Research

Representation Learning based Causal Inference in Observational Studies

Major Researcher

Developed a novel generative Bayesian causal estimation framework via representation learning, distribution balancing, and causal decomposition. Extended the causal inference to a latent space and improved the robustness in causal effect estimation.

Causal Relationship between Distraction and Crash Risk

Major Researcher

Evaluated the causal relationship between distraction and crash risk in case-cohort study using propensity score weighting method; improved the first moment balance between cases and controls.

State Road Performance and Safety Modeling

Research Assistant

Developed highway safety performance function using negative binomial regression and empirical Bayes model; improved highway crash prediction of current model.

Regional Traffic: Economic Function and Coordination Measurement Based on Activity Field Theory 

Major Researcher

Developed a mathematical model to describe the coevolution process of transport corridors and economic activities at regional scale: from a few isolated cities and unconnected roads to a complex and interconnected urban system.

Urbanization and Reconstruction of Village in the City: Case Study of Xi’an, China

Major Investigator

Investigated the economic and sociological impact of urbanization and reconstruction of village in the city. 

2019 JSM, The Evaluation of Cellphone Distraction Related Crash Risk Using Case-Crossover Design, Denver,  CO

2019 EDRA, How Smart Is Too Smart: Older Adults’ Attitudes Toward Smart Home Technologies That Support Actively Aging at Home, New York, NY

2019 Rodeo, State Road Performance  Evaluation and Safety Modeling, Blacksburg, VA

2018 JSM, Evaluating the Causal Relationship between Cell Phone Distraction and Crash Risk, Vancouver,  BC,  Canada

2018 NDRS, Characterization of Conventional Cruise Control Engagement Using Naturalistic Driving Data,  Blacksburg, VA

2017 SAMSI, Evaluating the Impact of Distraction on Crash Risk, Durham,  NC

2016 NDRS, Spatial and Temporal Characteristics of Population Movement in Central Business District Using Cellular Data, Blacksburg, VA

2014 TRB, Modeling the Corridor and Growth Pole Co-Evolution in Regional Transportation Network, Washington DC

2011 BMEI, Adaptive Transport Network Model based on Sparse Matrix Process Techniques, Shanghai, China