Student Spotlight: Rejane “Jane” Paulino

Rejane "Jane" Paulino with her advisor assistant professor and Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station scientist Vitor S. Martins.

Rejane "Jane" Paulino, a student in the Mississippi State University Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, is making a significant impact in the fields of water quality and remote sensing.

Currently in her second year of study, Paulino, a doctoral student in biosystems engineering, is working under the mentorship of assistant professor and Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station scientist Vitor S. Martins. Her research combines innovative technology with environmental stewardship. Paulino said her research focuses on the innovative application of remote sensing technology to monitor water quality in various environments, including lakes, rivers, and coastal areas. Most recently, her work has focused on tracking and estimating water quality by utilizing sensors both on the ground and in space.

"Remote sensing allows us to capture information from targets without direct contact, which is essential for studying components of water such as light-absorbing molecules, known as photosynthetic pigments, and sediments," Paulino explained.

One of the highlights of her research is her involvement in the Satellite-Based Virtual Buoy Observation Network, a project aimed at developing autonomous systems to monitor coastal waters in Mississippi. Funded by the Mississippi-based RESTORE Act Center of Excellence E, her research addresses environmental challenges that pose risks to public health and local ecosystems.

"This project is critical to those who rely on coastal waters for their livelihood. One of the outcomes of the research is a website under development that will enable oyster and fishery stakeholders to access real-time water quality information along the Mississippi Coast," she said.

Recently, Paulino received recognition for her work by being accepted into two prestigious NASA-sponsored workshops. The first workshop, titled "Calibration and Validation of Ocean Color Remote Sensing," offered by the University of Maryland and the "Ocean Optics Class," will be held at the University of Maine.

"This limited-seating workshop has been offered since 1985, so being selected is a big honor," Paulino said.

The four-week program will cover crucial topics, including optical concepts and validation of satellite images for aquatic applications. The course will provide Paulino with a strong foundation in ocean optics and optical sensor technology and allow her to make quality measurements, assess the uncertainties associated with the measurements, and compare these data with remotely-sensed ocean color measurements and derived products.

The second workshop, "PACE Data Hack Week," held at the University of Maryland Baltimore County,  focuses on NASA's newly launched hyperspectral mission, designed for aquatic applications, and will enable Paulino to learn about the products it offers and how to access the data. The one-week coding event will include a combination of lectures, tutorials, and data processing and analysis projects.

As Paulino prepares for her upcoming workshops in Maine and Maryland, the immense opportunities for professional growth and knowledge acquisition are not lost on her. She explained that this opportunity will not only enhance her knowledge but also empower her to tackle complex challenges in her research.

"Engaging with leading researchers will help me gain insights into my challenges and build confidence in my work," she said. "These workshops will deepen my understanding of remote sensing and contribute to solving complex water quality issues."