Ekin U.

Center for Urban Science and Progress (CUSP)

• Developed Gaussian Process-based frameworks to analyze complex human mobility datasets. • Implemented novel kernel learning techniques to enhance synthetic data generation accuracy. • Investigated limitations and biases in mobile data to improve research methodologies. • Collaborated with faculty and peers at the University of Washington, a leading research institution in technology and data science.

Machine Learning for Smart Mobility (MLSM) group

• Developed a generalized causal machine learning model to quantify "uplift" across various user segments. • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure model effectiveness across different coupon levels. • Gained hands-on experience in ML model exploration and evaluation while interning at Instacart.

Data Science for Social Good - Fairness in Generative Crowd Flow Models

Synthesized data from multiple sources to tell stories about communities’ transportation needs. Created a scheduling optimization tool to facilitate King County Metro’s transition to electric buses. Delivered technical write-ups to a range of clients, including a transportation master plan for the City of Seattle

Carried out ML work in TensorFlow to detect vehicle motion from video footage (UAV). Calculated average speeds to determine queue lengths, delay time, and flow of traffic.

Drafted a working paper analyzing the usage of parallel corridors to reduce drag force on passer-by vehicles. ANSYS simulation data were collected and examined to determine optimized geometries, vehicle speed, wind speed, and other variables. Data was used to determine ideal circumstances for implementation and to conduct case studies on real Texas highways. Cost-benefit analyses were conducted and included in the paper. Gained proficiency in ANSYS and LaTeX.

Collaborated with a diverse team of Central Texas traffic engineers from offices in Houston, Austin, San Antonio, and Dallas. Performed traffic volume estimations, growth rate modeling, and safety analyses (historical crash analysis & predictive crash analysis). Additionally contributed to IAJRs and gained experience in software applications like Synchro and IHDSM.

Collaborated with a team of five transportation planners and engineers in exploratory research in a variety of concepts such as Complete Streets, Road Diets, and Travel Demand Management strategies. Worked on Traffic Impact Analyses in the Greater Austin Area, conducting walking audits of areas near project sites and creating Active Transportation Facilities maps (e.g. map of pedestrian generators, tactile curb ramps, transit facilities).

Modeled safety and connectivity maps for a $2,000,000 Multi-Use Bike and Pedestrian project on E Hopkins St. Practiced value engineering and developed design plans for a $591,000 Guadalupe St. Improvements project. Initiated the development of COSM's commitment to Vision Zero and its associated design principles.