My name is Rachel Hayward. I am currently a Post Graduate Researcher at the Doctoral Training for Human-Centred AI for the Future of Society (HCAI) at the Web Science Institute. Before starting my PhD much of my career had been spent working in high precision engineering environments, namely the space industry. However, a career change to landscape architecture led to an interest in urban design and how data-driven methods can enable better design for society. My current research interests focus on large scale analysis of transport perceptions and travel behaviour and how this can contribute to future sustainable transport design.
Whilst my experience working in engineering has been overwhelmingly positive, I have experienced the gender divide (Ill-fitting Personal Protective Equipment is the common but easily remedied offender). As part of the group, I hope to not only ensure that my research is representative, so that I can effectively contribute to the wider body of knowledge surrounding gender equity in transport, but to also promote and encourage others to explore and make changes where possible in their field of research and industry.