Monitoring forests from above: Sven Huettermann’s impactful PhD focus

It’s fair to say that Sven Huettermann’s life has changed considerably since moving from Germany to Australia for his studies.

While undertaking a study abroad semester at RMIT during his undergraduate degree in Geomatics, not only did he meet teachers and professors who would later become supervisors for his PhD, he also met his beloved wife.

“My wife is an Aussie, we met during my undergrad studies at RMIT!”

“She came to Germany, and we lived there while I did my Masters. Then we moved back to Australia so that I could do a PhD at RMIT.”

Sven’s love of Australia can be traced back to his early years.

I actually have a video of myself as a child, maybe five years old, saying that I wanted to go to Australia when I grew up. So, it was probably predestined.

Sven’s research explored how to use different spaceborne and airborne imaging sensors and laser scanners to improve the monitoring of forests.

“Working with satellites, satellite imagery and laser scanners in space and on planes, we can monitor forests across large areas,” he said.

By combining data from these different sensors, comprehensive information can be gathered about forests, including their extent, health, biodiversity, and changes over time, which is effective for forest management and conservation.

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RMIT graduate Sven Huettermann

Sven hopes that his research will improve methods of carbon accounting and fire predictions, that will ultimately help combat climate change.

Sven is excited to be graduating at the Doctoral Degrees Graduation Ceremony this month, especially after encountering numerous challenges throughout his PhD journey that made graduation day feel out of reach.

“It feels good! There was a time, in December or January, where I was a bit over everything research related, and I wasn’t ready to be proud of my achievements.”

“I’ve come out of that low point, and I’ve realised what I’ve done and how much I’ve accomplished, and it’s a great feeling.”

While dealing with days when working on his thesis felt especially difficult, Sven found that the guidance of his peers and supervisors helped him remain grounded.

“One thing that I really appreciated about my supervisors is that they always took the time to help me whenever I had questions or any other issues. They were really responsive.”

“What I’ve also really come to appreciate is peer review and feedback. While my supervisors played a big role in shaping my PhD, the peer reviews would bring out very different elements to the supervisors, so I learned a lot that way.”

When it comes to advice for current students – research students and undergraduates alike – Sven encourages everyone to practice self-belief.

“In my very first year, I was feeling much smaller than I actually was intellectually, so I probably relied on the opinions of my supervisors too much.”

“I would encourage students to trust themselves and be brave. If your ideas fail, they fail – don't be afraid to try things.”

Watch the graduation live stream here

07 May 2024

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

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Monitoring forests from above: Sven Huettermann’s impactful PhD focus