People
I am actively recruiting PhD, Master’s, and Postdoctoral Researchers. Please refer to the openings below.
Ph.D. Student
Muhammad Muzzamil H Khattak
 | Ph.D. Student in Transportation Geography at Auburn University Muzzamil is a PhD student at EcoTrans Lab at Auburn University. His research interests include AI application in urban transportation and accessibility analysis. |
Research Associates
Xi Guan
 | Master's Student in Urban Planning at Cornell University Xi Guan is a second-year master's student in the MRP program at Cornell University. Her research interests include geospatial analysis, Generative AI with built environment, and street network mobility. |
Taiyu Zhao
 | Master's Student in Holocene Climates at University of Cambridge Taiyu is a master's student in Holocene Climates at University of Cambridge. His interests include heat exposure, remote sensing, and GIS. |
Faculty
Luyu Liu
 | Assistant Professor, Auburn University Luyu Liu is an Assistant Professor at Auburn University. He leads the EcoTrans Lab. His interests include sustainable transportation, AI application in transportation, and GIS. |
Research Assistantship in Public Transit and Urban Computing
EcoTran Lab at Auburn Geosciences is seeking a highly motivated and creative PhD student to join our research team as a fully funded graduated research assistant starting Summer/Fall 2025. Under the guidance of Dr. Luyu Liu, you will work on cutting-edge projects aimed at improving urban public transportation networks using advanced computational techniques, data analysis, and artificial intelligence. Your research will contribute to the development of sustainable, smart, and resilient urban transportation systems.
Qualifications: • Strong programming skills and experience with data analysis tools (e.g., Python, R, MATLAB) and preferably AI platforms (e.g., Keras, Pytorch) • Knowledge of public transportation systems. • Advanced skills of GIS and cartographic software. • Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and academic writing skills. • A strong commitment to academic excellence and research integrity.
Interested candidates should submit the following documents: • A detailed CV with the contact of at least two academic references • A cover letter outlining your research interests and career goals • Academic transcripts • Code sample (if available) • Writing sample of your previous research work (if available) Applications should be sent to luyuliu@auburn.edu with the subject line “PhD Application – Public Transportation and Urban Computing”.
What We Offer: • A fully funded PhD position with a competitive stipend. • Access to state-of-the-art research facilities and resources. • The opportunity to work in a dynamic, interdisciplinary research environment. • Collaboration with leading experts in public transportation and urban computing. • The chance to make a meaningful impact on urban mobility and contribute to sustainable urban development.
About EcoTran Lab: EcoTran Lab, directed by Dr. Luyu Liu at Auburn University, is dedicated to advancing the field of urban transportation through innovative research and practical solutions. The lab focuses on integrating data science, AI, and GIS with transportation engineering to create sustainable and efficient urban mobility systems. With a strong emphasis on data-driven decision-making, EcoTran Lab is collaborating with a wide range of stakeholders to address the challenges facing modern cities.