UNSW Canberra PhD students, Kameliya Kaneva and Zahra Saberi, lent their brains to Transport Canberra and City Services, helping improve complex data management over just a six-month internship.
For Zahra, this was her first work experience since arriving in the country.
“This internship was my first job experience in Australia, I really enjoyed the cross disciplinary collaboration.”
Zahra said she developed data-driven decision-making models to manage the supply chain, with her data science skill and critical thinking gained during her PhD allowing her to analyse and assess the quality of light rail asset data.
“I also developed a data model to facilitate the transition of light rail asset data to the TCCS asset management system.”
Meanwhile, Kameliya worked with Canberra Metro Operations to assess data quality and was able to identify areas where more data gathering could improve their frameworks.
“After a detailed assessment of assets, management processes and procedures, I provided a document to TCCS and CMET that outlined my findings and suggested next steps to address current issues.”
According to TCCS Light Rail Operations executive branch manager, Jo Dawson, the students were brought on to a project that aims to integrate TCCS and CMET’s asset management system, so that the ACT can build a clearer picture of its assets, and how they are being maintained.
“Providing reliable and accessible public transport is Transport Canberra’s goal and by understanding our assets and the maintenance practices employed to look after them, we are then able to ensure the light rail provides reliable services connecting all Canberrans,” Ms Dawson said.
Kameliya and Zahra’s internship program is an example of work experience that makes a real-world impact and demonstrates the importance of training postgraduates as they transition from research into their desired industries.
According to manager of the internship program, Dr Milad Ghasri, “programs like these are a great example of how education can help bridge the gap between academia and industry”.
The program is supported by the Australian Postgraduate Research Intern scheme.
For more news:
