyunkwan University, Republic of Korea
Projects joined:
• Consultation for Improvement of Water Resources Management in Uzbekistan using Satellites System (International Cooperation between KARI and Uzbekistan government)
• Development of IoT Smart Rain Gauge System with AI-based Automated Quality Control
• Development of Integrated Satellite Rainfall Estimation System
• AI-based Real-time Monitoring and Early Warning System of Harmful Algal Blooms using Multispectral Satellite Images in Small Inland Waters
• 7th Mekong-Republic of Korea Cooperation Fund (MKCF) Project Proposal (Design of Low-Cost Smart Agriculture System Adapting to Mekong River Countries)
Research Interests:
Publications:
• Bakar S., Kim, H., Basara, J., Lakshmi, V. “Observational Analysis of Streamflow Response to Flash Drought Events in the Mississippi River Basin” Submitted to Weather and Climate Extremes (September 2024) (in revision)
• Bakar S., Kim, H., Basara, J., Lakshmi, V. “Investigating the vulnerability and resilience of different land cover types to flash drought: A case study in the Mississippi River Basin” Submitted to Journal of Environmental Management (September 2024) (in revision).
• Bakar, S., Kahler, D., Lakshmi, V. “Assessment of groundwater resources in the Sand River catchment, South Africa using hydrological modeling and catchment water balance approaches” Submitted to Journal of Environmental Management. (July 2024) (under review)
Kim KY, Scanlon T, Bakar S, Lakshmi V. Decoupling of Ecological and Hydrological Drought Conditions in the Limpopo River Basin Inferred from Groundwater Storage and NDVI Anomalies. Hydrology. 2023; 10(8):170. https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology10080170
(2021 - current) Ph.D. Candidate, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Universit of Virginia
Hometown:
Roanoke, Virginia, USA
If you have a keen interest in the intersection of climate change and its impact on hydrological research fields, I encourage you to consider pursuing a Master's, PhD, or postdoctoral position. By delving deeper into this critical area of study, you can play an essential role in addressing the world's most pressing environmental challenges and help safeguard our water resources, ecosystems, and communities. Your dedication and expertise can significantly contribute to the development of sustainable solutions and innovative approaches to hydrological research. Embark on this exciting journey and become part of the passionate community of scientists working towards a more resilient and environmentally responsible future.
