Sylvia Imanirakiza
- Country of Origin: Uganda
- Home University: Makerere University
- Host University & Country: University of Massachusetts Amherst - USA
- PhD Title: Data-Driven Methods for Measuring and Characterizing Critical Public Infrastructure Systems in Data-Scarce Environments
- Year of Completion: 2029
PhD Overview
Infrastructure systems play a fundamental role in society, providing services including energy, water, wastewater management, and more. Deficits in public infrastructure accessibility, whether in energy access or healthcare infrastructure, present critical hindrances to sustainable development and poverty eradication for many in the Global South. Emergent AI methods with an interdisciplinary approach can fill temporal and spatial gaps in our understanding of critical infrastructure, allowing for better planning and operations. My PhD research investigates machine learning methods for inferring unknown structural attributes, quality indicators, and inequity patterns in infrastructure networks by repurposing ubiquitous technology like digital cameras as side channel measurement techniques and using publicly available urban data.
Sustainability Goals
- Affordable and Clean Energy
- Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
- Sustainable Cities and Communities
About Me
As a PhD researcher, I develop machine learning and sensing techniques to understand what conventional infrastructure data often miss. My research combines time-series sensor data, computational photography, satellite imagery, and infrastructure maps to infer the hidden characteristics, service quality, and inequities of essential public infrastructure, particularly in data-scarce settings.
My journey began with a BSc in Electrical Engineering from Makerere University in Uganda, where firsthand experiences with electricity challenges shaped my interest in understanding how infrastructure systems serve communities. I bring together engineering, machine learning, and applied data science to develop measurement approaches that can inform more equitable and reliable infrastructure planning.
Beyond research, I am passionate about mentoring young scientists, strengthening research capacity, and making technology serve the public good. My long-term goal is to bridge advanced computing research and real-world development challenges, helping build the evidence, tools, and local expertise needed to improve essential services across Africa.