Kimseng Choeun

Name: Kimseng Choeun
Qualifications: BA Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP) 2003, Teaching Methodological Qualification National Institute of Education Cambodia 2005 (NIE), MSc Khon Kaen University Thailand (KKU) 2008
Home Institution: Royal University of Phnom Penh, CAMBODIA
Host Institution: The University of Joseph Fourier, Grenoble 1, France
Programme: European Commission Asia-Link CALIBRE Project
Email:kimseng.choeun@yahoo.com
Research Interests: Applied geochemistry and soil science

After graduating with a BA in Geography from the Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP) in 2003, and completing teacher training and study in Earth Science and English Language at the National Institute of Education (NIE) in 2005, Kimseng undertook a two-year MSc degree in Soil Science at the University of Khon Kaen, Thailand. During his MSc research he worked as a soil and plant analyzer, collecting samples and conducting laboratory analysis, where he quickly developed an interest in the practical application of geochemistry and soil science.

In 2008 Kimseng was appointed as a contracted research assistant at the World Vision and Plan NGO on the Agriculture, Environment and Land Used project, involving on-site soil surveying and analysis. In 2009 he became a permanent member of staff at RUPP. While working for RUPP he discovered the European Commission Asia-Link CALIBRE project and joined it in April 2009, attending a workshop at Vientiane. CALIBRE gave him further practical geochemical and geophysical environmental monitoring skills with an emphasis on sustainable development in Cambodia, including local environmental issues such as concentrations of arsenic and mercury in sediment and groundwater.

After a short period of French language training at CUEF University Standhal Grenoble 3, Kimseng is now pursuing his research and training at The University of Joseph Fourier, Grenoble 1, supported by the CALIBRE Project.

Kimseng’s long-term aspirations include investing his knowledge and experience into teaching and research in environmental science at RUPP, particularly organizing new courses in geophysics and geochemistry with a focus on current environmental contamination issues and increasing the funds dedicated to such projects to deliver direct benefits to students and the wider community. In the short-term, Kimseng hopes to continue his PhD research and remains open-minded about where to complete his study.

Kimseng’s other knowledge and experience includes teaching, interpreting and research and development consultancy. His personal interests include sport, particularly football, music, reading and travelling.

Publications:

Choeun, K.S. and P., Keerati-Kasikorn. 2007. Relationship between clay content and chemical properties of Thai Northeast soils. In: Proceedings of the Thai Graduate Studies under His Royal Beneficence, 8th National Grad Research Conference, 7-8 September, Mahidol University, Salaya.

Choeun, K.S. 2008. Effects of Calcium on Rice Grown in Acid and Alkaline Soils of Northeast Thailand. MSc Thesis in Soil Science, Graduate School, Khon Kaen University.