BIO
Prior to starting my Ph.D. in Urban Planning and Development at USC, I worked for a global automobile manufacturer. I was responsible for numerous projects to improve operations and was able to make significant changes to Toyota’s global supply chain. These efforts resulted in reducing pollution and waste. But even with these improvements, I became increasing concerned about pollution generated from goods movement. The sheer volume of trade has offset gains in fuel economy and cleaner engines. A massive number of diesel trucks pollute our cities, especially near the ports. It is because of these issues that I decided to pursue a doctorate. My goals are to investigate, analyze, and implement a framework for clean-air cargo transportation in emerging port market cities. I want to be a policy maker/implementer and contribute to the academic community through research and teaching.
My primary research interests include transportation planning and infrastructure development, land use policy, and climate change mitigation. I am currently working with my advisor Dr. Genevieve Giuliano on the Developing Markets for ZEVs (Zero Emission Vehicles) in Goods Movement Project. Because it is estimated that US cargo-related greenhouse emissions make up a quarter of total particulates (land, sea, and air), California has set aggressive targets to reduce carbon emissions in the transport sector. The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach are under extreme pressure from government to lower emissions because of the 10,000 big-rig trucks that travel the freeways to and from the port daily. In this study, we are examining the potential for ZEV or near-ZEV heavy-duty trucks (specifically drayage) vehicles from both an economic and environmental perspective. The output will be recommendations on the feasibility of these vehicles and, if warranted, incentives required by the government to make the technology attractive to companies.
Currently it is believed that battery electric vehicles are the best solution to this problem and demonstrations of the technology are underway. This is a big leap of faith given the sparse research on well-to wheels analyses of electric trucks. It is a mistake to look at tailpipe emissions of vehicle operation only; a more complete picture is needed to calculate emissions from cradle-to-grave. For example, a complete carbon footprint must include: 1) pollution measurements of the extraction of rare minerals needed to manufacture batteries, 2) the manufacture and distribution of the components, subassemblies, and the vehicles themselves, 3) the power grid fuel source used to charge the vehicle, and 4) recycling and/or retirement of the vehicle. My research will address all four areas.
The first study is focused on California where the electric grid is relatively clean. I want to create a blueprint that will define what conditions are required for a region to make alternative fuel vehicles a better and cleaner alternative to internal combustion engines. In addition, my research will focus on other emerging technologies that could reduce good movement carbon emissions like electric drones for last mile delivery. Growing cities, especially mega cities in the developing world, could benefit from leap-frogging the “traditional” urban transportation roads and thoroughfares. One of my three dissertation papers will focus on Dar es Salaam's urban transport system.
Although I have a clear direction for my research, details are still emerging as I define the scope of my dissertation. I want to ensure that my work is relevant and will reduce cargo transportation pollution both in California and globally.
Please review the sample projects I have posted here and my blog. I welcome your comments. (picture by S. Dexter, Dar es Salaam, June 2018)