|Research areas |Urban Networks and Infrastructure

Urban Networks and Infrastructure

Understanding urban complexity and optimizing infrastructure networks for efficiency, sustainability, and resilience

We study cities and infrastructure networks, both in their physical and digital forms, as complex, interconnected systems shaped by human dynamics, exogenous factors, and spatiotemporal structures. By modeling urban systems, our researchers gain a deeper understanding of the causes behind major urban challenges such as segregation, health disparities, and economic development. Meanwhile, modeling critical infrastructures, like telecommunications, shipping, and the internet, helps identify vulnerabilities and interdependencies that affect network performance. Our work supports more sustainable urban planning and the design of resilient infrastructure systems.

Our focus

Urban Intelligence

Transportation Networks

Explore our research

Featured projects

Project websiteLearn more

Behavioral roots of inequality

Urban segregation is often viewed through a focus on residential neighborhoods, but most of our daily interactions happen throughout the city. This research shows that segregation is largely shaped by personal choices and routines, not just by the neighborhood where we live. By analyzing massive datasets about people’s movements in U.S. cities, we are developing tools to measure economic segregation at the level of public places, workplaces, shopping centers and even at the individual level. These models also support broader applications, including studying disease spread, and crime patterns.