Supervisors:
Senior supervisor: Rua Murray
Secondary supervisors: Taylor Winter and Patricio Gallardo Ocampo
Industry supervisor: Andrew Murray
Working thesis:
Improving Trip-Based Transport Models Using Granular Data and AI.
The research seeks to enhance traditional trip-based models used for strategic planning, also known as four-stage models (FSM). These models have been the backbone of strategic transport planning for years due to their simplicity and practicality. Recognising the limitations of FSMs in capturing real-world travel behaviours, the study explores ways to enhance these models using artificial intelligence and granular datasets such as the Integrated Data Infrastructure (IDI) and Household Travel Survey (HTS).
Research Questions: Key questions the research explores include:
Model Forms : What are the advantages and disadvantages with trip-based models, both from technical and practicality aspect. Beyond trip-based transport models, what alternative model forms exist for forecasting transport demand? What datasets are available to support the improvements of trip-based models?
Model Estimation and Calibration - What new methods have been developed to enhance existing trip-based models, particularly in the area of trip generation and trip distribution / mode split (DMS) modules? This also includes feasibility studies to estimates new models for trip generation and DMS for a New Zealand region, weighing on the potential effects of disestablishment of census going forward.
Performance Metrics and Optimisation - Which metrics better measure model calibration progress, and how might calibration be automated? The study also investigates measures for evaluating both alignment with observed travel patterns and model responsiveness to unseen future events.
Research interests:
Discrete choice modelling, graph theory and meta-analysis
Academic history:
Master of Applied Data Science, with Distinction, University of Canterbury
Bachelor of Arts in Operations Research, University of Canterbury
Professional history:
Associate Modelling Advisor, 2022 – Present, Beca
Principal Data Scientist, 2021 – 2022, Stantec
Data Scientist / Geospatial Lead, 2019 – 2021, Qrious
Senior Transport Modeller, 2017 – 2018, Jacobs
