Chinebuli Uzondu

Why did you decide to study at the Institute for Transport Studies?

ITS is known as one of the world’s most successful departments for transport studies and has a very strong reputation in road safety research which is my area of interest. It is a top university in the UK in the field of Transport, while the UK is a world leading country in developing sustainable road safety policies. I knew my decision to study at ITS will greatly enhance my overall training experience of completing a PhD in the UK.

What has been the best aspect of studying on your course and at the University and why?

I have been exposed to a wide range of methods for carrying out road safety research especially in the area of human factors. I have studied and used different data collection methods which can be useful in conducting similar research in the Nigerian context. I have seen research results being put into practice and linking industry to research and practice. The university has provided all the support I need for my study from subscription to various journals, providing properly equipped and functional libraries (one of the best I have seen), organising different types of training which have proved very beneficial at each stage of my research. Above all, I have enjoyed massive support from both staff and other students who have all contributed to make my stay a pleasant one.

Tell us about some of the exciting projects you have completed so far?

I have been able to design and carry out a study in Nigeria which involved collecting a lot of data, where I had to train many field surveyors to assist. I couldn’t have been able to do this without the massive support I got from supervisors. This work has been written up, presented at two conferences and has two papers under review in reputable journals. It will also be presented at the Transportation Research Board (TRB) Washington DC, United States of America in January. Based on the results of that study and with the help of my supervisors, we designing a driving simulator study which will involve examining driver behaviour across cultures.

What does Leeds as a city have to offer students?

Leeds is a very beautiful city with lots of attractive places to visit and learn, it is Multi-cultural. I love the city centre, museums, parks, walking and cycling activities which have made living here exciting. There are many places to relax and activities to attend when one is stressed out.

What are your ambitions for the future?

My ambition for the future is to be actively involved in research aimed at reducing the increasing trend of road traffic fatality rates in developing countries. To help improve the road transport system and make an impact through proper research in road safety.

What experiences at Leeds do you think will help you in your future career?

My experience at Leeds so far has helped me to understand the transport systems better and given me a wide range of opportunity to participate in a lot of activities that have enhanced my research and analytical skills.

My verbal and writing skills have improved through participation and presentation at conferences, including preparing journal articles and getting them published.

I have learnt to work confidently on my own, design and carry out fieldwork and experiments in road safety research, analyse data and produce detailed results that can be applied to transport system. I have also had the opportunity to meet and interact with researchers with similar interest thereby developing my networking skills.

What would you say to students coming to do the same course?

It's worthwhile, be open-minded and make the most of what is on offer at ITS. Above all get ready to work hard, I mean really really hard!