Elena Esipova is a satellite data analyst for the WRI Forest Program. She develops a statistically valid work plan for validating satellite-derived land cover change data, carries out photo-interpretation of high-resolution satellite data, performs quantitative geospatial analysis, and supports research publication and communications.

Prior to joining WRI, Elena worked as a spatial analyst at Transparent World, a Russian non-profit organization specializing in environmental applications of remote sensing and GIS technologies. She applied various algorithms and techniques for processing and interpreting remote sensing data, carried out spatial analysis of vector and raster data in the framework of environmental projects, including global ones.

Elena holds a B.S in Geography from Tambov State University and a Master of Biology from Pushchino State University, where she focused her research on spatial analysis of biodiversity.

Elena enjoys spending time with her family and her cat, traveling, gardening and reading.