Dr Sara Zandi
(IT lecturer)
I obtained my PhD from AUT University focused on analysing, modelling, and predicting air quality levels. I have been involved in multiple research and teaching roles at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels with extensive experience in conducting data analysis for various fields. As an active researcher in data science and machine learning, I coordinate and oversee data science projects. This involved engaging with students on projects related to climate, air quality, soil, and health data, guiding them through empirical analysis and predictive modeling. Additionally, I have participated in (inter)national collaborative projects involving data analysis and data mining across various domains. These projects have included environmental and bio-ecological modelling, studying the nesting behaviors of the Kākāpō, analysing the performance of special needs students in Mathematics, and conducting health-related research.
Academic Background
- PhD (Auckland University of Technology) | 2021
- MPhil (with First Class Honours) | Auckland University of Technology | 2024
- Bachelor of Information Science (with Joint Major in Computer Sciences) | Massey University | 2009
Awards and Honors
- 2017 Auckland University of Technology, Data Analyst Summer Internship
- 2015 Auckland University of Technology, Certificate of Attendance at a Teaching Workshop
- 2014 Auckland University of Technology, SCMS Head of School Scholarship – engaged in PhD
- 2010 Auckland University of Technology, AKCOP – Certificate of Proficiency in Readings
- 2009 Auckland University of Technology, Summer Internship Geoinformatics Research Centre
Research Interests
- Data Sciences/Management, Analysis and Visualisation
- Artificial Intelligence, Machine learning, Deep Learning
- Data Mining and Statistical Analysis
- Geo-Computation and GIS Modeling, Geo-statistics
- Spatio Temporal Analysis and Modeling
- Environmental Data Streaming and Modeling
Professional Memberships
- IEEE
- Exploring Autism programs to understand and address the needs of special needs individuals
- Reviewer (ICONIP 2024)
Enquiries
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Current Research Projects
ANN-Based Pollution Forecasting Through Short-Term Spatio-Temporal Analysis: A North Island, New Zealand Case Study
Description: Assessing the spatio-temporal dynamics of NO2, SO2 and CO in New Zealand using the cloud computing and remotely sensed earth observation data from the Sentinel-5P/TROPOMI satellite sensor.
Status: Completed and submitted (July 2024)
Collaborators: Sara Zandi (NZSE), Aldridge Nyasha Mazhindu (University of Zimbabwe) and Akbar Ghobakhlou (AUT)
Machine-Learning Approaches for Land Use/Land Cover Classification
Description: Using machine-learning techniques to study changes in Land Use/Land Cover (LULC)
Status: Ongoing
Collaborators: Sara Zandi (NZSE), Dr Akbar Ghobakhlou and Prof. Jacquline Walley (AUT)
Selected Publications
- Zandi S, Ghobakhlou A (2024) Comparative Analysis of Predictive Models for Daily PM10 Concentration Time Series in Auckland Urban Area: A Quasi-Experimental Exploration.
- Zandi S, Ghobakhlou A, Whalley J (2024) Spatio-Temporal Statistical Models for PM10 Time Series, International Conference on Machine Intelligence for GeoAnalytics and Remote Sensing (MIGARS) 2024, DOI: 10.1109/MIGARS61408.2024.10544723
- Mazhindu A, Ghobakhlou A, Zandi S (2024) Geovisualisation and Estimation of a Natural Hazard Extent Using GIS and Remote Sensing: New Zealand Cyclone Gabrielle Case Study, International Conference on Machine Intelligence for GeoAnalytics and Remote Sensing (MIGARS) 2024, DOI: 10.1109/MIGARS61408.2024.10544669
- Zandi S (2021) Estimation of Near-Ground Particulate Matter in Urban Areas, Auckland University of Technology
- Ghobakhlou A, Zandi S, Sallis P (2017) Modelling Climate Data Factors Influencing Fine-Particulate Matter Density in The Near-Ground Atmosphere, 6 Dec 2017, Eleventh Asia International Conference on Mathematical Modelling and Computer Simulation
- Whalley J, Zandi S, Sallis P (2016) Particulate Matter Sampling Techniques and Data Modeling Methods, BOOK CHAPTER Air Quality: Measurement and Modeling 29-54 InTech
- Zandi S (2013) GeoComputational Methods for Surface and Field Data Interpolation, Auckland University of Technology
- Zandi S, Ghobakhlou A, Sallis P (2011) Evaluation of Spatial Interpolation Techniques for Mapping Soil PH, 19th International Congress on Modeling and Simulation Society of Australia and New Zealand
- Ghobakhlou A, Zandi S, Sallis P (2011) Development of Environmental Monitoring System with Wireless Sensor Networks, 19th International Congress on Modelling and Simulation Society of Australia and New Zealand
- Ghobakhlou A, Zandi S, Sallis P (2011) Design and Implementation of Wireless Sensor Networks for Microclimate Monitor, The 2011 World Congress & Expo1:7-12 Aries Greenergie Enterprise (P), LTD
- Cristian V, Ghobakhlou A, Zandi S (2010) Implementing and Evaluating Snapshots + Events Spatiotemporal Modelling Approach, Annual International Conference on Data Analysis, Data Quality and Metadata Management, Proceedings of the Annual International Conference on Data Analysis, Data Quality and Metadata Management
- Zandi S, Whalley J, Sallis P (2015) Estimation of Near-Ground PM10 Concentrations Using Artificial Neural Networks, 21st International Congress on Modelling and Simulation Society of Australia and New Zealand
- Ghobakhlou A, Sallis P, Zandi S (2011) Development of A Modular WSN Platform for Precision Agriculture, IEEE workshop on Instrumentation and Measurement Society New Zealand Chapter
- Zandi S, Ghobakhlou A, Sallis P (2011) A Comparison of Spatial Interpolation Methods for Mapping Soil Ph by Depths, The 2011 World Congress & Expo ANNA conference, Madras, India
- Zandi S, Ghobakhlou A, Sallis P (2009) A Special-Purpose Navigation Instrument for Geospatial Data Processing, New Zealand Postgraduate Conference
- Development of A Modular WSN Platform for Precision Agriculture: SenoMa (2013), University of Waikato, Hamilton
