Projects and student work

Background: The project is part of the CAMA project, which aims to explore the impact of real-life experiments on the mobility behavior of active mobility users and the improvement of walking and cycling conditions within the context of African cities. Real-life experiments are innovative, low-cost, temporary, and flexible interventions that adopt a bottom-up design approach and promote a "learning by doing" process (Bertolini, 2020, Kinigadner et al., 2024a). The project seeks to bridge the gap between pedestrians' and cyclists' perceptions and urban design practices by addressing the main research question: What role do real-life experiments play in changing mobility behavior in East African cities?

Task: In this work, we will explore how real-life experiments can influence the mobility behavior of active mobility users through the guiding questions: What role do real-life experiments play in shaping users' behavior in East Africa? And how do these experiments affect the daily experiences of active mobility users? We will use survey data for qualitative research and drone imagery for quantitative analysis. AI tools will be employed to analyze the drone imagery results. Students are encouraged to choose their own research focus within the project framework to align their individual interests with the overall objectives of the study.

Start: Possible immediately

Contact: MSc. Azeb Tesfaye

FG Cycling and Local Mobility

+49 561 804-2025

azeb.tesfaye@uni-kassel.de

Background: This project addresses the mobility challenges of women doing care work, such as reconciling care work with professional or academic commitments, limited mobility options and lack of support. By analyzing the existing infrastructure, measures and programs that support care workers (e.g. dual-career services, childcare, e-cargo bike projects such as VELOAD), opportunities and obstacles are identified. The project aims to improve the mobility of women with care work through targeted measures in line with the goal of a "family-friendly university".

Task: The Department of Cycling and Local Mobility provides scientific support for this topic as part of student work. The project focuses on analyzing the mobility challenges of women with care responsibilities at the University of Kassel, based on quantitative surveys and focus groups. Students are encouraged to explore further methods and focus on either employees, students or both. The project also encourages site-specific research at different campus locations to address specific mobility issues and contribute to improving inclusive mobility for care workers.

Start: possible immediately.

Contact: M.Sc. Shreya Singh

FG Cycling and local mobility

Tel. +49561 804-1942

shreya.singh@uni-kassel.de

Background: The Department of Cycling and Local Mobility at the University of Kassel offers the opportunity to write a seminar paper, bachelor's or master's thesis with the aim of developing a scientifically based learning module for 11- to 14-year-olds (5th-6th grade) to promote road safety and mobility education. To this end, we would like to understand the behavior of the target groups with regard to migration background, gender differences and cultural diversity.

Task: In this thesis, we examine the mobility behavior of the target group using a combination of literature research, interviews and focus group discussions with students, teachers and experts. The aim is to create a sound basis for the development of effective learning modules. Various factors can be examined, such as gender differences, migration background and cultural diversity, as well as existing methods for training and interventions. Students are free to choose their own research focus within the project framework to align their interests with the aims of the study.

Start: possible immediately.

Contact: MSc. Shreya Singh

FG Cycling and Local Mobility

+49 561 804-1942

shreya.singh@uni-kassel.de

Background: The Department of Cycling and Local Mobility at the University of Kassel offers the opportunity to write a Bachelor's or Master's thesis. This involves the development of a braking system with real-time resistance control for our bicycle simulator.

Task: The aim of the thesis is to create a realistic braking system in which the braking resistor can be controlled by the braking of the rider. In addition to programming in Python, a communication level to the smart trainer via LAN or Bluetooth must also be established. The resistance of the magnet/coil coupling on the flywheel must then be calibrated so that the braking resistance is realistically simulated. We are looking for a person with programming skills who enjoys technical problem solving. The project offers hands-on experience in hardware integration and simulation technology with practical application in bicycle research.

Requirements: Ideally you have an engineering background, a passion for solving technical problems and are already familiar with sensor technology and have experience with hardware. Please submit your CV, a short letter of motivation and any relevant work or project examples. We would be delighted if you are motivated to contribute to the realism of our bicycle simulator platform.

Start: immediately
Contact: Dr. rer. nat. Sina Mousavion

Research Group Cycling and Local Mobility

Tel. +49561 804-7922

sina.mousavion@uni-kassel.de

Background: How can traffic routing at roadworks be designed so that it is perceived as safe by all road users? In roadworks areas, traffic routing is interfered with for a comparatively short period of time and areas for different types of traffic are reduced or removed. This can lead to conflicts between road users and to a reduction in subjective and/or objective safety.

Task definition: As part of the BRAVOUR research project, selected roadworks situations were investigated in cooperation with the Hanseatic City of Hamburg, users were counted in these areas and video recordings were made. By analyzing the traffic observations, typical conflict situations between pedestrians, cyclists and motorists are to be identified and examined in more detail. How do road users behave and how can the traffic situation be optimized to avoid conflicts in the future? This analysis should be accompanied by a literature review and the development of recommendations for traffic management in roadworks areas. It is possible to implement your own ideas in connection with the topic. The specific task will be adapted to the scope of the work.

Start: possible immediately

Contact: M.Sc. Frederik Hilden

FG Cycling and Local Mobility

Phone +49 561 804-2391

frederik.hilden@uni-kassel.de