Geospatial Systems -

Ruth Dunn

Biography

About Ruth

My academic studies started at Glasgow University, where I gained a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil). Subsequently, I undertook a Master of Engineering in Transportation at the University of Canterbury, New Zealand. This degree culminated in me presenting my research into cyclist route choice, via stated preference survey, at the IPENZ Transportation Group Conference in Auckland. Moreover, it provided me with connections to the engineering industry in New Zealand, hence post completion of the degree I became employed as an engineer in the Canterbury region. Initially, working as a Transportation Engineer in the private sector, before moving into the public sector and taking on the role of Land Development Engineer. This work emphasised the importance of responsible development, effective resource management, specifically with regards water security, and the impacts of climate change, most notably in terms of flood risk assessments. I thoroughly enjoyed my time working in Canterbury, finding it an interesting and dynamic environment due to the area being in a state of flux and recovery post the 2010 earthquake. Hence, rapid and substantial infrastructural changes were occurring simultaneously across the region. However, I ultimately decided to relocate back to the UK, and pursue my interest in hydrology. Firstly, by undertaking the Hydrology and Water Management Master of Science at Newcastle University. This course re-immersed me in the academic world and reminded me of my enthusiasm for learning and research. I therefore applied for and was accepted on the Geospatial Systems Centre for Doctoral Training program at Newcastle University. Giving me the opportunity to expand my awareness and understanding of geospatial data and its applications, and to apply this newly acquired knowledge to a research project focusing on rainfall data, specifically the causations of under catch and how to, if possible, quantify and correct for it.