Dr. Dimitris Gounaridis is a research specialist and lecturer at the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability, and an affiliate of the Informal Sustainability Lab. His academic and research pursuits have been shaped by a deep commitment to understanding and addressing the intricate challenges at the intersection of geospatial data science, sustainability, and social equity. Throughout his career, Dr. Gounaridis has consistently sought to apply geospatial technologies and data science methodologies to tackle critical environmental and societal issues. His doctoral research focused on multi-scale modeling, scenario-based simulations and heterogenous data fusion. This work not only advanced his understanding of landscape dynamics in the face of socioeconomic pressures but also provided a valuable framework for future urban planning and environmental conservation efforts. Upon joining the Urban Sustainability Research Group at the University of Michigan, Dr. Gounaridis was fortunate to join an interdisciplinary group with bright students and mentors. His research spanned a range of topics but with a unifying theme among them: the intersection of geospatial data science to understand the sustainability of land use, with an emphasis on spatial inequities. 

Beyond research, Dr. Gounaridis has been an active participant in academic mentorship and education, guiding students through complex projects that integrate remote sensing, machine learning, and big data analysis. His teaching experience at both undergraduate and graduate levels has further solidified his commitment to fostering the next generation of geospatial scientists. Dr. Gounaridis is eager to continue advancing the application of geospatial data science to promote sustainability and equity in land use planning.