Celine 0

Celine Chong

Academic Qualifications

PhD in Environmental and Geographical Sciences, University of Nottingham Malaysia

Research Areas

Eco-hydrology, Fluvial Geomorphology, Remote Sensing and GIS, Carbon Monitoring and Modelling

Research Interests

Celine’s interests revolve around: Impacts of dam on tropical river systems, Mapping and monitoring above-ground biomass and forest integrity, Nature-based and Ecosystem-based Solutions (NbS & EbA), Hydrological and sediment connectivity and Climate resilience in river systems.

Biography

Dr. Chong is an Environmental Scientist specializing in eco-hydrology, geomorphology, and environmental flow management with a focus on dam impacts in tropical river systems. She obtained her PhD in Environmental and Geographical Sciences from the University of Nottingham Malaysia, where she developed environmental flow recommendations for the Baleh River in Sarawak by integrating field data with hydrological and geomorphological modelling to inform sustainable dam operations. Her interdisciplinary research spans environmental digital twins, remote sensing, and nature-based solutions for climate resilience. She has worked on international collaborations, published in peer-reviewed journals, mentored students, and organized public outreach events on sustainable water and ecosystem management. Previously, as a Research Associate at Verisk Singapore, she contributed to catastrophe modelling and risk analytics for disaster response and preparedness.

Selected publications: 

  • Redana, M., Lancaster, L.T., Chong, X.Y., Lip, Y.Y. and Gibbins, C. (2024). An open-source method for producing reliable water temperature maps for ecological applications using non-radiometric sensors. Remote Sensing Applications: Society and Environment, 2024, 101184, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rsase.2024.101184
  • Jovani-Sancho, A. J., O’Reilly, P., Anshari, G., Chong, X. Y., Crout, N., Evans, C. D., Evers, S., Gan, J. Y., Gibbins, C. N., Gusmayanti, E., Jamaludin, J., Jaya, A., Page, S., Yosep, Y., Upton, C., Wilson, P., & Sjögersten, S. (2023). CH4 and N2O emissions from smallholder agricultural systems on tropical peatlands in Southeast Asia. Global Change Biology, 00, 1– 19, https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.16747
  • Chong, X.Y., Vericat, D., Batalla, R.J., Teo, F.Y., Lee, K.S.P, and Gibbins, C.N. (2021). A review of the impacts of dams on the hydromorphology of tropical rivers. Science of the Total Environment, Volume 794 (2021), p. 148686, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148686
  • Chong, X.Y., Vericat, D., Batalla, R.J., Teo, F.Y., Lee, K.S.P, and Gibbins, C.N. (2021). A framework for Hydrological characterisation to support Functional Flows (HyFFlow): Application to a tropical river. Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies, Volume 36 (2021), p. 100838, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejrh.2021.100838

Features and publications in popular media:

  • 100 Scientists of Malaysia ~ Dr. Chong was featured in the 100 Scientists of Malaysia campaign, highlighting personal journeys and perspectives from scientists across the country. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CUkF8f1ES/

Conferences and presentations: 

  • Chong, X.Y., Redana, M., Carrero-Carralero, E., Gibbins, C. (2025). Recreational-Grade Sonar: Data Collection & Management for Reconstructing the Bathymetry of Large Rivers. 41st IAHR World Congress Special Session: Surrogate techniques for monitoring sediment transport in fluvial and transitional systems, Invited Oral Session.
  • Dugdale, S., Gibbins, C., Chong, X.Y.  (2024). Quantifying the impact of palm oil plantations on reduced channel shading in Malaysian rivers using drone-based structure from motion photogrammetry. 2024 American Geophysical Union (AGU). Poster session.
  • Chong, X. Y. Gibbins, C.N., Vericat, D., Batalla, R.J., Cavalli, M., Crema, S., Teo, F.Y., Lee, K.S.P. (2023). Connectivity Changes in a Large Tropical River Basin after Damming and Deforestation. British Society for Geomorphology Annual Conference 2023. Poster session.
  • Gibbins, C., Chong, X. Y., Lancaster, L., Redana, M. (2022). Impacts of a dam on the thermal regime of a tropical river. Proceedings of the 1st International Conference on Water and Environment for Sustainability (ICWES 2022), 7 – 9 December 2022 Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Malaysia. Oral Session.

Invited talks and seminars: 

  • University of Nottingham Malaysia, School of Environmental & Geographical Sciences, 4th December 2024, “Research Seminar Series: Predicting the Effects of Future Dams & Climate Change on River Water Temperatures Across Southeast Asia”
  • Earthworm Foundation, Forest and Environment Programme, 19-20th May 2023, “Sungai Ara Human–Elephant Coexistence Drone Training”
  • Management and Ecology of Malaysian Elephants (MEME), 30th March 2022, “Project Achieving Co-existence with Elephants (ACE), Tanjung Leman, Johor”