Looking for a job

Dhana Lakshmi M

@dhanalakshmim

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Research scientist specializing in AI/ML for marine and underwater imaging.

India

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What I'm looking for

I seek research-driven roles applying AI/ML and computer vision to marine conservation and coastal planning, in collaborative, impact-focused teams offering opportunities to translate models into deployed tools.

I am a research scientist with a Ph.D. and extensive experience applying AI, deep learning, and computer vision to marine and underwater imaging problems. My work spans species classification, habitat mapping, sonar and image enhancement, and satellite-based coastal analysis, often delivering high accuracy and actionable insights.

I have led and contributed to multidisciplinary projects recognised at national levels, including a Smart India Hackathon win and contributions to the National Centre for Coastal Research's Marine Spatial Planning (SAHAV) portal. I have published multiple peer-reviewed journal articles and conference papers in indexed venues and served as reviewer for several international journals and conferences.

I bring practical skills in Python, TensorFlow, YOLO (v5/v7), vision transformers, GIS and remote sensing, and a track record of deploying models for real-time monitoring and conservation tasks. I am committed to translating research into operational tools that support conservation, coastal planning, and the blue economy.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Scientist II (Project)

National Centre for Coastal Research

Dec 2022 - Jun 2025 (2 years 6 months)

Prepared DPR and contributed technical inputs for the Kalpasar Dyke project and coastal research initiatives as part of a multi-year project (Dec 2022–2025), supporting marine spatial planning and outreach.

Coastal Research Marine Spatial Planning GIS Remote Sensing Technical Writing

Junior Research Fellow

Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar College of Engineering

Jun 2018 - Feb 2022 (3 years 8 months)

Conducted research on underwater heritage site excavation and image enhancement using AI/ML, contributing to publications and projects over a 3-year funded JRF tenure and improving sonar and optical image visibility for marine mapping.

Underwater Imaging Deep Learning Image Processing Matlab Python Photogrammetry Remote Sensing GIS

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar College of Engineering

Doctor of Philosophy, Computer Science and Engineering

Ph.D. (course work) completed at Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar College of Engineering, Anna University, focusing on research in coastal and underwater imaging domains.