Selected Work Samples
Evaluation of Municipal E-Scooter Policy in the U.S.
I am currently investigating how municipalities are addressing the use of e-scooters in the United States. This evaluation specifically seeks to identify what cities are doing from a policy and regulatory perspective, if anything, to regulate the use and deployment of e-scooters. The following questions guide this evaluation:
How are cities regulating the number of e-scooter vendors;
Are cities implementing pilot programs to study the use of e-scooters; and
Are cities promoting equitable access to scooter services?
This evaluation will be complete in May 2019. In the meantime, please view a summary of initial results here or my current data collection efforts here.
SFMTA SWOT Analysis
Prepared a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis to assess the SFMTA’s long-term viability in achieving its mission outlined in its 2018 Strategic Plan.
Camino Tassajara Bike Lane Gap Project
I served as the project manager and primary author of the environmental assessment of a project that would widen four sections of a roadway in order to provide bicycle lanes pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). As part of this, I worked directly with consultants to ensure that appropriate background technical studies were completed on time. In addition, I conducted public outreach to inform relevant stakeholders of the project.
Role of Technology on Traffic & Congestion
Researched and discussed role of technology on traffic and congestion in the SF Bay Area. Paper specifically analyzed transportation infrastructure on the I-80 corridor and it’s benefits and impacts. I also analyzed the issues surrounding data and data privacy with this technology.
Author of Introduction, Existing Technology, and Data Privacy & Protection sections.
Darknet Policy Analysis
The online black market for drugs on the darknet has been increasing in use and popularity in the United States. Darknet marketplaces offer users a place to buy and sell illegal drugs while protecting their identities through the use of highly encrypted web browsers and cryptocurrencies. As a result, these users have been able to evade law enforcement. Current policy has focused on identifying darknet marketplace administrators and the immediate shutdown of the marketplace. While this policy has been successful in closing some marketplaces, new marketplaces have been quick to replace them. In addition, the number of drug users securing drugs on the darknet has continued to rise in recent years. The following paper analyzed the existing policy in addressing darknet drug trafficking in addition to alternative policies including enhanced policing efforts and coordination between global stakeholders; criminalizing the use of the anonymizing web browser Tor; and targeted efforts at identifying users accessing the darknet marketplaces.
Autonomous Vehicles & the City
Development of AVs offer, perhaps, the most revolutionary change in the way cities are built and function since the advent of the car. I served as one of the authors and editors of this document summarizing key findings from industry leaders during a 1-day symposium. In addition, I compiled and created the graphic layout of the document.
Title 5 Site Selection Evaluation
The California Education Code requires that school districts evaluate the acquisition of new school site properties. I served as the primary author of this analysis in evaluating the suitability of the property for use as a school site. The analysis was prepared in compliance with Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations and addressed issues such as proximity to airports, highways, toxic substances, high pressure gas lines, and other hazards which would make the site unsuitable for a school. The analysis found that the Project complies with Title 5 Site Selection Standards.
Enhancing Bicycling in Orange County
My senior project at Cal Poly investigated the qualities and commonalities between the standout bicycle-friendly communities in the world and benefits of cycling. This report then identified specific recommendations for improving cycling in Orange County, CA, a region with low bicycle ridership rates.
Regional Measure (RM) 2 Assessment
Paper investigated the Metropolitan Transportation Commission’s decision to transfer of funds from the Dumbarton Rail Project to the BART Warm Springs Extension Project. Through this process, MTC was seen as undermining the public and killing the the Dumbarton Rail project by eliminating its source of funding. The controversy surrounding the reallocation of funds identified the need for a more accountable and transparent funding mechanism to the public while maintaining flexible funding for MTC.