Team
CEO and Legal Representative
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Houshmand Masoumi
LinkedIn - Google Scholar - ResearchGate - Academia.edu
He is a senior researcher at Technische Universität Berlin in Germany, and a Visiting Associate Professor at the University of Johannesburg in South Africa. He holds a PhD in urban and regional development from TU Dortmund (awarded in 2011) and has several years of postdoctoral experience at TU Berlin. His research focuses on urban travel behavior and land use analysis and modeling, as well as the connections between urban transportation, urban planning, the built environment, human psychology and choices, and socioeconomics.
He has published more than 90 peer-reviewed journal papers, monographs, and conference papers on his work, and serves as a reviewer and editorial board member for several international journals. He has also been a former project leader of the German Research Foundation (DFG) and has coordinated and led several European projects.
Co-Founder & LEAR
Sareh Sarmadi, M.Sc.
She is an experienced educator with a background in biology, having earned a Master of Science degree in Biology from Ruhr-Universität Bochum. Her expertise in youth education and schooling greatly contributes to URE's international activities. As a result of her career in education, Mrs. Sarmadi is highly involved in URE's programs and initiatives related to youth and school education.
Project Coordinator
Dr. Melika Mehriar
LinkedIn - ResearchGate - Academia.edu
She was a researcher and co-worker at URE, studying the relationship between urban sprawl and urban travel behavior. She earned her PhD from Universidad Politécnica de Madrid on this topic. Additionally, she holds a master's degree in urban and regional planning, and her thesis focused on the "urban residential system in Hamadan province, Iran." She has experience in teaching and research on urban planning issues, and has also worked as an urban planner in the private sector. She possesses skills in applying Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
Project Assistant
Faraneh Shirazi, M.A.
As an architect, she has a background in the principles of design and construction, which she applies to her work in urban planning and regeneration. She is particularly interested in the intersection of architecture and urbanism, and how these two fields can work together to create better living environments for people.
In addition to her current doctoral studies, she has gained practical experience working in the field of urban planning. She has worked as a consultant for several urban planning companies, where she has been involved in a range of projects, including sustainable urban development, transportation planning, and affordable housing initiatives.
Project Assistant
Ali Rafati, M.A.
He is an urban planner with a background in both academic and professional settings. He earned his master's degree in urban planning and policy design from POLIMI (Politecnico di Milano, Italy) and also holds a bachelor's degree in urban engineering. With over six years of work experience in practical urban planning and research, he has developed an understanding of the complex dynamics of urban development.
Project Assistant
Maryam Mirafshar, M.A.
She is a R&D strategy planning expert with a background in management of technology and textile engineering. She has worked for companies in various industries, including oil and gas, petrochemical, and social commerce.
