Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering (FABE) graduate student, Sandeep Dhakal, was awarded first place in the Boyd-Scott Graduate Research Award (Master's Category) at the 2025 American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) Annual International Meeting.
The Boyd-Scott Graduate Research Award recognizes excellence in the conduct and presentation of research dedicated to engineers who exclusively design equipment, facilities and processes for the sustainable operation of a biological system.
Dhakal's research focuses on monitoring historical waste coal piles using image classification and change detection algorithms. To view these gradual changes, Dhakal developed a data analytical workflow using satellite imagery to map historical waste coal piles. Finding that image classification with change detection techniques enhances our understanding of historical mining disturbances and facilitates data-driven decisions for land rehabilitation endeavors. His intense research and thorough analysis were recognized and awarded by the research committee.
“I am deeply honored to receive first place in the Boyd-Scott Graduate Research Award,” said Dhakal. “By developing a workflow that identifies and monitors these sites, we can better prioritize land restoration efforts and address long-standing environmental impacts from past mining. Through the integration of image classification and change detection, my work demonstrates how remote sensing can reveal decades of ecological change and guide more sustainable land management practices.”
Despite achieving this honor, Dhakal recognizes that there is much more research to be done. His current framework is crucial toward understanding the distribution and availability of historical waste coal in the United States.
“This award reinforces my belief in the power of data-driven environmental monitoring. It motivates me to continue exploring how geospatial data and analytical tools can advance sustainable reclamation practices and help address the lasting effects of historical mining.”
Congratulations, Sandeep!