Research Interests
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Thesis Project
"Understanding urban dynamics in a university town: Spatiotemporal Analysis of transit-induced neighbourhood change, studentification, and crime"
Biography
Renan Cai is a PhD candidate in the Department of Geography and Environmental Management at the University of Waterloo. He has an MSc in Geography and a background in geomatics, with a focus on GIS-based spatial analysis and statistical methods. His work applies quantitative approaches to examine spatiotemporal patterns of neighbourhood dynamics and urban problems.
Research Areas
The primary focus of his research is to utilize spatial statistics and spatiotemporal modelling techniques to investigate the socioeconomic and demographic characteristics of urban neighbourhoods, as well as their underlying drivers and outcomes. His research interests include Bayesian spatiotemporal modelling methods, neighbourhood change, gentrification, studentification, public transit development, and crime patterns.
Education
Doctor of Philosophy in Geography (Expected July 2026)
University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
Dissertation topic: Spatiotemporal modelling of neighbourhood change in a university town
Master of Science in Geography (October 2021)
University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
Thesis topic: Spatiotemporal analysis of income inequality and crime
Bachelor of Environmental Studies in Geomatics (June 2019)
University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
Bachelor of Engineering in Remote Sensing Science and Technology (June 2019)
Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
Dissertation topic: Spatiotemporal modelling of neighbourhood change in a university town
Master of Science in Geography (October 2021)
University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
Thesis topic: Spatiotemporal analysis of income inequality and crime
Bachelor of Environmental Studies in Geomatics (June 2019)
University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
Bachelor of Engineering in Remote Sensing Science and Technology (June 2019)
Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
Experience
Sessional Instructor (Jan - Apr 2023)
University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
Course: GEOG/PLAN 481 - GIS Project
Visiting Researcher (Mar - Apr 2024)
International Space University, Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France
Research Assistant (multiple appointments between 2020 and 2025)
Main projects: Web mapping of wellbeing in the Region of Waterloo; Web mapping of COVID-19 and risk factors
Teaching Assistant (multiple appointments between 2019 and 2026)
University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
Courses: GEOG/PLAN 481 - GIS Project; GEOG/PLAN 381 – Advanced GIS; GEOG/PLAN 281 – Introduction to GIS
University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
Course: GEOG/PLAN 481 - GIS Project
Visiting Researcher (Mar - Apr 2024)
International Space University, Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France
Research Assistant (multiple appointments between 2020 and 2025)
Main projects: Web mapping of wellbeing in the Region of Waterloo; Web mapping of COVID-19 and risk factors
Teaching Assistant (multiple appointments between 2019 and 2026)
University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
Courses: GEOG/PLAN 481 - GIS Project; GEOG/PLAN 381 – Advanced GIS; GEOG/PLAN 281 – Introduction to GIS