CV
General Information
| Full Name | Reza Safarzadeh |
| Occupation | PhD Candidate @ University of Calgary (UofC) |
| reza.safarzadeh@ucalgary.ca |
Education
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2021 - Present Calgary, Canada
PhD | Geomatics Engineering
University of Calgary - Advisor: Dr. Xin Wang
- Dissertation: Smart Route Recommendation for Goods Transportation Under Extreme Weather Condition
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2013 - 2017 Tehran, Iran
MSc | Geomatics Engineering
K. N. Toosi University of Technology - Advisor: Dr. Mohammad Karimi
- Dissertation: Multi Objective Optimization of Urban Land Use Planning Using Meta-heuristic Algorithms and Spatial Metrics
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2009 - 2013 Tehran, Iran
BSc | Geomatics Engineering
Iran University of Science and Technology
Professional Experience
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2021 - Present Calgary, Canada
Research Assistant
University of Calgary - Collaborated with the City of Calgary (2021–2023) on a spatial-temporal analysis of truck movement patterns under extreme weather conditions, developing AI-driven smart route recommendation systems to optimize urban logistics.
- Worked with Bison Transport (2023–2024) as part of a team to optimize logistics, focusing on scheduling, resource allocation, and dynamic vehicle routing to streamline the logistics chain and improve operational efficiency.
- Designed and implemented advanced AI-based models for route optimization and operational enhancements in urban and freight logistics.
- Engaged with city officials and industry stakeholders to align research solutions with practical challenges in transportation and logistics.
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2018 - 2021 Tehran, Iran
Spatial Data Scientist
PARSA Co. (FANAP ICT Group) - Developed deep learning based models for time series prediction of forecasting ATM withdrawals.
- Designed and implemented GPS tracking and fleet management systems, enabling real-time vehicle positioning and operational reporting.
- Created GIS-based approaches for ATM site selection and network optimization.
- Developed a real-time route planning service for replenishment vehicles using meta-heuristic algorithms.
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2017 - 2018 Tehran, Iran
GIS Specialist
AvayarSanat Co. - Built interactive web-based maps with seamless navigation and multi-layer overlays for geospatial analysis.
- Produced georeferenced imagery and maps using ESRI products and conducted digitization for data enrichment.
- Provided research contributions and feedback to enhance team outcomes and project success.
Honors and Awards
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2025 - Alberta Innovates Graduate Student Scholarships Award, Alberta Innovates
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2024 - Global Open Doctoral Scholarship Award, University of Calgary
- Lab2Market Alberta Mitacs Business Strategy Award, Lab2Market and Mitacs
- Research Impact Excellence Award, Schulich School of Engineering, University of Calgary
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2023 - Evolve to Innovate (e2i) 23-24 Research Award, Innovate Calgary
- Best Demo Paper Award, 8th International Symposium on Spatial and Temporal Data (SSTD 2023)
- Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (Amii) Talent Bursary Award, Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute
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2022 - Student of the Year Award, Esri Canada Centre of Excellence (ECCE)
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2018 - Best Student Paper Award, 2nd National Conference on Geospatial Information Technology (NCGIT 2018)
Research Interests
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AI for Geospatial Applications.
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (including Deep Learning, Generative AI, and Reinforcement Learning) for spatial and geospatial applications..
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AI for Sustainable Mobility.
- Advancing sustainability in hydrogen- and electric-powered vehicles, including autonomous fleets, through Generative AI, Deep Learning, and Reinforcement Learning, with a focus on optimizing range prediction, route planning, and energy efficiency.
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Digital Twins for Smart Cities.
- Utilizing digital twin frameworks to simulate and optimize urban infrastructure, transportation systems, and environmental interactions in smart cities.