Alfonso Camacho-Martinez (NPTS ’25) shares his work on a project involving illicit economy detection.
Experiential Learning (EL): Describe your project.
Alfonso Camacho-Martinez (ACM): My directed study involved using multispectral satellite imagery to identify and monitor areas of illicit economic activities, such as illegal deforestation, unregulated mining, and unauthorized cultivation of drug-producing crops. I acquired and processed satellite data, conducted a literature review to understand existing methodologies, and applied geospatial analysis tools to detect anomalies in environmental patterns. Through trial and error, I refined a framework that integrates various spectral bands to highlight environmental stress signals linked to illicit activities. Ultimately, I hope this is the start of developing a robust tool to inform intelligence gathering and public policy strategies.
EL: What was the challenge/issue at the heart of what you were working on?
ACM: Illicit economies often operate in remote or inaccessible regions, making direct observation or intervention difficult. Traditional detection methods can be limited by geography, lack of ground presence, and scarce resources. By leveraging multispectral imagery and advanced analytics, I sought to address the challenge of early and accurate detection, helping authorities respond more eKectively to hidden environmental crimes.
EL: What was your biggest insight?
ACM: My biggest insight was that remote sensing data, when properly analyzed, could reveal subtle but significant environmental changes that often precede visible signs of illicit activity. This allowed for the potential of earlier intervention, minimizing environmental damage, and associated security threats.
EL: What was most eye-opening or surprising?
ACM: What most surprised me was the complexity of distinguishing natural environmental variations from those triggered by human wrongdoing. When viewed in the right spectral bands, even subtle shifts in vegetation health or soil composition can tell a story of illegal activity that would otherwise remain hidden.
EL: What was your personal highlight of this experience?
ACM: One of my personal highlights was finding developments that have yet to be known to the public. Presenting these findings to peers and faculty, and seeing how they grasped the gravity of environmental crime through clear imagery, was incredibly rewarding.
EL: How did you draw upon your education and experiences at MIIS?
ACM: I drew upon what I’ve learned at the Middlebury Institute by applying critical analytical frameworks from my international policy coursework and leveraging the technical GIS and remote sensing skills I developed through practical training. I also incorporated cross disciplinary approaches—combining my understanding of environmental security, policy implications, and technological tools.
EL: How were you able to contribute to this organization’s work?
ACM: I contributed by developing a methodological framework and initial proof of concept for using multispectral imagery as an early-warning system. This tool can help MIIS’s research community and potentially external partners improve their intelligence-gathering capabilities and better inform policymakers and environmental agencies.
EL: What skills did you develop? How will this experience help you professionally?
ACM: I developed advanced geospatial analysis and data visualization skills and a deeper understanding of remote sensing principles. Professionally, these skills position me to pursue roles in environmental intelligence, policy consulting, or security analysis, enhancing my ability to inform decision-making in international development and environmental protection sectors.
EL: What tips do you have for other students?
ACM: I recommend starting with a solid foundation in GIS and remote sensing tools and never underestimating the importance of discipline, patience, and effort. Reviewing satellite imagery takes a lot of time, but you never know when you will discover something. Engage closely with faculty mentors, stay curious, and be prepared to iterate as your methodologies evolve.
EL: How could other students connect to organizations or projects at this organization or in this location?
ACM: Students can connect by reaching out to the MIIS faculty involved in remote sensing, environmental policy, or intelligence analysis. They can also leverage the institute’s academic services, attend guest lectures, join relevant student clubs, and tap into MIIS’s extensive alumni network, many of whom work in related fields across the globe.
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