I am an Earth and Planetary Scientist currently based in the Insight SFI Research Centre of Data Analytics at Dublin City University (DCU). I am working as a postdoctoral research fellow on SolarMap project with Dr John Connolly and Prof Noel O’Connor. SolarMap project aims to explore the potential of urban solar farms in Dublin using geographic information system (GIS) and remote sensing methods.

 

The primary area of my research is Earth and Planetary spatial data analysis and visualisation using geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing techniques. My interdisciplinary research expertise also includes Planetary Geology, Geomorphology, Geochemistry, Aeolian Geomorphology, Rock Breakdown, Impact Cratering, Structure from Motion photogrammetry, 3D datasets, image processing, high-resolution microscopy and analytical X-ray methods, Light Pollution, and Earth and Planetary Observation datasets. I also have extensive experience of independently undertaking fieldwork at planetary analogue sites in extreme and isolated conditions such as Meteor Crater in Arizona and Lonar Crater and Himalayas in India. He also has fieldwork experience in hot deserts in Thar desert, India and Coral Pink Sand Dunes, USA. 

Before joining DCU, I worked as Postdoctoral Research Fellow in astronomy with Prof Brian Espey in the School of Physics at the Trinity College Dublin, where his research focused on light pollution. Ankit worked on a Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) funded project ‘Quantifying Light Loss across Ireland and Identifying Patterns of Energy Use’. The general research agenda of this project was to quantify energy use in all forms of outdoor lighting by measurements with satellite and ground-based instruments using remote sensing and astronomy techniques. The team at Trinity College generated the database and quantitative results required to underpin the development of solutions to energy waste in the lighting sector that contribute towards energy and carbon reduction policy. 

I finished his PhD at Trinity College Dublin under Prof Mary Bourke and Dr Juan Diego Rodriguez-Blanco in 2019. I addressed a crucial and understudied topic in his PhD, which is how rocks affected by asteroid impact events subsequently breakdown when exposed to sub-aerial arid environmental conditions. I studied the famous Meteor Crater aka Barringer Meteorite Crater in Arizona which was training grounds for NASA’s Apollo astronauts. I have worked closely and developed international collaborations with researchers at NASA, Natural History Museum London, Oxford University, Western University Canada, United States Geological Survey, and Lunar and Planetary Institute Houston. 

In addition to my (rock breaking and impact making) research, I love doing public outreach. I have worked on United Nations Rio+21 International Year of Water Cooperation program as an ambassador at the University of Delhi. I have organised many outreach activities at Trinity College Dublin (e.g. PROBE, Mercury Transit outreach, Solar eclipse outreach). I have also given public talks at Dublin PubhD, Trinity College Dublin and the University of Delhi.