Meet the team - Faraz Malik Awan

The Urban Big Data Centre brings together the expertise and experience of colleagues from all over the world. We'd like to introduce some of them in a series of informal profiles.

What is your job title at UBDC and what does your role entail?

My job title at UBDC is “Data Scientist” and my responsibilities may differ depending upon which project I am working on. However, in a nutshell, it involves data pre-processing, data analysis, and - based on the insights from the analysis - developing Machine Learning recommendation/prediction systems.

What are you currently working on?

Currently, I am working on mobility pattern detections and detections of the travel modes being used to make those journeys, using Machine Learning/Deep Learning models.

Are there any subject areas you’d like to explore in more depth in the future?

In future, I would like to work on Intelligent Transportation Systems in Smart Cities in more detail.

Can you tell us a little about your background?

My hometown is Islamabad, Pakistan. As far as any hidden talents are concerned, they’re not so much hidden! I am a Martial Artist. Over the years, I have learned many different Martial Arts styles, including Taekwondo and Krav Maga. During my master’s degree from South Korea, I presented my University as a lead Taekwondo Martial Artist. Currently, I am an active member of one of Krav Maga Schools in Glasgow.

What do you like about living in Scotland?

I am a nature and architecture lover. If I'm asked to summarise what I like about Glasgow and Scotland the most, I would say, the Scottish Highlands and the red sandstone architecture of the buildings in Glasgow.

What other interests do you have outside of work?

Other than Martial Arts, I also enjoy mountain biking. I love to cycle and hike.