Internship Organization and designation: Lead Researcher, Terrametrics Research Lab in partnership with Green Analytics and Mitacs Canada.
Roles and responsibilities: Xiao spend the Spring term working on a research project with Terrametrics Research Lab and Green Analytics. The project focuses on the health and economic benefit of investing in urban green space and proposes a business case for municipalities through literature review and a series of case studies. He leads a case study in which he is responsible for data collection, data analysis, model building, and report writing. Through this research, Xiao aims to bridge the gap between Eco health and economic development.
Whats Next: Xiao is building his network with consulting firms in the aviation industry. Building on the knowledge gained from the MEDI program and the experience earned from the internship with Terrametrics Research Lab, he is looking forward to exploring future opportunities where he can combine his aviation background and economic development insights. From his extensive academic and professional experience, Xiao sees immense potential in the role of airport and aerospace industry in further developing the regional economy of southern Ontario and Canada. The global pandemic is devastating in the aviation industry, but Xiao believes that the industry will come back stronger and healthier.
How MEDI Helped: he MEDI program helps in giving me the practical tools and valuable knowledge needed to make a change in the world of economic development. Inside the classroom, the diverse topics that were debated enhanced my understanding of the EcDev academic theories and real-world practices. Outside the classroom, the support I have received from my professors, colleagues, and peers built my ability to think, to innovate, to act and to make a change.