In Episode 60 of the Behind the Science Podcast, Balik Scientist Dr. Remika Gupana shares her insights from her research on measuring water quality using satellite-based remote sensing, particularly focusing on the detection of phytoplankton through sun-induced chlorophyll fluorescence — a technique now being explored as part of the European Space Agency’s upcoming Fluorescence Explorer (FLEX) Mission.
Dr. Gupana’s path to the sciences was not straightforward, having grown up with no personal exposure to scientists except for her fascination with local educational shows like Sineskwela. Initially pursuing Industrial Engineering as her degree in college, it wasn’t until her shift to Geology that she discovered her passion for earth sciences, eventually letting her move to Europe for graduate studies, where her interest in aquatic sciences and remote sensing deepened.
Her review paper highlights the challenges and opportunities in detecting phytoplankton fluorescence from satellite data. While satellite remote sensing for oceanic waters is well-established, these optically complex environments remain difficult to monitor. Existing satellite sensors have limited spectral capabilities, making it challenging to detect the faint fluorescence signals from phytoplankton.
One of the findings revealed how new-generation hyperspectral satellite sensors offer improved accuracy and wider applications for monitoring water quality, particularly in complex coastal and inland waters. Dr. Gupana also emphasized that these technologies does not replace, but rather complements traditional in-situ measurements by expanding its spatial and temporal coverage. The advent of hyperspectral sensors marks a turning point for researchers, allowing for more sophisticated algorithms and analyses to overcome these challenges.
While her recent work involved phytoplankton fluorescence, Dr. Gupana aims to go beyond the niche topic and review the state of water quality remote sensing in the Philippines, explore its gaps, and work towards making remote sensing products available for use for more local studies.
As advice to aspiring scientists, Dr. Gupana looks back on her experience and reminds of failure as a necessary part of the learning process. When navigating through one’s career as a scientist especially in the face of challenges, it’s important to be clear about your “why.” She encouraged listeners to remain clear about their motivations and pursue opportunities at their own pace, reminding them that career paths can take many forms, and that curiosity, resilience, and purpose will always be valuable guides.
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Research Spotlight:
Gupana, R. S., Odermatt, D., Cesana, I., Giardino, C., Nedbal, L., & Damm, A. (2021). Remote sensing of sun-induced chlorophyll-a fluorescence in inland and coastal waters: Current state and future prospects. Remote Sensing of Environment, 262, 112482.
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