Remote Sensing technologies play a pivotal role in monitoring the most remote locations in the world, primarily the glaciers in the Arctic and Antarctic regions .
Debangshu Banerjee, our next pathbreaker, Glaciologist and Remote Sensing Analyst (Winnipeg, Canada), uses a wide range of tools and techniques, from field observations to satellite images and numerical ice-sheet model simulations predominantly focused on Antarctica.
Debangshu talks to Shyam Krishnamurthy from The Interview Portal about his research investigating the evolving dynamics of the Thwaites Glacier – a hotspot for global sea-level rise.
For students, a career in research or academics is highly nonlinear — there will be many moments of uncertainty in different stages of life. What matters most is belief in yourself, persistence and the willingness to learn from every challenge.
Debangshu, Your background?
I was born and raised in Kolkata, West Bengal, in a simple middle-class family. My father worked as an electrical engineer at CESC, and my mother was a homemaker who took care of everything at home. I studied at Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama High School in Baranagar, and like most kids, I wasn’t always serious about studies in the beginning. I was quite naughty and playful! My father was strict but caring. He always told me, “Whatever you do, do it responsibly.” He used to tell me that as a student, my main job was to learn and create a good life for myself. My mother, on the other hand, always encouraged me quietly from behind the scenes. In school, I loved sports and drawing. I wasn’t a topper, but I was creative — I enjoyed painting, making diagrams, and my teachers often praised my handwriting. My favourite subjects were Geography and Mathematics. Math didn’t come easy to me, but I learned to enjoy solving problems step by step. Geography, though, was something I fell in love with instantly. I was fascinated by maps, places, and the idea of exploring the unknown. I used to wonder — what lies at the very bottom of the Earth, or at the top? How do people live there? That curiosity slowly grew into a dream to study Antarctica, the coldest and most mysterious continent. Over the years, that dream shaped my education and career. It taught me that you don’t need to be perfect from the start — what matters is curiosity, effort, and the courage to keep learning.
What did you do for graduation/post graduation?
I completed my undergraduate degree (BSc Honours) in Geography from the University of Calcutta. Afterward, I moved to Delhi and earned my first master’s degree in physical Geography from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). Subsequently, I pursued an engineering master’s degree (MTech) from the Indian Institute of Remote Sensing, Indian Space Research Organization, where I specialized in remote sensing and GIS applications for marine and atmospheric sciences. Following that, I relocated to the University of Manitoba in Canada to study Antarctic glaciology, where I completed another international master’s degree in Glaciology.
What were some of the influences that drove you towards a career in Glaciology?
My curiosity about glaciers and Antarctica has always been the primary driver behind my career choice. As a geographer, I was introduced to a wide range of disciplines, but becoming an Antarctic glaciologist was never something I had initially envisioned. Yet, I often found myself asking professors how I could work in Antarctica—only to be met with responses like, “Why Antarctica? There are so many things to study in India.”
Tell us about your career path
During my time at the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), I began exploring glaciology in greater depth, although most projects there focused on the Himalayas.
One turning point came when I conducted a case study on a Svalbard glacier using geospatial technology. My advisors were impressed with the results and encouraged me to publish the research, which I successfully did. That experience made me realize how limited the research opportunities in Polar Science were in India, especially when it came to the Arctic and Antarctic regions. Reaching out to some of the professors confirmed this gap—many were either focused on the Himalayas or hesitant about venturing into Antarctic research. Despite all of these, I found myself increasingly drawn to the subject, as if the very challenges surrounding it made the pursuit even more compelling. I worked at IIT Bombay as a Junior Research Fellow for nine months and I also got a PhD opportunity there, but I knew I had to look beyond national boundaries to pursue this passion. But eventually, I connected with a professor in Canada specializing in Antarctic research, which opened the door for me to join a project on Thwaites Glacier—a hotspot for global sea-level rise. I moved to Canada in 2022, and over the past two years, my research has centered on understanding this critical region of Antarctica.
My job is currently remote sensing and analysis-based and does not involve fieldwork (yet). As an Environmental Research Technician, I’m involved in three Canadian Arctic-related research projects at the University of Manitoba. The Arctic system operates very differently from Antarctica—both in terms of processes and research focus. While my work does not currently involve fieldwork, I would be very interested in gaining field experience in the future. The University of Manitoba has a broad and active Arctic research program, which provides excellent exposure to diverse projects in the region.
How did you get your first break?
When I reflect on my career, my “first break” wasn’t a single moment, but rather a series of opportunities that set me on this path. Early on, I made sure to prepare thoroughly for every written test and interview for all the opportunities from JNU and IIRS —because I believed I had the qualifications and the drive inside me. Every path was not smooth, there were ups and downs, rejections, but I was lucky enough to understand the importance of those opportunities and I always tried my best to utilize the facilities and resources. Moving to Canada in 2022 was a pivotal moment, because international exposure is not something everyone gets in their life. So, when it came, I was determined to utilize it as much as possible. But I am grateful to all my mentors and advisors who provided guidance, suggestions and constructive feedback at every crucial stage of my life. In short, every step has felt like a “break”. Each had its own challenges that needed to be overcome, that required preparation, self-belief, and definitely some luck, and all those steps have brought me to where I am now.
What were some of the challenges you faced? How did you address them?
When you are in the field of research and development, challenges wait for you every single day. I personally believe doing research and advancing existing domain knowledge is one of the most difficult jobs in the world. Whether it is scientific invention, working with cutting-edge technical skills, understanding earth system processes, it is challenging, and you must constantly work smart and hard to succeed. I have faced multiple challenges at every stage of my life.
Challenge 1: Coming from a geographical and environmental science background, it is often difficult to get accepted in purely scientific or engineering projects. I had to go through some setbacks in my career solely because of an advisor’s confusion on whether I would be able to tackle difficult numerical challenges or physics. But I was confident about my skills, and I knew I would be able to learn necessary skills, whenever and wherever necessary. I believe that the most important thing is to believe in your abilities and be open to constructive suggestions and feedback. I did both of it and I was able to gain confidence from my advisors, which helped me grow in my career.
Challenge 2: Coming from a lower-middle class family in India, it was always challenging to overcome the financial struggles. Especially, when you are building a career in academics and research, you have to deal with the fact that it is always underpaid compared to the industry. Hence, managing my lifestyle was a big challenge. Especially when I came to Canada, I had to build everything from scratch. From managing daily activities like preparing lunch and dinner, to dedicating 8 hours for research and creativity, and finally dealing with financial planning like savings and investment, it was a huge thing to tackle. But within a year, I understood two things: tough situations only make you better, so don’t complain about anything and whenever you get an opportunity to learn something new, grab it with both hands. Second, for the first time in my life, I was experiencing what daily life looks like, because I spent almost six years of my life in a hostel. So, that challenge has made me a better person today.
Challenge 3: Over time, I realized that communication and quality of human interaction are among the hardest skills to develop. One can be technically skilled or academically strong, but how one connects and communicates with others really defines who you are. Whether it’s talking to my professor, working and collaborating with other teammates, or managing people who are working with you, communication is what helps you grow. One of the biggest realizations of my life was that people remember and judge you only based on how you made them feel, and the very first interaction matters. I learned this lesson the hard way. In my early years, I was very focused on my own goals and didn’t pay much attention to how I interacted with others. Because of that, I often had conflicts with friends and colleagues over minor issues. When I moved to Canada, I faced similar challenges but at a bigger scale. These issues often disturbed me, and I started to be emotionally drained while tackling them. That is the time I decided to work on myself. I took serious life coaching, practiced meditation, and actively worked on my attitude, behaviour, and improved my communication skills. I even worked on my gestures, first impression and pace of talking so I could think before I spoke. After a few months, I noticed real changes—my relationships improved, I became calmer, and my focus at work got better. Since then, I’ve continued these practices, and they’ve helped me both personally and professionally.
Where do you work now? What problems do you solve?
I have completed a master’s degree in Antarctic glaciology. Initially, I was offered a PhD opportunity here, but I decided not to accept it (due to many limitations, which I experienced after coming here) and I decided to explore more options.
I am a glaciologist and a remote sensing & GIS analyst. My research is predominantly in Antarctica, and I use a wide range of tools and techniques from field observations to satellite images and numerical ice-sheet model simulations to investigate the ice-sheet processes and project future changes under IPCC climate change scenarios. We work in remote locations of the world where it is nearly impossible to go and extract information without significant financial and technical support from Govt Organizations. There are significant challenges concerning sea-level rise in the coming decades and centuries, and we try to address those problems with the number of resources we have.
What skills are required for your role? How did you acquire the skills?
Glaciology, a vast and research-oriented field, encompasses various sub-domains requiring specialized skills. For instance, ice-core analysis demands collaboration between geophysicists and geologists to observe and analyze the physical and chemical properties of ice core rings, extracting information about past climates to inform future projections.
In my domain, three key aspects stand out. First, a deep understanding of the system science of the region is crucial. Antarctica’s intricate ice-atmosphere-oceanic system necessitates extensive research and literature review to comprehend its dynamics. Without this foundational knowledge, technical skills alone won’t guarantee success as a glaciologist. Second, I possess extensive training in satellite remote sensing and geospatial analysis, handling diverse satellite images and remote-sensing products. This technical skill demands time, practice, and patience. Lastly, I am also a numerical ice-sheet modeller, utilizing computer-based simulations to study glacial evolution in the past and future. This skill was acquired after relocating to Canada, followed by formal training and workshops in the US. While learning specific skills can be time-consuming, a solid understanding of mathematical concepts like linear algebra and vector calculus proves invaluable. However, any skill requires dedication and persistence. In the age of AI, learning has become remarkably accessible, enabling individuals with determination to discover and grow.
How does your work benefit society?
My research focuses on understanding the stability of the Antarctic ice sheet and its response to ongoing climatic and oceanic conditions. This work is directly relevant to one of the most pressing global challenges — sea-level rise. My research contributes to improving predictions of future sea-level change, which are essential for climate adaptation and policy planning worldwide. Through the integration of satellite remote sensing, numerical ice-flow modelling, and data assimilation, my work advances our capacity to produce physically consistent, observation-constrained simulations of ice-sheet evolution. This knowledge provides quantitative input for climate models and coastal risk assessments, helping societies better prepare for impacts such as flooding, infrastructure damage, and population displacement in low-lying regions. Beyond scientific outcomes, my work contributes to capacity building and open science. I develop reproducible modelling workflows and satellite-data analysis frameworks that can be adapted by researchers and students in developing countries, particularly those vulnerable to cryosphere-driven climate impacts. In this way, my research not only enhances scientific understanding but also supports evidence-based decision-making and resilience planning in the face of global environmental change.
Tell us an example of a specific memorable work you did that is very close to you!
I believe all my research works hold a special place in my academic journey, but if I have to choose one, it would be my recent study on the Thwaites Glacier. This work is particularly close to me because of its high relevance to current climate concerns and its complexity in integrating multiple satellite datasets, geophysical parameters, and modelling techniques. Through this research, I investigated the evolving dynamics of the Thwaites Glacier and its interaction with the Amundsen Sea Embayment — one of the most rapidly changing regions in Antarctica. The study involved extensive data processing, including remote sensing analysis and geophysical interpretation, which required both technical precision and scientific reasoning. What makes it memorable is not just the result, but the process — the analytical depth, the technical challenges, and the insights it provided into the mechanisms driving Antarctic ice loss. This project significantly strengthened my understanding of Antarctic ice–ocean interactions and reaffirmed my motivation to pursue advanced research in ice-sheet dynamics.
Unfortunately, I couldn’t go to Antarctica for a field visit. The research fund here wasn’t sufficient. I wish to fulfil this dream during my PhD.
Your advice to students based on your experience?
My advice to students would be to stay consistent, curious, and resilient. Success in research or academics is highly nonlinear — there will be many moments of uncertainty, rejection, and even failure in different stages of life. What matters most is belief in yourself, persistence and the willingness to learn from every challenge. Always have a positive mindset towards every feedback you receive in life – because even if you think you’re stuck somewhere and not progressing, believe me you are progressing. Today’s hard work and dedication will pay off in the most crucial stages of your life. It happened to me and I had gratitude for that. I would also emphasize the importance of critical thinking rather than just following traditional and established ideas — question methods, data, and interpretations, including your own. In my own journey, I have learned that growth comes from stepping outside one’s comfort zone and continuously developing one’s understanding. Finally, I would say: stay passionate about your field, but don’t let that passion isolate you — build collaborations, exchange ideas, and let your work contribute meaningfully to society and the scientific community.
Future Plans?
My long-term goal is to pursue an academic career as a university faculty member, where I can combine my passion for research, teaching, and mentorship. I want to contribute to advancing Antarctic glaciological sciences while also inspiring and training the next generation of Earth and climate scientists. Teaching and learning have always attracted me the most — I find great satisfaction in explaining complex processes and helping students develop analytical and critical thinking skills. Following my PhD, I plan to continue my research in ice–ocean interactions and ice-sheet modelling, with the aim of establishing a strong academic profile through publications, collaborative projects, and supervision of student research. In the long term, I aspire to lead a research and teaching program that integrates field observations, remote sensing, and modelling to address pressing questions on cryosphere change and sea-level rise. Ultimately, I envision myself contributing not only to scientific advancement but also to building inclusive, research-driven educational environments that encourage curiosity, rigour, and innovation.