SC News
Candidates for the Upcoming Board of Directors Election
Candidates for the Upcoming Election to the New Board of Directors (2026 - 2030)
The International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing Student Consortium (ISPRS SC) is pleased to share the candidates shortlisted for the upcoming election to the new board of directors (2026 - 2030). The upcoming election offers members the opportunity to select the individuals who will help guide the organization's future. Members can access the candidates details and application form that they submitted below.
Candidate: President
Federica Gaspari
Current Affiliation: Politecnico di Milano, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Position: PhD Student in Geomatics and Geoinformatics at Politecnico di Milano (scheduled defense on May 28th)
Nationality / Current Country of Residence: Italy
Born in 1995, Federica Gaspari is currently a Geomatics and Geoinformatics research fellow at Politecnico di Milano in Italy. She obtained her PhD from the same university in May 2026, writing her thesis on the development of an open-source framework for geospatial data management in built and natural environments. Her main research interests lie in open-source geospatial technologies that support more sustainable and transparent communities on the road to adopting digital twins. She has been an active member of the OpenStreetMap Foundation since 2016 and is one of the co-founders and faculty advisors of PoliMappers, the Politecnico di Milano chapter of the YouthMappers network. Following her involvement in the FOSS4G and OSM communities, she was elected as a Charter Member of OSGeo in 2022. She continues to be actively committed to supporting users of all backgrounds in becoming familiar with geospatial technologies.
Click here for completed application form
Candidate: Vice - President
Sujan Sapkota
Nationality / Current Country of Residence: Nepali/United Kingdom
Current Affiliation: Northern Ireland Housing Executive
Position: Lead GIS Analyst
I believe geospatial science should improve lives. From helping earthquake-affected communities in Nepal access critical services through map literacy after the 2015 Gorkha Earthquake to applying GIS solutions that support vulnerable populations in the United Kingdom, my journey has been driven by service, leadership, and impact. I am a Gold Medal-winning geospatial professional, educator, researcher, and international collaborator who has led student organizations, launched international academic initiatives, secured competitive research grants, and mentored emerging geospatial professionals. With experience spanning academia, industry, and humanitarian service, I bring a global perspective and a commitment to inclusion. As a candidate for Vice President, I am dedicated to strengthening international collaboration, expanding opportunities for students, and helping build a more connected, diverse, and impactful ISPRS Student Consortium.
Click here for completed application form
Candidate: Editor-in-Chief
FX Anjar Tri Laksono
Nationality / Current Country of Residence: Indonesia
Current Affiliation: Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Jenderal Soedirman University
Position: Assistant Professor
I am an assistant professor in Geological Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Jenderal Soedirman University. My interest is in marine hazards and coastal geomorphology. I am a member of the Natural Hazard Mitigation Research Center, Jenderal Soedirman University.
Click here for completed application form
Candidate: Website Administrator
Mercy Akintola
Nationality / Current Country of Residence: Nigeria
Current Affiliation: Federal University of Technology Akure. (FUTA) / Merczcord Technologies Ltd
Position: Student / Geospatial Developer
Akintola Mercy Onaopemipo is a Geospatial Scientist, GeoAI Specialist, and community leader from Nigeria, currently pursuing an M.Tech in Remote Sensing and GIS (Natural Hazard and Disaster Risk Management) at the Federal University of Technology Akure. He is the Founder of Merczcord Technologies Ltd and has contributed to global geospatial initiatives through ISPRS, the Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team (HOT), and YouthMappers. With experience developing geospatial web applications, managing digital platforms, and coordinating international communities, he is passionate about using technology to strengthen engagement and knowledge sharing. His research focuses on Earth Observation, climate resilience, and disaster risk management, with publications in the ISPRS Archives. As a candidate for Website Administrator, he aims to enhance the Consortium’s digital presence, improve accessibility to resources, and create a more connected and engaging experience for members worldwide.
Click here for completed application form
Candidate: Social Media Coordinator
MD. ABDUR RAHIM
Nationality / Current Country of Residence: Bangladesh
Current Affiliation: University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Position: Student/Research Assistant
As a Geology student at the University of Dhaka and an active member of the ISPRS SC Bangladesh – Dhaka University Student Chapter, I have developed a deep academic and practical interest in geospatial science, along with a growing passion for science communication and digital outreach. If selected, I will work to develop a structured and consistent social media strategy that ensures regular dissemination of ISPRS SC activities, opportunities, and achievements.
Click here for completed application form
Candidate: Social Media Coordinator
Name: Ding Luo
Current Affiliation: Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture
Position: Master’s Student / ISPRS SC BUCEA Student Chapter Newsletter Editor
Nationality / Current Country of Residence: China (Mainland)
Ding Luo is a Master's student in Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing at Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, China. His research focuses on artificial intelligence and multi-source data for cultural heritage preservation. He has actively participated in ISPRS lectures and conferences, including ISPRS DMGIS 2025. Beyond research, he has experience in academic administration, visual design, and social media engagement. He is passionate about connecting students worldwide and promoting communication, collaboration, and knowledge sharing within the ISPRS Student Consortium.
Click here for completed application form
Candidate: Board Member - Designer
Fernandes Mendes, Cindy
Nationality / Current Country of Residence:
Nationality: Brazilian
Current Country of Residence: The Netherlands temporarily, until July 2026; permanent residence in Brazil.
Current Affiliation: Santa Catarina State University (UDESC), Brazil
Position: PhD student in Forest Engineering, Santa Catarina State University (UDESC), Brazil.
Visiting PhD researcher at the University of Twente, The Netherlands.
Cindy Fernandes Mendes is a PhD student in Forest Engineering at Santa Catarina State University (UDESC), Brazil, and is currently completing a visiting PhD period at ITC – Faculty of Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation, University of Twente, The Netherlands. She holds a master’s degree in Soil Science and a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering. Her research is related to the use of remote sensing, high-resolution imagery, and deep learning applied to forest monitoring, with interests in environmental conservation, geotechnologies, and artificial intelligence applications in forest ecosystems.
Click here for completed application form
Note: The election will be held from 3 - 8 June 2026 (GMT+0). The voting link will be sent to the general members who have membership for the year 2026.
For further information, please contact:
ISPRS Student Consortium
c/o ISPRS SC President
Email: sc.isprs@gmail.com
Laxmi Thapa
Sunday, May 31, 2026
