Reza Safarzadeh

Hi, my name is Reza. I am a Spatial Data Scientist with a Ph.D. in Geospatial Information Systems (GIS) from the Department of Geomatics Engineering, University of Calgary, Canada. I also hold a master’s degree in GIS from the K.N.Toosi University of Technology, Tehran, Iran, and a bachelor of science in Geomatics Engineering from the Iran University of Science and Technology (IUST), Tehran, Iran.

Currently, I work as a Spatial Data Scientist at Aviva Canada, where I develop property-level wildfire hazard assessment frameworks and advanced spatial data science pipelines for catastrophe-risk modelling across wildfire, flood, and severe convective storm perils. Before that, I spent several years at the University of Calgary leading research projects on AI-driven transportation systems, working with partners like the City of Calgary, Bison Transport, and Suncor Energy.

I’m interested in using Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, including Deep Learning, Generative AI, and Reinforcement Learning, to solve real-world geospatial problems. My work spans catastrophe-risk modelling in insurance, smart route optimization for logistics, and making hydrogen- and electric-powered vehicles more efficient. I also explore digital twins, which are virtual models of cities and transportation networks, to help improve urban planning, traffic flow, and sustainability.

Outside of my research, I love challenging my mind with a good game of chess and staying active with a fun match of ping pong. I also enjoy winding down with movies, whether it’s a gripping sci-fi thriller, a thought-provoking documentary, or a classic film.