Shuai Computational and Integrated Hydrology Group

Sakar is a PhD Researcher at the Utah Water Research Laboratory, Utah State University. As part of a USGS-funded research project, his research focuses on advancing baseflow prediction in snow-dominated watersheds through the integration of AI/ML, Earth Observation & Remote Sensing data, and Physics-Informed Learning, with a focus on the Upper Colorado River Basin.

Short Bio

Sakar’s research broadly explores the use of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Remote Sensing, and Earth Observation to better understand forest, land, and water systems. He began his PhD at Utah State University in August 2026.

Before joining USU, Sakar received an M.Sc. in Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems from the Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand, where he focused on improving gridded runoff estimation across mainland Southeast Asia to support improved water resource management. He previously completed a B.Sc. in Forestry from the Institute of Forestry, Tribhuvan University, Nepal, where his research focused on improving forest disturbance and recovery mapping in complex mountainous landscapes using Remote Sensing and Machine Learning.

His research experience spans forest monitoring, land and water systems, hydrology, and geospatial applications of AI/ML and Earth Observation. Outside of research, Sakar enjoys playing guitar, singing, and playing football.