The Mobility Network at U of T recently hosted their 5-Minute Thesis (5MT) competition for graduate students working in transportation and mobility research. This event, showcasing the impressive work of students, features a series of short, impactful presentations that distil years of research into a five-minute video presentation.
Two of the top three recipients of this year’s competition awards are CivMin grad students, who impressed both the judges and their peers with their innovative and thought-provoking research on critical transportation issues. The awards luncheon, held February 26, was overseen by Mobility Network’s Education Specialist Khadija Butt, with Interim Director Steve Farber abstaining from the role, as his student was the winner.
First Place: Paromita Nakshi
Understanding the Long-Term Social Outcomes of Transportation Inequities in Canada
Paromita Nakshi, a PhD student in the Department of Geography and Planning, took home the first-place prize with her insightful thesis on the long-term social impacts of transportation inequities in Canada. Supervised by Professor Steven Farber, Nakshi uses both quantitative and qualitative methods to explore disparities in transportation access and how these inequalities affect social mobility, health, and economic outcomes. Her research aims to guide policymakers toward creating more equitable transportation systems for all Canadians.
Second Place: Sebastian Villada Rivera
Investigating the Electricity Requirements and Interactions with Connected Sectors of Electrifying Canadian Heavy-Duty Trucking Freight
Sebastian Villada Rivera, a MASc student in the Department of Civil & Mineral Engineering, secured second place with his thesis exploring the challenges and opportunities presented by the electrification of Canadian heavy-duty trucking freight. Supervised by CivMin Professors Matthew Roorda and Daniel Posen, his research examines the electricity requirements and the complex interactions with other sectors as Canada moves toward electrifying its freight transportation. This work is crucial for understanding the infrastructure needs and potential environmental benefits of shifting to electric trucks.
Third Place: Hesam Rashidi
Centring Human Needs in Last-Mile Delivery Design
Hesam Rashidi, a PhD student in the Department of Civil and Mineral Engineering, earned third place for his research focusing on the human aspects of last-mile delivery logistics. Supervised by Professor Mehdi Nourinejad and CivMin Professor Matthew Roorda, his thesis critiques the industry’s reliance on algorithmic designs that prioritize speed and cost over the well-being of drivers, consumers, and retailers. Rashidi proposes a more human-centred approach to last-mile delivery systems, one that takes into account the preferences and needs of the drivers who form the backbone of the retail supply chain.
Watch the Winning Presentations!
The winning presentations are available on YouTube. You can view the thought-provoking work of these talented graduate students below.