About Us

Located at the University of Victoria in the Geography department, our spectral and remote laboratory facility investigates multiple threads of research. By looking at the interaction of light energy with organic and inorganic material in ocean waters in the field and controlled lab environment, there is much we can discover. We have a collection of optical sensors including hyperspectral radiometers for continuous, above, and in-water measurements, fluorescence sensors for chlorophyll and CDOM, absorption, attenuation and backscattering hyperspectral sensors, CTDs, and a darkroom for simulating controlled environmental conditions. Current projects include accessing historical and modern records of kelp bed size and presence to study climate change; using satellite imagery to detect herring spawning; and collecting environmental data that may affect kelp growth and resilience.

Our group of researchers has expertise in oceanography, geography, biology, computer science, and environmental science.  We are conducting interdisciplinary research with several international collaborators in Brazil (INPA, INPE), Canada (IOS, MEOPAR, Ocean Networks Canada, Pacific Salmon Foundation, SFU, UBC, UVic), the United States (UC-Santa Barbara), and Japan (JAXA).  

Remote sensing technology is advancing at a much faster speed than our knowledge of how to interpret the spectral information it provides.

NEWS and Updates

October 02, 2024

Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Remote Sensing of Sargassum in the Amazon and Mesoamerican Coasts

The Spectral and Remote Sensing Laboratory in the Department of Geography at the University of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, seeks a full-time Postdoctoral Research fellow (PDF) who is passionate about mobilizing science towards concrete actions to benefit endangered ecosystems and supporting the livelihoods of Atlantic Coastal Communities in Mexico and Brazil. The postdoc will conduct applied research in developing satellite-based tools, modeling Sargassum seaweed, and working with collaborators in the tropical Atlantic. This project is funded by the Canadian New Frontiers in Research Fund. The postdoc will be based in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, and will work under the supervision of Dr. Maycira Costa.

Project Context: Since 2011, countries along the Tropical Atlantic have grappled with massive coastal accumulations of Sargassum seaweed, which have triggered several economic, ecological, and health crises. Sargassum influx is expected to continue with climate change, exacerbating its adverse effects and increasing management costs. There is a need for more holistic Sargassum management frameworks that increase local community preparedness for algal blooms (knowledge of the time, location, and extent of algal outbreaks) and coordination for its clean-up. Our project aims to establish the a locally-focused framework that will empower coastal communities in the Brazilian Amazon (Salinópolis, Pará) and the Mexican Mesoamerican Reef (Mahahual, Quintana Roo) to manage massive Sargassum landings effectively. By implementing this framework and conducting capacity-building workshops with our local partners, we will build resilience, protect vital ecosystems, and enable communities to turn the crisis into an opportunity by developing novel blue economy pathways.

The Position: The successful candidate will report to Dr. Maycira Costa and project manager/co-lead Santiago Ramirez Said. The candidate will work closely with an international team, including Coastal Communities from the Atlantic Coasts of Mexico and Brazil, researchers from the University of Miami, the University of Sao Paulo (USP), and the Autonomous National University of Mexico (UNAM), and fellows from NASA and the National Geographic Society. The PDF will work towards developing and validating a digital predictive model for tracking offshore Sargassum seaweed and predicting other areas that are highly likely to have a presence in Salinópolis and Mahahual. For the model, the PDF will integrate oceanographic data with a satellite-based offshore Sargassum dataset. The PDF will develop the Sargassum dataset or use data from other ongoing Sargassum international initiatives and associated oceanographic data. Finally, the candidate will develop and provide training courses, in collaboration with the University of Miami and National Geographic Fellows for Local Communities, on how to use drones for Sargassum monitoring and interpret monitoring algorithms for their use. Periodic fields in Quintana Roo, Mexico, and Para, Brazil, will be part of the work. Therefore, the candidate should be comfortable working outdoors in various weather conditions. The candidate should be comfortable and open to sharing and learning from Local peoples and different cultures and be passionate about making a positive socio-environmental change through their work. Specific deliverables

include the production of the digital tracking model, as well as spatial and temporal maps of pelagic Sargassum. Operationally, the candidate will lead at least 2 manuscripts for peer-reviewed publications and produce project reports and other educational and knowledge mobilization efforts with the project team for Local Communities.

Your Qualifications:

● A Ph.D. in Oceanography, Computer Science, Geography, Marine Ecology, or related disciplines.
● Strong programming and data analysis skills in Python and related libraries.
● Demonstrated expertise in remote sensing.
● Experience working with machine learning and deep neural networks is an asset.
● Experience with GIS and physical oceanography.
● Record of successful project management and collaboration.
● Interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively with coastal communities and the broader international research team.
● Cultural sensitivity and a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) driven mindset.
● Proficiency in Spanish or Portuguese is a valued asset.

Application deadline: 15 Nov 2024
Posting start date: As soon as possible
Position length: Two years, pending annual review and with the possibility of renewal
Estimated salary: $75,000 / year (benefits and mandatory related costs are included)
Location: University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada

Submit applications to Santiago Ramirez Said and Maycira Costa with the following attachments:
● A CV, including the e-mail/phone number for two references;
● A short cover letter (1 page max) explaining your motivation for working on this project,how your previous experience qualifies you for this position;
● Reprints of 2 published papers, if available.

Please send any questions to Santiago.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are essential for academic excellence and effective sustainability work. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code. Your future work team will be led and include members of groups, including but not limited to People of Color, Indigenous Peoples, LGBTQ+, and Local Communities from all across the Americas.

May 30, 2024

Canadian Space Agency 2024 National Forum on Earth Observation, Biodiversity Panel

June 8, 2022

Celebrating World Oceans Day:

Experts on kelp forests available for World Oceans Day

March 18, 2019

The Secret Lives of Salmon: International expedition returns to Vancouver

The Russian research vessel Kaganovsky returned to Vancouver on Monday with an unprecedented treasure trove of data about the little-studied lives of salmon in the open Pacific Ocean. Article here.

Spectral Lab PhD student Vishnu PS joins International Years of the Salmon Study.

Read more Here.

March 1, 2019

Century-old maps are helping track B.C.'s kelp forests

Using British admiralty charts from 1858-1956, a research team from University of Victoria’ s Spectral lab has created digital map of coastal kelp. Read article here.

June 15, 2016

Deployment of the first autonomous radiometers in Canada

After a year of planning we have the first of it's kind autonomous solar tracking radiometers installed on a BC Ferries ship.  Click to learn more about the project.

Feb 20, 2016

Spectral Lab Partners with MEOPAR and Irving Shipbuilding

The SPECTRAL Lab is excited to receive support for our research studying the changing marine environment of the Salish Sea. Congratulations also to the work of University of Victoria's Dr. Julia Baum and Dr. Randy Scharien.
Full article is available here.

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