AT A GLANCE
Mohan Seetharam, PhD
Area of Practice: Geographer, Geospatial Analyst and Planner, and Educator.
OVERVIEW
I was born in India, and have lived and worked in Africa, the Caribbean, Australia, the United States, and the south Pacific islands. I was awarded a doctorate from Clark University’s Graduate School of Geography in 2007 for research that examined the effects of environmental and social geographical factors on human development. I have received fellowship/grants or award support from sources including the George Perkins Marsh Institute, US National Science Foundation and the University of Colorado PERISHIP dissertation fellowship, US National Academy of Science fellowship, and a postdoctoral research fellowship from the Global Institute of Sustainability at Arizona State University.
EDUCATION
Ph.D. in Geography. 2007. Clark University, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA.
M.A. in Geography. 2004. Clark University, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA.
Bachelor of Science. 1996. University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Faculty at SMI, MAHE-Bengaluru, 2023 – Present
Consultant Geospatial Analyst, 2020 – 2023
Faculty at Srishti Institute, 2016 – 2019
Research Associate at French Institute of Pondicherry, 2013 – 2015
Spatial Planner at American Samoa Government, 2011 – 2012
Fellow Scientist at ATREE, Bangalore, 2008 – 2010
Postdoctoral Research Associate at Arizona State University, 2007 – 2008
Graduate Research and Teaching Assistant at Clark University, 2001 – 2006
INTEREST AREAS
My research and thematic interests are wide-ranging, and broadly include questions of spatially uneven development and under-development, the dynamics of hazard-risk, global environmental change, and the political economy of environment. My professional activity has included research, consulting, and teaching at academic, government, and non-profit institutions worldwide. My core technical skills are in the application of geospatial information and related analytical methods for strategic analysis, evidence-based decision support, and policy advice.
CURRENT PRACTICE AT SRISHTI
Faculty with Information Arts and Information Design Practices, Earth Education, and Public Space Design.
TEACHING PORTFOLIO
In addition to my research and consulting work, I enjoy teaching at the tertiary level. I have designed and taught learning units, and contributed to building framework and curriculum for degree programs. At SMI, I teach across the existing programs in Information Arts and Information Design, Earth Education, and Public Space Design.
CREATIVE PRACTICE & OUTREACH
Among several projects conducted over many years, I have contributed to the spatial design of conservation areas in southern India, to the analysis of urban and regional water management in the semi-arid western United States, and towards land-use planning for sustainable development in the south Pacific islands.
