SURF Mentoring

Potential projects/topics: In our lab (Mobility-X Lab) we tackle critical questions about the mobility, accessibility, and resilience of urban areas, always beginning with intriguing questions. For instance, why do people choose, or avoid, specific places? We examine the social, economic, and geographic factors behind these decisions. When considering the public transportation system, we ask questions like: which areas should we prioritize for expansion, and how can we evaluate the accessibility and equity impacts of our choices? Also, we explore how natural hazards, like hurricanes, affect community mobility—who can evacuate safely, who cannot, and what happens when EV users also need to charge during emergencies? Overall, we believe that our projects give students the chance to work with real-world data, learn fundamental research techniques, and address pressing societal challenges. We also welcome fresh ideas, so feel free to reach out if you're interested!

Potential skills gained: Working with us, you will be able to develop critical thinking skills to tackle real-world challenges and use your problem-solving abilities using real data. You will gain experience in data analysis, visualization, and effectively communicating your findings through professional presentations and written reports. Additionally, you will be part of a multidisciplinary research environment with opportunities to continue exploring your own research ideas even after the program ends.

Required qualifications or skills: Students from all majors are welcome, but an interest in urban studies, transportation, or environmental systems is preferred. No specific coursework is required, but familiarity with basic statistics, programming (e.g., Python) is helpful. Curiosity, a willingness to learn, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively are the most important characteristics.

Direct mentor: Graduate Student