Agricultural Sciences & Engineering · EARTH University

Henry Mashen
Masanja

Agricultural Sciences professional specializing in precision & digital agriculture, remote sensing, and geospatial analysis. I build data-driven tools — from UAV imagery to machine learning models — to advance sustainable food systems and global agricultural resilience.

Open to opportunities — MSc · PhD · Industry / Work
3.6/4.0Cumulative GPA
4Languages
A1/A3EU Drone License
3Countries worked
Henry Mashen Masanja
Henry Mashen Masanja BSc Agricultural Sciences & Engineering
§ 01

About

I am a highly motivated final-year Agricultural Sciences & Engineering student at EARTH University, Costa Rica, specializing in precision and digital agriculture, remote sensing, and geospatial analysis.

I am experienced in UAV data acquisition and processing using Pix4D, Agisoft Metashape, QGIS, and Google Earth Engine, and proficient in Python and R for spatial modeling, statistical analysis, and machine learning. My work focuses on developing data-driven tools for biomass estimation and precision farm management.

I am passionate about applying geospatial intelligence and AgriTech innovation to advance sustainable food systems and global agricultural resilience — bridging field-scale agronomy with modern data science.

🎓
EARTH UniversityBSc Agricultural Sciences · GPA 3.6/4.0
📍
Based across continentsCosta Rica · Denmark · Uganda
🛩️
Licensed UAV PilotA1/A3 European Drone License
🌍
FocusPrecision agriculture · Remote sensing · ML
§ 02

Statement of Purpose

My research interests lie at the intersection of data science, agricultural systems, and food quality optimization. Through my BSc thesis on estimating crop biomass variability using machine learning and remote sensing, I came to understand that the same biological variability shaping crop production also fundamentally influences postharvest quality and nutritional outcomes. This insight reframed my focus — from optimizing agricultural production alone toward understanding the complete food system, from field to consumer, where data-driven insight can safeguard both food security and nutritional quality.

I am particularly drawn to developing generalizable predictive models that capture how environmental, biological, and management factors interact across diverse contexts to determine final product quality. I value system-level thinking: recognizing that crop and food quality emerge from complex interactions across production, environment, management, storage, and the wider supply chain. My goal is research that pairs computational rigor with practical applications that improve real-world outcomes.

My technical foundation is directly suited to this work. My thesis developed Python-based machine learning models — random forest, support vector machines, and gradient boosting — to quantify how pre-harvest factors influence crop traits, building proficiency in statistical analysis, model development, and data interpretation. During my 2025 research internship at Aarhus University under Dr. Eusun Han, I gained hands-on experience building data pipelines, processing complex multidimensional datasets, validating model predictions, and communicating technical findings across disciplines. My BSc in Agricultural Sciences and Engineering grounds this with domain knowledge of crop physiology, growth dynamics, and how preharvest conditions shape final product quality.

My long-term goal is to contribute to global food security and nutrition through digital innovation and data-driven decision-making in food systems. I envision working at the intersection of research, industry, and policy — translating scientific findings into practical tools that farmers, processors, and consumers can use to optimize quality, reduce waste, and improve nutritional outcomes.

I approach research with a strong work ethic, intellectual curiosity, and a commitment to rigor. My thesis demonstrated my ability to manage complex, multidisciplinary projects and communicate findings effectively, while my international experience at Aarhus University developed my capacity to collaborate in diverse research environments. I am excited to keep advancing research that improves food quality, nutrition, and sustainability.

Open to Opportunities
🎓

MSc Positions

Seeking funded MSc opportunities in data-driven agricultural and food systems, remote sensing, or food quality & nutrition.

Available
🔬

PhD Positions

Open to PhD projects bridging machine learning, remote sensing, and crop/food systems for real-world impact.

Available
💼

Industry & Work

Available for AgriTech, precision-agriculture, UAV/remote-sensing, and data-science roles, plus research collaborations.

Available
§ 03

Working Toolkit

UAV & Geospatial
🛩️ Pix4D
🗺️ Agisoft Metashape
🌐 QGIS
🌎 Google Earth Engine
📡 RTK (SingularXYZ)
🛰️ Remote Sensing
Programming & Data Science
🐍 Python
📊 R / RStudio
📓 Google Colab
🤖 Machine Learning
🌲 Random Forest
XGBoost / SVM
Sensing & Hardware
🌈 Multispectral
📷 RGB Imaging
📐 LiDAR
🌱 Minirhizotron
🔌 Arduino
📋 Microsoft Office
§ 04

Work & Research Experience

2026 — Now

Drones & Topography Scenario Lead

EARTH University, Costa Rica● Current
  • Lead UAV training and geospatial mapping initiatives.
  • Supervise drone data collection, orthomosaic generation, and vegetation index analysis.
  • Guide surveys and generate contour maps using RTK (SingularXYZ) and QGIS with plugins like HCMGIS, OSM Place Search, and OpenTopography DEM Downloader.
  • Coordinate weekly field operations and mentor first- and second-year student teams in applied precision agriculture.
UAVRTKQGISLeadership
2025 — Now

Undergraduate Thesis — UAV-Based Biomass Estimation for Kernza

EARTH University● In ProgressExpected Nov 2026
  • Developing a UAV-based machine learning regression model to estimate aboveground biomass of Kernza using multispectral imagery and ground-truth data collected at Aarhus University, Denmark.
  • Generating orthomosaics and vegetation indices using Pix4D and QGIS.
  • Applying Python in Google Colab for data processing, feature engineering, and model training.
  • Preparing thesis manuscript documenting model development, validation, and biomass estimation results.
ThesisMultispectralPythonKernza
2025

Research Assistant Intern

Aarhus University, Denmark
  • Conducted drone flights (RGB, multispectral, LiDAR) and aided image processing using Pix4D and QGIS.
  • Conducted root imaging using multispectral and RGB minirhizotron cameras.
  • Assisted with transplanting, weeding, harvesting, seed cleaning, root washing, and greenhouse, field, and laboratory work.
LiDARRoot ImagingField Research
2023

Virtual Farm & e-Learning Platform Developer

EARTH University
  • Edited and tested app and website content for virtual farming platforms.
  • Generated analytical reports and managed content uploads for e-learning modules.
  • Supported the development of interactive agricultural training tools.
EdTechContentAnalytics
2023

Student Researcher

Renewable Energy Research Center — EARTH University
  • Designed renewable energy systems for agricultural applications using solar panels.
  • Implemented water-pumping solutions to support animal farming operations.
  • Explored innovative uses of renewable energy in agronomy.
SolarRenewable Energy
2020 — 2022

Technician

Security Group Africa, Uganda
  • Installed and maintained security systems, including CCTV, intrusion alarms, and automated gates.
  • Provided technical support to clients in the field and remotely.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving issues efficiently.
SystemsCCTVAutomation
§ 05

Education

2023 — Now

BSc Agricultural Sciences & Engineering

EARTH University, Costa RicaGPA 3.6 / 4.0
  • Statistical Analysis in Banana & Plantain Cultivation — assessed growth factors (height, circumference, leaf emission) of Musa acuminata 'Gran Enano'.
  • Integrated Pest Management — developed sustainable IPM strategies for controlling Tuta absoluta in tomatoes in Tanzania.
  • Coffee Fungicide Plan — designed a fungicide rotation plan to manage Colletotrichum kahawae in Tanzanian coffee plantations.
  • Ionization Smoke Detector Study — researched and presented on the chemistry inside fire alarm systems.
  • Coursework: Precision Agriculture, Agroforestry, GIS & Topography, Renewable Energy, Ecology, Statistics, Entomology, Chemistry.
2025

CLUVEX Climate University Virtual Exchange (ATM 398)

University of Helsinki, Finland1 ECTS
  • Analyzed the impact of climate change and explored mitigation and adaptation strategies for future resilience.
  • Studied planetary boundaries and developed frameworks for a sustainable future.
  • Integrated artistic, critical-thinking, and scientific data to produce comprehensive analytical reports and presentations.
2014 — 2016

Telecommunications Engineering Diploma

Uganda Institute of Information & Communications Technology
  • Electrical & Electronics Engineering, ICT, and Business Skills.
  • Networking, security systems (CCTV, intrusion alarms), server management, automation, cabling & rack management.
  • Drones, GIS, Arduino, RStudio, and Microsoft Office.
§ 06

Featured Research

BSc Thesis · In Progress

Estimating Aboveground Biomass of Kernza Using UAV Multispectral Imagery & Machine Learning

EARTH University × Aarhus University · Expected November 2026

I design and execute UAV data-collection campaigns, preprocess high-resolution multispectral and RGB imagery, perform image segmentation and feature extraction, and develop machine learning regression models validated against ground-truth field measurements collected in Denmark.

The full pipeline runs in Python (Google Colab), with orthomosaics and vegetation indices generated in Pix4D and QGIS.

Random ForestSupport Vector Machine XGBoostVegetation IndicesFeature Engineering
Henry presenting his Kernza thesis poster
§ 08

Documents & Downloads

CV, cover letter, transcripts, and certificates — all available as PDFs. Click any to open.

§ 09

Certifications & Conferences

Certifications
2025A1/A3 European Drone License
2025NASA ARSET — Fundamentals of Remote Sensing
2025Erasmus Mundus + CLUVEX Climate University Virtual Exchange 3
Conferences
2025iClimate — Aarhus University Annual Conference
§ 10

Leadership & Languages

Leadership & Volunteering
Student Government RepresentativeEARTH University, Costa Rica
Community Outreach VolunteerClub de Paz, San José, Costa Rica
VolunteerFreedom in Creation, Gulu, Uganda
Languages
EnglishAdvanced
SpanishAdvanced
LusogaNative
LugandaNative
§ 11

References

Dr. Eusun Han, PhD
Associate Professor, Sustainable Perennial Cropping Systems
Aarhus University, Denmark
✉ eusun.han@agro.au.dk
Yuma Ikeda, MSc
PhD Student — Plant Phenotyping, Phenomic Prediction, Crop Physiology
Aarhus University, Denmark
✉ yuik@agro.au.dk
Victor Hugo Morales Peña, PhD
Professor — Tropical Forestry, Agroforestry, Remote Sensing
EARTH University, Costa Rica
✉ vmorales@earth.ac.cr
§ 12

Contact