Dr Astrid Werkmeister
Knowledge Exchange Fellow
Electronic and Electrical Engineering
Personal statement
Dr. Astrid Werkmeister studied Atmospheric Science at Leibniz University in Hannover, Germany, where a deep interest in satellite remote sensing was cultivated. This passion led to an opportunity to pursue a PhD in Applied Marine Physics at the University of Miami, USA, with a dissertation focused on studying hurricane winds and waves using satellite data.
In 2018, Dr. Werkmeister joined the University of Strathclyde as a Teaching Associate in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. Since then, she has played a pivotal role in developing a new MSc course in Satellite Applications. This innovative course includes three specialized modules that address various aspects of satellite applications, ranging from data science and programming in Python to the integration of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.
Dr. Werkmeister is also actively involved in leading several significant projects that leverage satellite technology to address global challenges. As the principal investigator of the Researcher in Residence (RiR) project, she is working on "Decoding Climate Displacement," a project that utilizes satellite data to study the impacts of climate change on human migration. Additionally, she is leading the Strathclyde side of the OSCAR project in collaboration with AAC Clyde Space, focusing on the development of advanced satellite-based solutions.
Committed to advancing sustainable development, Dr. Werkmeister uses satellite data not only to enhance our understanding of environmental changes but also to develop practical applications that contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Through teaching, research, and collaboration, she continues to push the boundaries of satellite remote sensing to create a positive global impact.
Publications
- Detecting Illegal Extraction in the Amazon Rainforest with Geospatial Foundation Models
- Fergus-Allen Cameron, Werkmeister Astrid, Macdonald Malcolm
- High Performance and Disruptive Computing in Remote Sensing School 2026 (2026)
- Astrid Werkmeister – Decoding climate-induced displacement: A multi-dimensional analysis using satellite technology
- Werkmeister Astrid
- (2026)
- Decoding Climate Displacement ArcGIS Story Collection
- Werkmeister Astrid
- (2025)
- Climate Displacement
- Werkmeister Astrid
- 2 (2024)
- OSCAR : an integrated service for enhanced vessel management in offshore wind farms
- Werkmeister Astrid, Akporiaye Omasan, Porwal Netan, Carrel Andrew, Fergus-Allen Cameron, Macdonald Malcolm
- International Astronautical Federation 75th International Astronautical Congress (2024)
- Waterspouts can be as dangerous as tornadoes on land – expert Q+A
- Werkmeister Astrid
- (2024)
Research Interests
Dr. Astrid Werkmeister's research interests lie at the intersection of satellite remote sensing, climate science, and sustainable development. She is particularly focused on leveraging satellite data to study and mitigate the impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities. Her research aims to advance our understanding of extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, and their interaction with marine and coastal environments.
Key areas of interest include:
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Satellite Remote Sensing: Exploring innovative methods for using satellite technology to monitor and analyze environmental changes, particularly in relation to atmospheric and marine systems.
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Climate Change and Human Migration: Investigating the connections between climate change and human displacement, with a focus on developing predictive models that can inform policy and humanitarian responses.
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Sustainable Development Applications: Utilizing satellite data to support the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, with an emphasis on climate action, disaster risk reduction, and environmental sustainability.
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Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Collaborating with industry partners, governmental organizations, and academic institutions to develop practical solutions that address global challenges through the application of satellite remote sensing technologies.
Dr. Werkmeister is committed to advancing research that not only deepens scientific knowledge but also has a tangible impact on society, particularly in the areas of climate resilience and sustainable development.
Professional Activities
- UPSA Banking and Finance Department Research Frontiers
- Speaker
- 13/7/2026
- Applied SAR for Professionals
- Organiser
- 8/7/2026
- Space4Climate Members' Conference
- Participant
- 25/6/2026
- Space4Climate (External organisation)
- Advisor
- 24/6/2026
- Summer School "A Terra Usque ad Astra: Heritage, Human Rights and Space Law"
- Invited speaker
- 22/6/2026
- Accelerate Programme
- Speaker
- 8/6/2026
Projects
- RES IC Wind Rose Classification
- Hart, Edward John (Principal Investigator) Clark, Ruaridh (Co-investigator) Werkmeister, Astrid (Co-investigator)
- Terms agreed on 240870
- 01-Jan-2026 - 16-Jan-2026
- Fostering Inclusive Academic Cultures: Interdisciplinary Collaboration, Wellbeing, Teaching and Research Culture
- Vasquez Pistorio, Bianca (Project Lead) Baracho Wanderley, Barbara Evelyn (Co-investigator) Gherghina, Gabriela Loredana (Co-investigator) Rani, Misbah (Co-investigator) Fergus-Allen, Cameron (Co-investigator) Garvey, Brian (Academic) Remnant, Jennifer (Academic) Werkmeister, Astrid (Academic) Taylor, Yvette (Academic)
- This project seeks to co-produce an inclusive, interdisciplinary network that strengthens a supportive teaching and research culture, bridges gaps between postgraduate researchers and academic staff across SBS, Engineering, and HASS to address the challenges of navigating academic culture.
- 16-Jan-2026 - 31-Jan-2026
- RES IC Climate Region Mapping
- Hart, Edward John (Principal Investigator) Clark, Ruaridh (Co-investigator) Werkmeister, Astrid (Co-investigator)
- Terms agreed on 240870
- 01-Jan-2026 - 31-Jan-2026
- Applied SAR for Professionals: A Hands-On Introduction to Synthetic Aperture Radar
- Werkmeister, Astrid (Principal Investigator)
- The ‘Applied SAR for Professionals: A Hands-On Introduction to Synthetic Aperture Radar’ project includes the development and pilot delivery of a hands-on CPD course in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) applications, specifically designed for professionals who are returning to work after a career break or transitioning into the space sector from other fields.
- 01-Jan-2026 - 30-Jan-2026
- eXtended Satellite Production And Constellation Operations xSPANCION | Fergus-Allen, Cameron
- Werkmeister, Astrid (Principal Investigator) Macdonald, Malcolm (Co-investigator) Fergus-Allen, Cameron (Research Co-investigator)
- 01-Jan-2025 - 01-Jan-2029
- UDLA 2527 University of Strathclyde | Fergus-Allen, Cameron
- Werkmeister, Astrid (Principal Investigator) Macdonald, Malcolm (Co-investigator) Fergus-Allen, Cameron (Research Co-investigator)
- 01-Jan-2025 - 01-Jan-2029
Contact
Dr
Astrid
Werkmeister
Knowledge Exchange Fellow
Electronic and Electrical Engineering
Email: astrid.werkmeister@strath.ac.uk
Tel: 548 5962