I am Phillmon Smart Edward,
a Landscape Ecologist
& Academician
based in Chennai.

Summary

I am Phillmon Smart Edward, a researcher, educator and scientific communicator with a research interest inclined towards ecologist and conservation biology. Growing up, I was always fascinated by the natural world, the way plants adapt, animals behave, and ecosystems find their balance even in changing conditions. That early curiosity slowly shaped into a lifelong interest in understanding the deeper connections between nature and the environment around us. My academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology with a specialisation in Microbiology from Madras Christian College, Chennai, which gave me an opportunity to understand how microorganisms shape the functioning and stability of an ecosystem. During my Master’s in Environmental Sciences at Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, I worked on studying the potential of using green seaweed (Ulva prolifera) as a natural biosorbent to remove heavy metals from water. My second major research project, funded by the Tamil Nadu State Council for Science and Technology (TNSCST), Chennai, focused on developing a green approach for cultivating Chlorella sp. using dairy and fish waste as a low-cost nutrient medium to produce sustainable biomass and bio-products.

After completing my Master’s, I realized that I wanted to work at the intersection of ecology and technology. I became interested in studying the environment not only through fieldwork but also through spatial and data-based approaches. That was when I discovered how remote sensing and GIS could help visualize and understand ecological patterns on a larger scale. I was drawn to combining field ecological methods, lab work, and geospatial tools to gain a complete picture of how ecosystems function. This interest guided me toward landscape ecology, where I could interpret and study ecology at much broader scales.

Building on this interest, I pursued an M.Phil. in Environmental Sciences at Bharathiar University. My research focused on assessing the impact of climate change on the distribution of invasive plant species in the Western Ghats using ecological niche modeling. This study helped me see how field observations and spatial data could be integrated to understand real-world ecological challenges. It also strengthened my skills in using GIS, and species distribution models to explore how environmental changes influence species and habitats. To deepen my understanding of spatial analysis and ecological modeling, I began studying Remote Sensing and GIS at CERS, BDU. This phase has allowed me to strengthen my technical skills and explore how advanced geospatial tools can be applied to study landscapes, biodiversity, and environmental change. I see this as a way to build a strong foundation for pursuing a PhD, where I can continue combining ecological research with technology to address complex conservation questions.

Expertise

• Biogeography
• Species Distribution Modelling
• Ecological Remote Sensing
• Landscape Ecology
• Environmental Health Assessment