Dr Samantha (Sam) Lavender, Managing Director

Sam has over thirty years of experience in remote sensing, having been introduced to the field at Plymouth University while studying a BSc in Marine Science and Marine Computer Applications. She followed this up with a PhD on the Remote Sensing of the Humber Plume and has gone on to become a world-renowned expert in the field, engaging with a range of international organisations including the European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA.

Before starting Pixalytics, Sam worked for the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Plymouth University, and ARGANS Ltd. She was also a Director of Ocean Nourishment (UK) Limited, a subsidiary of ONC, and a Trustee of the Sir Alistair Foundation for Ocean Science (SAHFOS).

Sam was Chairman of the British Association of Remote Sensing Companies (BARSC) between 2015 and 2017, Chairman of the Remote Sensing & Photogrammetry Society (RSPSoc) between 2010 and 2013, and Treasurer for the European Association of Remote Sensing Laboratories (EARSeL) from May 2012 to June 2014.

She has over 100 scientific publications (see ORCID profile), with research into topics including:

  • The processing, including atmospheric correction, and quality control of optical imagery.
  • Understanding the role of phytoplankton and submerged vegetation in the ocean, including their role in carbon sequestration.
  • Detecting/mapping using Machine Learning with applications including plastic waste, flooding, and land cover mapping.

In summary, through Pixalytics, Dr Lavender aims to act as a bridge to support the conversion of knowledge gained through applied scientific research into commercial products and services.

To email me, use the tab on the right or send an email to my email addressslavender-email; alternatively, download the attached Contact card (you’ll need to right click so it doesn’t load in your web browser).

A summary of Sam’s CV can be found here.