Aakash Lamba
Academic Qualifications
MSc. in Conservation Science, Imperial College London, UK
BSc. in Electrical Engineering (Highest Distinction), Purdue University, USA
Research Areas
Conservation science; conservation technology; artificial intelligence; applied ecology
Research Interests
Aakash’s research interests focus is on the design, implementation and evaluation of innovative techniques that leverage emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, unmanned aerial vehicles, and cutting-edge computer simulation platforms, for answering important scientific questions to help guide real-world conservation interventions.
Biography
A conservation scientist with extensive technological experience, Aakash is deeply inspired by the potential that emerging technology has to solve some of the most pressing environmental conservation issues of today. Some of his previous work includes the development of advanced data simulation and visualisation environments using state-of-art computer game design tools for testing population ecology models, the adaptation of deep learning algorithms for automating the classification of ecological data, and designing low-cost wireless camera traps to enhance biodiversity monitoring programmes. Additionally, he has a range of experience working on field-based ecological research projects, particularly in remote high-altitude regions in the Indian Himalayas. He is a member of the IUCN Pangolin specialist group and an alumnus of the Eta Kappa Nu National Electrical and Computer Engineering Honour Society, USA (IEEE-HKN).
Selected Publications
- Lamba, Aakash, Phillip Cassey, Ramesh Raja Segaran, and Lian Pin Koh. “Deep learning for environmental conservation.” Current Biology 29, no. 19 (2019): R977-R982.
- Lamba, Aakash. “Assessing the Impacts of Livestock Grazing in the Trans-Himalayan Rangelands of Spiti, India.” MSc. Diss. Department of Life Sciences, Silwood Park, Imperial College London, 2015
Feature and publications in popular media
- Lamba, Aakash. “Eyes in the forest: Motion-activated smart camera traps can transmit images over email in real time.” Live Mint 16 Jun. 2017. Web. 17 Jun. 2017. (Newspaper publication)