Arpit Deomurari, Ph.D. Email & Phone Number

Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, Punjab, India

• Developed cutting-edge conservation solutions by leveraging advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and Embedded Systems to address environmental and wildlife challenges.• Defined and executed product plans and roadmaps by aligning product vision and strategy with field requirements informed by conservation research.• Led hardware and software teams by establishing clear use cases, evaluating potential consumer and financial impacts, and selecting optimal approaches for development.• Managed the development lifecycle including quality assurance, field testing, and stakeholder communication. Oversaw user testing, go-to-market strategies, and product adoption plans.• Collaborated with conservation organizations to adapt technology, ensuring that hardware and software components met field-specific needs.• Enhanced analytical capabilities to monitor program performance and technological advancements, while ensuring a strong understanding of user experience and progress.

New Delhi Area, India

Role History:07/2019 – 08/2021: Lead – Conservation Technology & Data Management08/2017 – 07/2019: Coordinator – GIS & Conservation TechnologyAs the technical authority in ecological spatial data analysis and interpretation, I led the development of spatial data management systems and processes for wildlife conservation and habitat protection.• Collaborated with key stakeholders including the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), State Forest Departments, NGOs, and research institutes to advance conservation technology and data management.• Developed a comprehensive spatial data repository for WWF India’s landscape programmes, ensuring long-term data integrity and accessibility.• Established data management policies and infrastructure, including data libraries, systems, and software, to streamline data handling and enhance organizational efficiency.• Implemented advanced modeling workflows, such as climate change impact assessments and long-term time-series analyses, to support informed decision-making for conservation actions.• Conducted spatial and statistical analyses using Big Spatial Data sources like MODIS and Citizen Science data to generate actionable insights.• Prepared technical reports and documentation for GIS development and communicated findings effectively to government bodies and other stakeholders.• Assisted in defining and implementing metadata standards for data collection, maintenance, and access, ensuring consistency and quality.• Applied Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence techniques to analyze complex datasets and improve conservation outcomes.• Developed CamAI, an AI-assisted camera trap data management and analysis system, handling millions of images and associated data from camera trap surveys.

Noida Area, India

In this role, I worked closely with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), State Forest Departments, NGOs, and research institutes to protect critical habitats and corridors through both policy development and ground-level initiatives.• Developed a strategic roadmap for divisional efforts in Wild Lands and GIS, guiding long-term conservation planning.• Formulated and implemented Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for habitat restoration, land acquisition, and rehabilitation projects, ensuring effective and standardized approaches.• Established a comprehensive Geodatabase and conducted landscape-level spatial analysis for the Elephant Corridors of India as part of the Right of Passage 2nd Edition, enhancing corridor management and protection.• Identified staffing needs and spearheaded mentoring and capacity-building initiatives for teams, including GIS specialists, to strengthen organizational capabilities.• Implemented a robust data management policy and system, integrating GIS and field data collection processes to improve data accuracy and accessibility.

Anand, Gujarat, India

In these roles, I spearheaded program development and management, technology innovation, and spatial data infrastructure setup. I applied spatial analysis to support restoration and conservation efforts and played a key role in securing significant funding from the Skoll Foundation, OMIDYAR Networks, and HCL Grants.• Documented FES’s first data management, metadata, and security protocols: Established comprehensive data management and security procedures.• Formulated a strategic roadmap for the India Observatory Program: Led collaborations with NGOs, government organizations, and research institutes to enhance program impact and effectiveness.• Identified staffing needs and led capacity-building initiatives: Mentored and developed teams, including GIS & IT specialists and biologists, to strengthen organizational capabilities.• Adapted technology in collaboration with conservation organizations: Ensured that technology solutions met field-specific requirements and effectively supported conservation efforts.Key accomplishments include:• India Observatory https://www.indiaobservatory.org.in/ : Developed a comprehensive web-based GIS system to integrate and visualize diverse datasets, facilitating interdisciplinary, spatial, and temporal analysis.• Data Platform https://www.indiaobservatory.org.in/tool/data-platform : Created a data platform that consolidates social, economic, and ecological datasets, enhancing understanding and decision-making.• Integrated Forest Management Toolkit (IFMT) https://ifmt.fes.org.in/ : Designed a forest management planning model to aid senior and mid-level officers in India’s state forest departments in creating effective working plans in line with the National Working Plan Code, 2014 (NWPC).• Indian Biodiversity Information System (IBIS) https://www.indianbiodiversity.org/ : Developed a system to bridge gap between extensive information on Indian flora and fauna and its practical use for conservation, planning, and education.

Anand, Gujarat, India

• Designed the Protected Area Observatory Portal: Developed a platform to make data on India’s protected areas more accessible and usable, fostering greater transparency and engagement in conservation efforts.• Formulated a strategic roadmap for the India Observatory Program: Spearheaded partnerships with NGOs, government bodies, and research institutions to maximize the program’s impact and effectiveness.• Identified and addressed staffing needs: Directed capacity-building efforts, mentoring teams including GIS specialists, biologists, and IT professionals. Successfully reorganized the team for Big Data Management, enhancing the handling of extensive spatial and temporal data.• Developed a Big Spatial Data Platform: Leveraged Open Source GIS tools to create a platform tailored for conservation action and planning, addressing the data needs of protected areas in India.• Managed and updated key portals and databases: Oversaw the ongoing maintenance and enhancement of IBIS-Flora, AVIS-IBIS, and IBIS-Mammals portals to ensure their relevance and accuracy.• Customized technology solutions in collaboration with conservation organizations: Partnered with various organizations to adapt technological tools to specific conservation challenges.

Anand, Gujarat, India

• Developed Data Platform under India Observatory to provide social, economic and ecological data to analyse through an interdisciplinary lens.• Implemented Open Source based GIS platforms including Big Geo Data, Biodiversity Informatics• Carried out complex spatial analysis using R, Python and other tools• Species Distribution Modelling, • Developed Indian Biodiversity Information System ( http://www.indianbiodiversity.org). Developed a database for Mammals (426 sp.) and Angiosperms (22,256 sp.), and incorporated it with the IBIS portal. • Managed GIS Database, Backup System, GIS Data Upgradation and IT Infrastructure• Mapping and Remote Sensing, Design and Develop GIS-based data dissemination systems(Standalone and Web-based), Implement SDI Environment,

Anand, Gujarat, India

• Developed the Indian Biodiversity Information System (IBIS) portal andlaunched AVIS, for Birds of Indian Subcontinent (1,664 sp.) along with keys foridentification and distribution.• Created customised software for the Time Series Atlas of Odisha State, India.Geo Database management and upgradation.

Ahmedabad Area, India

• Designed and developed SharePoint portals for ICMA (International Country/County Manager’s Association), enhancing communication and project management across their international branches.• Customized SharePoint solutions specifically for ICMA South Asia and ICMA Afghanistan, addressing regional needs and ensuring effective user engagement.• Focused on key design factors including Team Collaboration, Enterprise Content Management, Business Process Automation, and Business Intelligence to optimize portal functionality and usability.• Trained and supported users in leveraging SharePoint technology for improved collaboration and project management, ensuring a smooth transition and efficient use of the platform.• Collaborated with stakeholders to align portal features with ICMA’s operational needs and objectives, facilitating better communication and streamlined project workflows.

Jamnagar Area, India

• Authored articles on a diverse range of topics including wildlife conservation, environmental issues, and species information for various business content projects.• Specialized in conservation topics, including detailed coverage of faunal and floral species, human-wildlife conflicts, and environmental awareness.• Produced content on pollution control measures and strategies, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of environmental challenges and solutions.• Contributed to multiple content feed projects, enhancing the company’s content offerings with insightful and engaging articles on pressing environmental and wildlife issues.

Jamnagar Area, India

• Led the innovative conservation project at EOL Vadinar Refinery, designing and developing wildlife habitats to support birds, insects, reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals.• Created and implemented natural habitat designs to enhance biodiversity and provide a sustainable environment for various species on the refinery site.• Monitored and documented flora and fauna within the refinery area, ensuring comprehensive data collection and analysis to support habitat effectiveness.• Produced publications and documentation detailing habitat development and species observations, aimed at promoting the replicability of the project in other locations.• Developed and enforced corporate environmental policies related to the project, demonstrating a commitment to integrating conservation efforts with corporate practices.• Showcased the project as a model for applying corporate environmental policies in practical, field-based conservation initiatives.

Ahmedabad Area, India

• Facilitated landscape design by integrating local fauna and flora, ensuring that environmental considerations were central to the design process.• Contributed to developing a vocabulary of systemic interventions for eco-friendly initiatives, leveraging traditional ecological knowledge to create better environmental solutions.• Led the design development for the Fossil Park project in the Balasinor region of Kheda District, Gujarat, focusing on the paleontological aspects of the project.• Guided the team on incorporating paleontological and natural history perspectives into the Fossil Park design, enhancing the project's educational and scientific value.• Ensured the project reflected both paleontological significance and sustainable design principles, aligning with GEC’s mission to integrate environmental and historical considerations into their projects.

Bhuj Area, India

• Developed and utilized technology for effective disaster management and rehabilitation, enhancing the organization’s response capabilities and recovery efforts.• Managed hardware and software procurement and deployment, including IT vendor relations to ensure the seamless integration and functionality of technology solutions.• Engineered a pioneering wireless network in rural Kutch using Wi-Fi 802.11b, significantly reducing the digital divide and enhancing connectivity in underserved areas.• Oversaw ERP system and database maintenance, ensuring operational efficiency and data integrity across organizational processes.• Designed and deployed a Windows 2003 server-based network with SharePoint services, improving internal communication and document management systems.• Led GIS functionality initiatives, including Digital Image Processing and GIS mapping, to facilitate spatial data analysis and informed decision-making.• Developed a web-based GIS system for the dissemination of Natural Resource Management (NRM) data at the village level, increasing accessibility and utility of critical information.

Doctor Of Philosophy - Phd, Wildlife Science

Modeling shifts in bird distribution under climate change scenarios for prioritizing conservation areas in India.

M. Sc. (Ecology & Environment), Ecology And Environment

Dissertation on "Seabirds and Shorebirds of Gulf of Kutch, Gujarat"

B. E. (Computer Engg.), Computer Engineering

Project dissertation on "High-performance computing using Beowulf cluster" Project dissertation on " Secure communication through Internet"