Student projects build on Sensing the Forest research

As part of their final-year studies, Haidar Chawki Kassem (BSc Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence) and Dharma Rumpal (BSc Computer Science) developed projects that extended the themes and objectives of Sensing the Forest, a research project that uses technology to support rainforest conservation and empower Indigenous communities.

Haidar's project, Classification of High-Risk Disturbance in the Peruvian Amazon, explored how computing and data analysis techniques can help identify areas of rainforest at risk of disturbance. Following the completion of his degree, he has continued to engage with the project through collaboration with Rainforest Foundation UK, recently meeting with the organisation to discuss how the system could be developed further and potentially used by local communities in Peru. 

Dharma's project, WILT: Exploring Climate Awareness Through Solar-Powered Kinetic Art, took a creative approach to environmental communication. Combining technology, sustainability and interactive art, the project encouraged audiences to reflect on climate change and its impacts. Her work was exhibited on campus, sparking conversations among students and staff about environmental issues and the role technology can play in raising awareness. 

Recognising the strong links between the projects and the wider Sensing the Forest initiative, supervisor Dr Anna Xambó invited both graduates to share their experiences through guest blog posts on the Sensing the Forest website.

Read the blog posts:

• Classification of High-Risk Disturbance in the Peruvian Amazon by Haidar Chawki Kassem.
• WILT: Using Solar-Powered Kinetic Art to Communicate Climate Change by Dharma Rumpal.

The projects demonstrate how EECS students can apply their skills beyond the classroom, contributing fresh perspectives to research and creating solutions that address real-world social and environmental challenges. Through collaborations with external organisations, public engagement activities and innovative approaches to environmental issues, both graduates have shown the broader impact that student research can achieve.