Rate My Professor Sten Claessens

Dr. Sten Claessens is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Earth and Planetary Sciences within the Faculty of Science and Engineering at Curtin University in Perth, Australia. Specializing in geodesy and gravimetry as part of the Western Australian Geodesy Group, he earned a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in geodesy from Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands, followed by a Doctor of Philosophy from Curtin University of Technology. His career at Curtin began as a research associate for two years on an Australian Research Council project investigating ellipsoidal physical geodesy, before transitioning to a lecturer position in 2008 and advancing to Senior Lecturer. Claessens teaches courses such as Bachelor of Surveying (Honours) and utilizes specialized software like MOVE3 in spatial sciences education.

Claessens' research focuses on physical geodesy, gravity field modeling, and geoid determination. He has contributed significantly to advancing high-resolution Earth gravity models, including the ERTM2160 model and evaluations of fifth-generation GOCE gravity fields. Key publications include 'New ultrahigh-resolution picture of Earth’s gravity field' (Geophysical Research Letters, 2013, co-authored with C. Hirt et al.), which demonstrated gravity variations larger than previously thought; 'Topographic/isostatic evaluation of new-generation GOCE gravity field models' (Journal of Geophysical Research, 2012); 'Performance evaluation of high/ultra-high-degree global geopotential models over Vietnam using GNSS/leveling data' (Geodesy and Geodynamics, 2023, with H.T. Pham et al.); 'Local hybrid geoid/quasigeoid development using machine learning with consideration of neighbour spatial characteristics' (Survey Review, 2025, with H.T. Pham et al.); and 'Towards an international height reference system: Insights from the Colorado geoid experiment using AUSGeoid computation methods' (Journal of Geodesy, 2020, with M. Filmer). His collaborative work has enhanced topographic gravity field analysis and short-scale gravity studies, influencing geodetic applications in Australia and internationally through improved height reference systems and coastal gravity evaluations.