Dr. Tsolmon Renchin, a 2008 Humphrey alumna, is one of the few dedicated professionals of remote sensing and Geoinformation system science in Mongolia, a specialized field of science that studies the processing, application and development of data collection and remote sensing and geographical information systems such as satellites.

Dr. Tsolmon has been teaching at the National University of Mongolia (NUM), the only institute nationwide that train professionals in the field, for over 20 years now.

She says that it is very important for not only the Mongolian scientists but also the general public and the government officials to know about remote sensing and geographic information system and what kinds of important scientific benefits this field and the professionals in the sector holds for the nation. She said that depending on the purpose, the remote sensing and geo-information systems can be used for many important and

strategical reasons from improving whether forecasts to creating satellite geo/natural resource-map of Mongolia as well as developing environmental policies.

Dr. Tsolmon says her Humphrey experience was an invaluable contribution to her professional development and helped her and the remote sensing and GIS lab to establish many critical networks with the U.S.

counterparts in the field. Dr. Tsolmon is one of the establishers of the only remote sensing and geo-information systems’ lab in the country at the NUM and in conjunction with many foreign scientists she organizes many trainings and public information sessions to promote science education among different professionals, government officials and youth.

Dr. Tsolmon emphasizes importance of educating professionals from the remote parts of Mongolia on the application and advantages of remote sensing and GIS technologies and she often organizes and fund-raises for such trainings as “Geo-Informatics Application for Conservation in the Eastern Steppe of Mongolia” which gathered over 30 participants from the different provinces from Eastern steppe Mongolia. The purpose of the training course was to teach the professionals and scientists how to apply and use Geographic Information System (GIS) for protecting Mongolian Wildlife and its preservation.

Dr. Tsolmon and her lab work in close relationship with the Mongolian astronomical researchers and works together to promote the development of astronomical science in Mongolia as well as public education about astronomy.

In July 2009 Dr. Tsolmon organized a public information workshop titled “Empowering astronomical communities in Mongolia” at Remote-Sensing Space Science laboratory at the National University of Mongolia. This workshop provided lectures and practical experience opportunities for the attendees which comprised of space science researchers, astronomers, amateurs, students and government officials and even nomadic herders from remote areas to learn about astronomy and its wonders. Dr. Tsolmon believes strengthening astronomy and science education in Mongolia can help promote socioeconomic development of the country in many different ways.