Developing rapid and near real-time computational models of hazard distribution in the built environment for emergency response planning and operational response decision making

NHMRC BREATHE Centre for Research Excellence

Higher Degree Research Opportunities for Domestic and International Candidates

Project 1. Developing rapid and near real-time computational models of hazard distribution in the built environment for emergency response planning and operational response decision making

Supervisory Team:

·      Professor Sisi Zlatanova (School of Built Environment)

·      Associate Professor David Heslop (School of Population Health)

·      Dr Mitko Alexandrov (School of Built Environment)

·      Professor Con Doolan (School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering)

Project summary:

The NHMRC BREATHE Centre for Research Excellence is examining the how airborne threats such as epidemic diseases and other threats can be mitigated. Mathematical models of hazard distribution in the built environment and broader environment are important for policy makers and decision makers to understand the risks during potential or unfolding airborne hazard events. Existing system for examining airborne hazard flows using CFD and similar approaches are unsuitable for integration into other modelling techniques and decision support tools.

The goal of this PhD project is to work with a cross-disciplinary supervisory team and other researchers to develop sufficiently accurate but faster, and potentially real-time, hazard distribution models for use in emergency planning and response for large areas. The work will involve the development, modification and testing of existing and novel software solutions developed by the research group and involve the use of fluid dynamics, 3D modelling, machine learning and various software development techniques.

The candidate will work with a broad and diverse team of academics in the BREATHE CRE, examining how to mitigate the impacts of sudden emergencies on populations in different built environment contexts.

Alternative study pathways such as articulation from Masters to PhD or other Graduate Research Options are welcome. Candidates must be competitive for UNSW or government fee scholarship programs, or alternative funding covering tuition fees. Additional stipend support is available for this project of up to $28,854 AUD (tax free) either stand alone or contributing to a stipend top up for scholarship recipients.

Selection Criteria:

-         Domestic or International Candidates are welcome, however candidates already based in Australia are preferred.

-         A GPA higher than 3.6/4.0, 90 (for international students), or WAM >75 for Australian residents

-         Graduated from a top 200 global University for their under- or postgraduate study (QS, Times or Shanghai ranking)

-         Ideally have at least one journal paper or international conference paper

-         Meet the UNSW admission requirements including English language tests (minimum of 6.5 in all subcategories and overall minimum of 7)

-         Experience with any major programming language (e.g. C#, Java, python) or prior tertiary level training in mathematics, physics or computing science.

-         GIS/BIM training and knowledge essential

Keywords:

-         Australia

-         Sydney

-         Computational Fluid Dynamics

-         Dispersion Modeling

-         Computing Science

-         Mathematics

-         Emergency Response

-         Hazard Modeling

Contact Details:

Please contact Professor Sisi Zlatanova ([Email Address Removed]) for more details about this exciting opportunity.