Dr. Lei Zou’s Team Receives TAMIDS 2024 Seed Program Award for AI and Data Science Research

We are excited to announce that Dr. Lei Zou is part of a research team awarded funding through the Texas A&M Institute of Data Science (TAMIDS) 2024 Seed Program for AI, Computing, and Data Science (SPAICD). The program aims to support innovative research projects that enhance novel ideas, foster collaboration, and develop results to secure future funding opportunities in artificial intelligence, computing, and data science.

In this competitive cycle, TAMIDS received 39 proposals from faculty across the university, with only the top ten receiving funding. Dr. Zou’s project, "Leveraging AI to Enhance the Urban Planning Process: Detecting Opportunities in Comprehensive and General Plans," was selected for its innovative approach to improving urban planning through AI-driven techniques.

About the Research

The awarded project focuses on applying artificial intelligence (AI), data science (DS), and machine learning (ML) to analyze comprehensive and general plans from diverse U.S. communities, spanning urban, suburban, and rural areas. Traditionally, urban planning has relied on manual and qualitative methods, but this research seeks to integrate predictive modeling, pattern recognition, and optimization to enhance data-driven decision-making, public engagement, and scenario analysis in planning.

As part of this initiative, the interdisciplinary research team—including experts from urban planning, geography, and computer science—will analyze over 1,000 planning documents in a pilot study to identify patterns, emerging trends, and opportunities for innovation. The project aligns with Texas A&M’s strategic goals of advancing smart city technologies and AI innovation. Additionally, partnerships with the American Planning Association will help extend the project’s impact and visibility in the field.

Research Team

Dr. Thomas Sanchez, Department of Landscape Architecture & Urban Planning

Dr. Lei Zou, Department of Geography

Dr. James Caverlee, Department of Computer Science & Engineering

This recognition underscores Dr. Zou’s ongoing contributions to the field of AI-driven urban planning and reflects the commitment of Texas A&M researchers to tackling real-world challenges through data science and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Stay tuned for updates on this exciting research!