TPEC researchers guide and mentor graduate students, who in turn provide essential work for the program. This academic year we are pleased to announce three new students.
Amrutha Shetty Jayaram Shetty, a master’s candidate in data science in the University’s College of Science and Engineering, is passionate about using data to make a positive impact on the world. Shetty has expertise in uncovering insights from data and crafting data narratives to inform decisions and optimize business strategies. She has a proven ability to apply machine learning, statistical programming, and data visualization tools to solve complex problems. She is also experienced in collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive data-driven decision-making and deliver impactful results.
Shetty’s tenure at Wunderlich Malec Engineering solidified her ability to seamlessly integrate data science methodologies into practical applications. Time spent at Emplay Analytics involved developing web chatbots for industry-leading companies, contributing to a robust foundation in the data science life cycle.
Shetty is currently immersed in the TPEC analysis of surcharges for battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles across various US states. This work provides valuable hands-on experience with real-world datasets that align closely with her interests, and the focus on data visualization adds even more impact to her work.
Audrey Clark is a first-year graduate student in the Master of Urban and Regional Planning program in the Humphrey School. Previously, she worked as a project planner in the title insurance industry while pursuing an undergraduate degree in urban studies at the U.
During that time, Clark became increasingly interested in connected and automated vehicle (CAV) technology. She has since developed a desire to bridge the gap between technology and the community, particularly related to equity and perception challenges. She took some time off post-graduation in 2020 to stay home with her two young kids and is excited to be back working toward deepening her understanding of transportation planning and practices.
Being a research assistant at TPEC allows Clark to gain valuable insights into current cutting-edge technologies and get hands-on experience with CAV projects. She looks forward to establishing a professional network of valuable career connections. Postgraduate, Clark hopes to enter the field of CAV or intelligent transportation systems planning.
Jem Thompson is also a student in the Master of Urban and Regional Planning Program. His studies are focused primarily on the intersection of sustainable transportation systems, land-use decisions, and design.
Thompson’s past work centered on active transportation and micro-mobility planning, as well as transportation demand management. His former position as project coordinator and researcher for a San Francisco-based transportation consulting firm helped him to realize the importance of land-use and urban design in determining the viability of sustainable transportation modes. It was this realization, and the desire to improve the sustainability of current and future transportation systems, that inspired Thompson to move to Minneapolis and pursue a graduate degree in urban planning.
As a TPEC team member, Thompson will primarily be assisting with industry cluster and freight research under the supervision of Thomas Horan. His focus will be the application of principles of circularity to industry clusters and their supply chains. This aligns with Thompson’s professional and academic interest in improving the sustainability of transportation systems in the Midwest and beyond.