CEE Seminar (ZOOM): "Quantum Potentials" of Civil and Environmental Engineering - Quantum Computing and Quantum Models of Human Cognition

ZOOM link will be distributed by the CEE Department
Gabe Jiangbo Yu, Ph.D.

Senior Transportation Modeler
AECOM, San Francisco, CA

Abstract: Quantum computing and various "quantum-inspired" modeling approaches, together, may offer a new paradigm for the modeling and simulation practices in civil and environmental engineering in the next few decades. This seminar contains three sequential sections to provide an overview of this paradigm. The first section introduces the theoretical minimum of quantum mechanics to lay a foundation for the rest of the talk. The second section introduces quantum computing and its potential applications in modeling and simulation practices in civil and environmental engineering. The third section presents an emerging field called "quantum cognition modeling" from the perspective of quantum computing. Applications in capturing the change of decision contexts and mental states in forecasting transit ridership and preferences in ordering mobility-on-demand services will be demonstrated. I will also briefly discuss how and when this paradigm could be superior to the traditional one.

Bio: Gabe Jiangbo Yu is a senior modeler at AECOM. His research stands at the intersection of systems modeling, transportation and mathematical psychology. In addition to working with consulting companies, he has worked with different levels of public agencies in the U.S., such as the Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT), Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). He earned a bachelor's degree in transportation systems engineering from the Beijing Institute of Technology, a master's degree in civil engineering from the University of Southern California, and a doctorate in civil engineering from the UC Irvine. His current research involves developing quantum dynamical models for discrete choices, developing agent-based models for on-demand mobility services, and studying the impact of emerging mobility technologies and behavioral policies on urban dynamics.