Padmanava Dash

Padmanava Dash is an Associate Professor in the Department of Geosciences at Mississippi State University (MSU), specializing in remote sensing and water biogeochemistry. His work integrates satellite, unmanned aerial systems (UAS), and autonomous surface vessels to monitor and model water quality parameters such as harmful algal blooms, suspended sediments, nutrients, and heavy metals. He leads the development of web-based visualization tools for water quality management and supports federal, state, and coastal community initiatives.

Education

• Ph.D. in Oceanography and Coastal Sciences, Louisiana State University, 2011
• M.S. in Geology, Bowling Green State University, 2005

Research Interests

Dr. Dash’s research is centered on understanding the drivers and consequences of water quality degradation in aquatic systems. Using multi-scale remote sensing techniques—from handheld spectrometers to satellites—he quantifies spatiotemporal patterns of phytoplankton blooms, dissolved organic matter, acidification, and trace metals. Advanced machine-learning algorithms are routinely integrated to improve retrieval accuracy and predictive capacity, enabling early warning systems for human and ecological health risks.

A significant component of his portfolio involves the design and deployment of autonomous platforms (UAS and ASV) for high-resolution, real-time data acquisition. These efforts feed into web portals that translate complex geospatial data into intuitive maps and dashboards for stakeholders, thereby bridging the gap between science and policy.

Publication Trends

Between 2024 and 2025, Dr. Dash has published extensively on three converging themes: (1) machine-learning-enhanced retrieval of water quality parameters from satellite and UAS imagery, (2) geochemical immobilization of iodine and uranium using phosphate minerals for nuclear waste management, and (3) physical-biological interactions in marine systems such as mesoscale eddies and hypoxia in the Gulf of Mexico and Bay of Bengal. The work spans freshwater lagoons, estuaries, and coastal oceans, demonstrating a commitment to transdisciplinary, data-driven environmental science.

Scientific Awards

No specific awards are listed in the provided materials.

Advising & Funding

While current Ph.D. or master’s students are not named in the text, Dr. Dash’s active laboratory and consistent publication record suggest ongoing mentoring and grant support. External collaborations span federal agencies (NASA, NOAA), state departments of environmental quality, and international partners in India’s Chilika Lagoon.

Laboratory & Field Infrastructure

Dr. Dash operates the Remote Sensing and Water Quality Lab at MSU, equipped with hyperspectral sensors, UAS platforms, autonomous surface vessels, and high-performance computing resources. The lab maintains two public web tools for real-time water quality visualization accessible at water.geosci.msstate.edu.