Sal Butt

Profile

I am a first-year postgraduate researcher with a strong academic background in Engineering and Computing. I completed my Master of Science degree at the University of Bradford, where I honed my technical skills and developed a passion for problem-solving in engineering. In September 2020, I took on the role of teaching computer science at a sixth form in Sheffield, where I had the opportunity to share my knowledge and inspire the next generation of computer scientists & engineers. Currently, I am pursuing my research at the School of Civil Engineering at the University of Leeds, focusing on agent-based modeling in practical engineering applications. My research represents a unique hybrid of civil engineering and computer science, where I aim to apply cutting-edge computational techniques to address real-world engineering challenges. Through this journey, I aspire to contribute to advancements in both fields and make a meaningful impact on the world of engineering and technology.

Research interests

My passion for agent-based modeling in practical engineering applications comes from my fascination with the potential it has to change how we understand complex systems. I'm particularly excited about using machine learning techniques to make the agents in modeling software like SUMO and MassMotion behave more like real people. Traditional models often assume that people act in simple ways, but we all know that's not how the real world works. By bringing in machine learning, I want to create models that can predict more realistic agent behaviors, capturing the little details that were missing before. This could really improve the accuracy of our simulations, whether we're looking at urban planning or transportation systems.

What I find even more exciting is how this research can help us make better decisions in engineering and urban planning. If we can make our agent behaviors more realistic, we can get a much clearer picture of how systems and infrastructure interact with real people. That means we can design cities and projects that work better for everyone, making them more efficient and sustainable. It's all about creating smarter and stronger cities and engineering solutions for the future.

Qualifications

• Master of Science in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Bradford
• PGCE in Computer Science, Sheffield Hallam University
• Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering, COMSATS University Lahore