Rafid is an Associate data scientist / engineer with WSP, one of the world’s leading engineering professional services consulting firms. He specialises in helping clients transform data into insights that can be used to make better decisions. He has a broad range of experiences gained from working in both the private and public sectors, ranging from building statistical deterioration models for rail bridges, examining the risk of climate change to supply chains, to building machine learning applications to examine 3rd party development risks to future rail projects.
Rafid is also a member of the NSW Cave Rescue Squad, which is a specialised unit of the Volunteer Rescue Association - one of several volunteer emergency services in NSW. During the 2019/20 bushfire season there was a need for emergency services personnel with specialised GIS/mapping/analytics experience. Whilst trained for vertical rescue, Rafid deployed as a volunteer to assist RFS incident management teams in using data to inform firefighting responses and in an operational setting. The combination of experience from engineering consulting being applied to an operational emergency management scenario led to some interesting insights.
Rafid works for WSP. WSP are technical experts and strategic advisors including engineers, technicians, scientists, planners, surveyors, environmental specialists, as well as other design, program and construction management professionals. WSP design lasting Property & Buildings, Transportation & Infrastructure, Resources (including Mining and Industry), Water, Power and Environmental solutions, as well as provide project delivery and strategic consulting services.
Whilst working in a volunteer capacity to assist the RFS, WSP provided additional paid leave to Rafid to sponsor his deployment.