Overview
Background
As a quantitative urban data scientist and planner, I specialise in analysing and modelling complex urban systems (including housing, transport, and infrastructure) in an increasingly intelligent and data-driven world to inform evidence-based public policy and planning practices. My research addresses critical challenges such as housing financialisation and affordability, transport equity and sustainability, and climate-resilient, liveable communities in both Australian and global contexts. Through interdisciplinary research, industry partnerships, and innovation-led education, I translate complex urban data into practical solutions while mentoring the next generation of urban researchers through PhD, Master's, and Honours supervision.
Availability
- Dr Frank Zou is:
- Available for supervision
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Bachelor, Beijing Language and Culture University (北京语言大学)
- Masters (Coursework), University of Oregon
- Doctor of Philosophy, University of Maryland-College Park
Research interests
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Housing research
Topics including housing economics, housing affordability, short-term rental, climate resilient living, and housing policy evaluation
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Transport research
Topics including shared mobility and micromobility, public transport, active travel, travel behaviour, climate resilience, and transport policy evaluation
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Urban analytics
Topics including urban big data, complex analytics, machine learning and AI, data visualisation, and smart city
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Climate resilience
Topics including resilient city, climate mitigation, climate adaption, geospatial analysis, and coupling of human-nature systems
Works
Search Professor Frank Zou’s works on UQ eSpace
2018
Journal Article
Voter-approved annexations in an urban growth boundary regime: the impacts on housing values, density, and economic equity
Lewis, Rebecca, Parker, Robert, Zou, Zhenpeng, Hovekamp, Winston, Mcgowen, Megan and Sherrard, Ryan (2018). Voter-approved annexations in an urban growth boundary regime: the impacts on housing values, density, and economic equity. Growth and Change, 49 (2), 286-313. doi: 10.1111/grow.12235
Supervision
Availability
- Dr Frank Zou is:
- Available for supervision
Looking for a supervisor? Read our advice on how to choose a supervisor.
Available projects
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Growing Climate Resilient and Affordable Australian Cities amid Climate Change
This project examines the interrelationship between climate resilience and affordability in Australian cities, recognising that climate adaptation and the cost of living are increasingly interconnected. Using integrated analyses of housing, transport, land use, and climate data, the research develops evidence to support urban policies that simultaneously enhance resilience, affordability, and long-term sustainability.
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Evaluating Australian Short-Term Rental Markets and Policy
Platform-mediated short-term rentals, such as Airbnb and Stayz, have transformed both the accommodation sector and housing markets in Australia. This project develops data-driven market monitoring and policy evaluation tools using advanced analytics, text mining, and AI to understand market dynamics, assess regulatory impacts, and support evidence-based policies that balance tourism growth with housing affordability and community wellbeing.
Media
Enquiries
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