Weiqi Wang

My current project is to analise the differentiation and proliferation of mammaliam mesenchymal stem cell using data mining techniques, specifically the CARM (Classification Association Rule Mining) and ARM (Association Rule Mining) algorithms. The aim of this project is to explore the hidden patterns or rules involved in the cellular differentiation/proliferation. Details of this project is available from a custom built public accessible online mesenchymal stem cell medical database which can be accessed via this link.

Prior to the start of my work here at Oxford, I read Physical Sciences at the “University of Science and Technology, Beijing” where I obtained a Bachelor’s degree.

Araz Taeihagh

My current research interest is on novel applications of conceptual design, engineering design principles, and artificial intelligence techniques. Currently I am focusing on policy design and developing a new framework and decision support system for the design of transport policies to achieve environmental targets. I am adapting / adopting process synthesis and design methods, combined with AI techniques such as agent-based modeling to design policies, in order to support the decisions regarding which measures to use in a policy, and how to combine and schedule them trying to generate and compare alternative transport policies. I expect the approach to accelerate policy design and improve policy effectiveness.

My general research interests include:

1. Conceptual Design and Computer-aided Design (Simulation and CFD)
2. Decision Support Systems and Artificial Intelligence
3. Process Systems Engineering
4. Policy Design with focus on Sustainability and Environmental Issues

I have a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Sharif University of Technology, a Master’s degree in Environmental Sustainable Process Technology from Chalmers University of Technology, and I have also participated in the Master’s program in Engineering Mathematics at Chalmers University of Technology for one year.

Berkan Sesen

I completed my Chemical Engineering degree at Istanbul Tech. Univ. in 2007 and subsequently moved to Oxford to pursue an MSc. in Biomedical Engineering in 2008. During my time at Oxford, I worked on the utilization of ontologies in order to expedite the regulatory compliance of pharmaceuticals. The work, which was presented at PSE 2009 conference, was carried out in collaboration with the Chemical Engineering Department, Purdue University.

Subsequently, I worked as a mathematical consultant at TU/e in the Netherlands for a year before returning to Oxford in the Michaelmas term of 2009 to read a DPhil in Engineering Science.

Julian Hunt

I am interested in Decision Support Systems and their application to renewable energy policies, project selection and implementation. Currently, I am developing an extension module for the Compendium software tool with the objective of joining the IBIS (Issue Based Information Systems) methodology with Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis methods, specifically ELECTRE-III (“Elimination Et Choix Traduisant la Realite”). Further research is also on-going in the application of my extension module to real world problems.

The goal of my research is to develop a system which will allow decision makers and stakeholders to achieve environmental targets, stimulate the renewable energy infrastructure and increase energy security through decision selection.

Aidid Chee Tahir

My area of interest is in Decision Science, in particular the use of Decision Support Systems for Energy Policy Formulation and Development.

My current area of research is in artificial intelligence and energy policy. In particular, I have developed an Ontology based Semantic Representation Optimisation Model for Electricity Generation. This prototype energy model optimises electricity generation mixes based on the aspects of engineering with consideration for the energy policy goals related to sociology, politics, economics, and the environment. My research work here is funded by and in collaboration with Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS), the national oil company of Malaysia.

Qualifications wise, I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from Brown University and a Master’s degree in Engineering Business Management from the University of Warwick (joint program with Universiti Teknologi Malaysia). I also hold a Professional Engineer's license (Mechanical) with the Board of Engineers, Malaysia and 1st Grade Engineer licenses for Steam Generation (Boilers) and Internal Combustion Engine (Gas Turbines) with the Department of Occupational Safety and Health, Malaysia. 

Miroslawa Alunowska-Figueroa

The aim of my research project is to develop a complementary tool to assist water managers in the identification of an adequate integrated semi-centralised urban wastewater treatment system. The research project intends to evaluate the effectiveness of the semi-centralised concept to promote sustainable water management and compare it with more traditional centralised schemes.

As a result, I am currently implementing a multi-criteria decision support system that integrates some of the functionalities of a Geographical Information System (GIS). The resulting prototype could be described as a Spatial Decision Support System (SDSS) applicable in the selection and implementation of urban water supply and sanitation systems.

I have a B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering and a M.Sc. in Engineering from the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM).