SERVIR Profile of Chinaporn Meechaiya

Learn more about the Water Resources and Hydroclimatic Disasters service area.

Name: Chinaporn Meechaiya
Affiliation: SERVIR-Mekong
Role/Title: Senior Coordinator/ Hydrologist
Year you joined SERVIR: 2016

Please introduce yourself. What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about the art of nature. I believe that if we learn how nature functions it can be adapted into many aspects of our life and help us solve problems. This inspired me to become urban architect - to integrate nature into all of my designs and improve peoples' lives. However, while I was an architect, I have learned about an invariable factor called "climate change", which has led me to become a hydrologist.

What initially attracted you to this field of work?
As a hydrologist - to truly understand nature - we need data. These data help us simulate, plan and make decisions. Some countries are able to collect data, but others struggle. So what can I do to help people who live in these areas? "Connecting Space to Village" is what SERVIR does and this tagline was what caught my attention!

What SERVIR activity are you currently working on?
I am working to help SERVIR-Mekong "connect space to village" by obtaining relevant satellite data that helps to answer the needs and bridge the gap between science and decision makers in relation to hydrology.

How does your work generate positive change?
There are many places where people suffer from natural disasters and have to constantly cope with this reality. The results of data that I use from various satellite products could help them to prepare themselves to handle risks associated with disasters and manage their natural resources more sustainably to ensure they will have a better life.