Rhoda

Profile

I am currently a PhD student in Civil Engineering, focusing on remote sensing use for infrastructure monitoring within the realm of structural health monitoring. My academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, where I developed a foundational understanding of engineering principles and practices. I then advanced my expertise through a Master of Science in Transport Planning and Engineering, equipping me with specialised knowledge in transportation systems, urban mobility, and infrastructure optimisation.

Before entering my PhD program, I accumulated five years of professional experience in the field of engineering and technology, during which I engaged in railway construction (focusing on earthworks) and development of codes for different IT systems. This professional background has significantly enriched my research perspective, providing practical insights that I incorporate into my academic work. My ongoing research aims to develop methodologies that can be used for structural health monitoring for railway, with the goal of contributing meaningfully to both academic knowledge and industry practices in civil and transport engineering.

Research interests

My research interests are rooted in my educational background and hands-on experience in railway engineering. Having worked in the construction of the standard gauge railway in Tanzania, I developed a strong commitment to advancing railway systems through academic research. My long-standing interest in railway engineering led me to pursue a PhD focused on the use of remote sensing data analysis for railway infrastructure monitoring.

Currently, my research centers on developing Python-based algorithms for analysing remote sensing data to monitor soil moisture content in railway tracks. This is a vital area of study as soil moisture fluctuations can significantly impact track stability and maintenance. With the increasing availability of high-resolution satellite data, this research addresses a growing need in the industry for efficient, data-driven approaches to railway infrastructure monitoring. Through my work, I aim to contribute to the development of resilient and sustainable monitoring systems for railway, leveraging advanced computational methods to enhance the predictive capabilities and maintenance strategies of railway networks.

Qualifications

• MSc. in Transport Planning and Engineering
• BSc. in Civil Engineering