Sharif Islam is a Postdoctoral Researcher within the Media Lab at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Prior to joining MIT, Sharif earned his Ph.D. in Geospatial and Environmental Analysis from Virginia Tech. His doctoral research focused on coastal erosion hazards and associated vulnerabilities in Bangladesh. Sharif holds dual master’s degrees, one in geography and another in applied statistics, along with a bachelor’s degree in environmental science and resource management.

His research spans diverse facets of environmental change and related vulnerabilities. These include coastal environmental transformations, adaptation and displacement, disproportionate effects of natural hazards and disasters, and SDGs related issues. Employing remote sensing, geospatial modeling, social science, and statistical tools, Sharif analyzes satellite and geospatial data, facilitating a comprehensive understanding of environmental changes and their consequences. Committed to research centered on climate and environmental justice, Sharif’s ongoing efforts delve into a spectrum of environmental issues across diverse regions such as South Asia, Angola in Africa, Brazil in South America, and the United States.