Graduate Spotlight: Prithvi Beeramoole

The QUT Centre for Data Science is celebrating its graduates. Meet Prithvi Beeramoole who just celebrated her graduation with a PhD!

What was your PhD in?

My PhD focussed on developing improved methods to perform hypothesis tests for the estimation of discrete choice models. Discrete choice models are widely used in behaviour studies to understand how consumers make choices, and what matters to them most. The applications of discrete choice models also extend to other fields like transport planning, crash severity analysis and pathology studies. The estimation of discrete choice models requires substantial hypotheses testing. The current methods used for hypothesis testing are limited, time-consuming and analyst intensive, and as a result, have direct implications on the model outcomes. My research addresses this issue by developing an optimisation framework that facilitates extensive hypotheses testing. The new methods have shown to capture important insights regarding behaviour that were often missed using conventional methods. Further, the proposed methods enable testing of several specifications within substantially less time, thereby improving efficiency. We also developed Searchlogit, an open-source software in Python based on the proposed framework for the benefit of the modelling community.

How did you come to do a PhD on this? Did things change along the way?

I had some research experience in econometric modelling for crash severity analysis before the PhD. As a result, I was looking for PhD opportunities in similar research areas under Professor Shimul (Md. Mazharul) Haque at QUT. However, I did not qualify for the HDR scholarship that year. Fortunately, Prof Shimul recommended me to Prof Alexander Paz who was looking for a PhD student with a similar background. I was then offered a CEBE (Civil engineering and Built environment) scholarship under Prof Alex. While my PhD thesis was on a slightly different topic than what I was pursuing, it was an easy shift.

How was your PhD journey?  Any surprises?

It took a while for me to adjust in a new country and understand the academic expectations. For example, I did not have sufficient programming skills when I started my PhD. However, I slowly gained the necessary skills with the help of other PhD students and online resources. My supervisors were supportive throughout and provided guidance from time to time. My little one was on her way during the final days of my PhD. I was in my second trimester during my final seminar and the baby was two months old when I submitted my thesis for external examination. It was both challenging and one of the best phases on my PhD journey.

Did you do anything else at QUT besides your PhD?

I had the opportunity to work on multiple research projects such as the Transport Academic Partnership projects (TAP) funded by the Queensland department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR). Through these projects, I applied my research on real-world problems, which made me appreciate the value of research. I also participated in the conferences and competitions hosted at QUT that helped me improve my public speaking and presentation skills.

How was your experience with the Data Science Centre?

The Data Science Centre at QUT engages in some top-notch research and the faculty there is amazing. I have had the opportunity to work with some of the professors and students from CDS and the learning has been incredible. I’m involved with the CDS as a member and I have also received a research funding of $10,000 in 2023 under the First Byte grant.

What’s next – or what are you doing now?

I’m currently working as a postdoctoral research fellow in the school of civil and environmental engineering at QUT. My current research is in travel demand modelling focussing on active transport.

Congratulations, Prithvi!