Manuel Zeballos

Earth Observation Specialist

Córdoba, Argentina

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/manuel-zeballos-419456249

Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Manuel-Zeballos

Summary

Biologist with advanced training in sustainability, remote sensing, and GIS, specializing in environmental monitoring and spatial data analysis. Proven experience in satellite imagery processing, ecological research, and environmental risk assessment. Skilled in Python, R, QGIS, and Google Earth Engine. Passionate about leveraging remote sensing and geospatial tools to address global environmental challenges.

Skill Highlights

Main: Remote Sensing, Hyperspectral Data, Wildfire Monitoring, Spatial Data Pipelines

Technical Skills: Remote Sensing, GIS, Spatial Data Modeling, Data Visualization, Database Management.

Software Proficiency: Python (Geopandas, Numpy, Scikit-learn, Rasterio, GDAL), R, QGIS, SNAP, PostgreSQL, Linux,

Cloud-based geospatial processing Google Earth Engine, OpenEO, Zarr files management

Analytical Skills: Satellite Image Analysis, Environmental Risk Assessment, Ecological Modeling, Hyperspectral Data Processing, Data Management, Natural Resources, Critical Analysis.

Other Skills: Scientific Writing, Reporting, Teaching, Project Management, Attention to Detail, Strong Communication Skills, Collaboration.

Languages

  • English: Proficient (Reading), Intermediate (Writing/Speaking)
  • Italian: Basic (Reading, Writing/Speaking)
  • Portuguese: Intermediate (Reading), Basic (Writing/Speaking)
  • Spanish: Native

Experience

Master’s Research Fellow

National Commission on Space Activities (CONAE), Argentina
February 2024 – Present

  • Constructed and managed multi-source database and implementing quality control procedures for geospatial products metadata, to support the creation of the institutional GeoNode platform.
  • Built multiple end-to-end pipelines for remote sensing data in Python (Geopandas, Numpy, Scikit-learn, Rasterio, GDAL, and Xarray) , R and GEE to model spatial data.
  • Implemented data cleaning, radiometric corrections, and time-series processing workflows to support ecological and environmental studies.
  • Carry on the research project “Evaluation of the potential of hyperspectral remote sensing for monitoring vegetation affected by fires in mountain ecosystems in Cordoba, Argentina.” usign Python, R, QGIS, and GEE to analyze hyperspectral data, wich led to the creation of a integrated tool for wildfire monitoring in Cordoba, Argentina.

MAECI Research Fellowship in Remote Sensing

EOSIAL, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
February 2025 – July 2025

  • Scholarship granted by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAECI).
  • Conducted research on Earth Observation applications under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Giovanni Laneve.
  • Developed automated Python pipelines for preprocessing and analyzing hyperspectral remote sensing data.
  • Integrated remote sensing techniques into ecological and wildfire change studies using hyperspectral data.

ASI Training Fellowship

University of Pavia and Italian Space Agency (ASI), Italy
February 2025 – July 2025

  • Applied advanced remote sensing methodologies to process and analyze satellite imagery for environmental monitoring.
  • Leveraged satellite data and EO software to build models for sustainability and risk assessment applications.
  • Developed a Land Cover Classification on the Jureca HPC cluster (Jülich Supercomputing Center, Germany).

GIS and Earth Observation Consultant

IDECOR – UNC, Córdoba, Argentina
October 2023 – March 2024

  • Specific collaboration agreement with Banco de la Provincia de Córdoba S.A.
  • Designed and executed an Environmental and Social Territorial Sensitivity Analysis (ASAST) for Córdoba Province, integrating all available data sources developed by IDECOR.
  • I developed a local fire hazard index for the entire Córdoba, Argentina region.
  • Compiled a comprehensive set of over 21 thematic maps and layers, essential for conducting thorough territorial and environmental risk assessments.
  • Drafted detailed reports for stakeholders.

Student Assistant

Faculty of Exact, Physical and Natural Sciences, UNC
May 2020 – February 2024

  • Conducted and planned theoretical classes and practical activities.

Junior Research Assistant

IDEA-CONICET, Córdoba, Argentina
May 2019 – September 2021

  • Project: Influence of the Urban Heat Island effect on the flight and foraging activity of Plebeia catamarcensis.
  • Resulted in publication in a high-impact journal: DOI: 10.1080/00218839.2022.2110431.

Student Researcher

IDEA-CONICET, Córdoba, Argentina
March 2018 – January 2019

Education

MSc in Spatial Information Applications (expected early 2026)

FAMAF, UNC – CONAE, Córdoba, Argentina

  • Awarded the CONAE Postgraduate Scholarship.
  • Specialized in remote sensing and GIS applications for environmental studies.
  • Spatial data processing and analysis using Python and R.

Relevant Coursework

  • Digital Processing of Satellite Images and GIS (10.00/10)
  • Programming and Numerical Methods for Satellite Information Processing (10.00/10)
  • Applications of Synthetic Aperture Radar Imagery (9.67/10)
  • Environmental Remote Sensing (9.00/10)
  • Numerical Models for Early Warning, Risk Mapping, and Simulation (9.00/10)
  • Spatial Analysis and Risk Situations (9.00/10)
  • Tools for Environmental Assessment, Management, and Monitoring (9.00/10)

ASI Training Program Module on Earth Observation (2025)

University of Pavia – Italian Space Agency (ASI), Italy

University Diploma in Applied Geomatics (2023)

Mario Gulich Institute, CONAE, UNC, Argentina (10/10)

Bachelor of Science in Biology (2021)

National University of Córdoba UNC, Argentina (8.9/10)

Basic Technician in Environmental Issues (2014)

National University of Córdoba

Postgraduate Courses Highlights

  • Spring School on Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Computing in Earth Observation (2025) at Gulich institute (Argentina) by IEEE-GRSS.

  • Machine Learning for Earth Observation and Data Fusion (2025), Blended Intensive Program:

    • Introduction to Machine and Deep Learning for EO, by Paolo Gamba (Uni. Pavia, Italy)
    • Deep Learning for hyperspectral data, by Jocelyn Chanussot (Grenoble Institute of Technology, France)
    • Deep Learning for multilabel classifications, by Begüm Demir, Jonas Klotz, Mathis Jürgen Adler (Technische Universität Berlin, Germany)
    • Large-Scale Deep Learning with HPC for EO, by (Jülich Supercomputing Center)

  • Hyperspectral data processing (2025), by Claudia Giarndino (CNR-IREA, Italy)

  • Retrieval of biophysical parameters from optical and radar data (2025),Mattia Callegari (EuRAC, Italy).

  • Cubesats and smallsats for Earth observation (2025), by Adriano Camps (Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Spain).

  • Remote sensing for wildfire applications (2025), by Giovanni Laneve (Sapienza University, Roma, Italy)

  • Sustainability, Development and Social Participation in Latin America (2022), University of Kassel and UNSAM.

Awards & Scholarships

  • Research Internship Scholarship – Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Italy (2024–2025). Awarded for a 6-month research internship in the space sector.

  • Modulo ASI Scholarship - University of Pavia, Italy (2025). Funding for specific training of experts and users of the SIASGE system data, including the inscription of “Summer School in Space Sciences”

  • IDEA Professional Development Microgrant microgrant - IEEE Geoscience and Remote Sensing Society (2025). Financial support for Remote Sensing investigation.

  • Posgraduate Scholarship - National Commission on Space Activities (2024-2025). Funding for Master’s programs at the Gulich Institute (UNC-CONAE).

Professional Affiliations

  • Geoscience and Remote Sensing Society (GRSS) — IEEE graduate student member.

Publications

  • Poster: Master’s in Spatial Information Applications: Insights after 100 Graduates Across South America and Italy (2025). Living Planet Symposium
  • Influence of the Urban Heat Island Effect on the Flight and Foraging Activity of Plebeia catamarcensis (2022). Journal of Apicultural Research. DOI link
  • Poster: Reproductive Biology and Evolution (2019). DOI link