Huafeng Lu

Built Environment PhD

With a background in architecture, Huafeng has always been passionate about creating high-quality spaces. She wanted to push her knowledge further by pursuing a PhD, making a true difference by promoting greater social inclusion and sustainable urban development in smart city planning. 

Thesis: Understanding the Digital Divide in public transport services for inclusive and smart city planning in Birmingham

“Before joining the PhD programme at Birmingham City University, I was deeply passionate about creating high quality spaces for people. This was reflected in my previous professional experience in designing and managing large-scale shopping centre projects.

Pursuing a PhD had always been a dream of mine and I was inspired by many colleagues and friends during my academic and professional journey. I chose BCU because the research topic, supervisor and funding options were a perfect fit for me at the time.

I chose to pursue a PhD at this stage in my life because I have both the academic background and work experience to help me navigate the topic I want to explore. I am deeply motivated by the data and science behind the products we design, aiming for human centric urban planning.

Throughout my career, I have worked with surveying customers, conducting market research, developing marketing strategies, and using statistical approaches to perform audits. As an architect, I have always been curious about how people use the buildings and cities we create and their experience with the final product. My PhD topic provided a great starting point for me to delve into social sciences and explore the broader context of urban development, focusing on smart and inclusive city planning.

BCU has a diverse research community, which has allowed me to fit in well. Even though there are only a small group of researchers in my area, we have had the opportunities to connect with other colleagues from cross-institutional projects: this collaboration is very valuable for my research. Additionally, the dedicated PGR hub space has played a central role in community building, where I have met many fellow postgraduate researchers to exchange ideas and knowledge.

I have received significant support from BCU during my PhD, such as with my international funding. I have also had the great opportunity to teach and participate in research projects for six hours per week, with additional hourly pay. I also have funding to go to conferences, which is integral for my study.

Teaching opportunities have been the most valuable and my proudest moments so far in my course. They not only enhance my CV, but provide practical hands-on experience, allowing me to connect with undergraduate students and apply my research in a real-world setting.

A family emergency back home was particularly challenging for me last year, due to the distance and short notice. However, the supervisors at BCU and management within my subject were incredibly supportive. This support helped me in a vulnerable moment with compassion and understanding.

Since becoming a student at BCU, I have grown in many ways. My sense of community, connection to a larger society, confidence in my research area, and my presentation and networking skills have all greatly improved.

I believe BCU is open minded, and fosters diversity in research among students and staff, creating a welcoming and friendly environment for postgraduate researchers.

For the future, I want my research to contribute to the advancement of smart city planning, influencing policymakers, city planners and stakeholders. By addressing the digital divide in public transportation services, my findings will promote greater social inclusion and sustainable urban development.

To me, “I AM BCU” represents a strong and reliable community of which I am a part, regardless of the challenges in life, work, research and in my professional career down the line.”