Assoc. Prof. Dr. Michael Gebreslasie embarked on his academic journey with a strong foundation in geography, earning his BA from the University of Asmara, Eritrea, in 1999. His passion for environmental studies led him to pursue an MSc in Applied Environmental Science at the University of Natal, South Africa, which he completed in 2004. His commitment to advancing geospatial sciences culminated in a PhD in Geography from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) in 2009. His doctoral research, titled The Estimation of Eucalyptus Plantation Forest Structural Attributes Using Medium and High Spatial Resolution Satellite Imagery, showcased his early dedication to Remote Sensing of Environment and its applications in forestry and land resource management.
💼 Professional Endeavors
Dr. Gebreslasie has built a distinguished career in both academia and applied research. Since 2020, he has served as the Head of the Department of Environmental Sciences at UKZN, shaping future geographers and environmental scientists. His academic trajectory includes positions as a Professor (2018–Present) and Lecturer (2012–2017) at UKZN. Prior to his full-time academic roles, he was a Senior Scientist in Spatial Epidemiology at the South African Medical Research Council (2009–2012), where he contributed to public health research using geospatial analysis. Additionally, his early career involved roles as a GIS Data Analyst and GIS Technician, further solidifying his expertise in Remote Sensing of Environment for land and resource management.
🔬 Contributions and Research Focus
Dr. Gebreslasie’s research focuses on Remote Sensing of Environment, geospatial modeling, and environmental change analysis. His funded research projects span diverse environmental challenges, including climate change modeling, malaria surveillance, and land-use dynamics. His leadership in the WEATHER Project (2024-2027) aims to develop a warning system for extreme weather events affecting vulnerable communities. As the project leader for the Geospatial Risk Index Tool (2024-2026), he is investigating human-wildlife conflict exacerbated by climate change. His previous research, such as the MALAREO Project (2011-2013) and Bayesian Geo-statistical Modeling for Malaria Transmission (2012-2014), demonstrates his commitment to integrating geospatial technologies in public health.
🌍 Impact and Influence
Dr. Gebreslasie’s impact extends beyond academia, influencing policy-making and environmental management. His work on Remote Sensing of Environment has provided valuable insights into land-use planning, environmental health, and resource sustainability. His research has been instrumental in developing geospatial tools for climate change adaptation, and his leadership in multiple high-impact projects has shaped both national and international research agendas. His collaborations with organizations like the National Research Fund (NRF), European Commission, and South African National Space Agency (SANSA) highlight his influence in the geospatial science community.
🏆Academic Cites
Dr. Gebreslasie’s research has gained significant recognition, with his work widely cited in international scientific journals. His contributions to environmental remote sensing, malaria epidemiology, and geospatial risk modeling have established him as a leading scholar in geoinformation sciences. His peer-reviewed publications and involvement as a reviewer for esteemed journals further reinforce his academic reputation.
🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions
Looking ahead, Dr. Gebreslasie continues to push the boundaries of geospatial research, with a focus on climate resilience, environmental health, and sustainable resource management. His future contributions will further bridge the gap between remote sensing technologies and real-world applications, ensuring that geospatial science remains a critical tool for addressing global environmental challenges. Through his mentorship, research, and leadership, he is shaping the next generation of geographers and environmental scientists, solidifying his legacy in Remote Sensing of Environment.
📝Notable Publication
📝Exploring Environmental Factors That Influence the Distribution of Poplar Trees
Authors: M.J. Mapuru Morena J., S. Xulu Sifiso, M.T. Gebreslasie Michael T., E.M. Daemane Ernest M.
Journal: African Journal of Ecology
Year: 2024
Citations: 0
📝Evaluating Machine-Learning Algorithms for Mapping LULC of the uMngeni Catchment Area, KwaZulu-Natal
Authors: O. Bhungeni Orlando, A. Ramjatan Ashadevi, M.T. Gebreslasie Michael T.
Journal: Remote Sensing
Year: 2024
Citations: 3
📝Identifying Heat Thresholds for South Africa Towards the Development of a Heat-Health Warning System
Authors: T. Kapwata Thandi, N.A. Abdelatif Nada A., N.C. Scovronick Noah C., F. Acquaotta Fiorella, C.Y. Wright Caradee Yael
Journal: International Journal of Biometeorology
Year: 2024
Citations: 1
📝The Assessment of Soil Organic Matter in the KwaZulu-Natal Province of South Africa and Its Relationship to Spectroscopy Data
Authors: T. Sewpersad Tessnika, S. Xulu Sifiso, M.T. Gebreslasie Michael T.
Journal: Geocarto International
Year: 2024
Citations: 1