Rida Mazhar
PhD Candidate
Rida Mazhar commenced her academic journey with a bachelor’s degree in Geoinformatics Engineering from the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Pakistan, in 2015. During her undergraduate studies, she completed an internship with Pakistan Telecommunication Limited (PTCL), gaining hands-on experience in network planning using GIS tools.
After graduation, Rida briefly taught geography at the higher secondary level before enrolling in a Master of Science in Urban and Regional Planning at NUST in 2016. Her master’s thesis, Impact of Mega Transit Projects on Formal and Informal Public Transport Systems: A Case Study of Lahore, analysed the dynamics between traditional and modern public transport networks. During her postgraduate studies, Rida worked as a GIS Research Associate at the Urban Unit in Lahore and as a Research Assistant on a project focused on peri-urban planning.
In February 2023, she secured a PhD position at Federation University Australia, supported by the Destination Australia and Department of Education Stipend Scholarships. Rida started her PhD at CeRDI in March 2024.
Email: rmazhar@students.federation.edu.au
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0001-1943-1770 
Standardising smart cities assessment: Developing a readiness and performance measurement system for medium-sized regional cities in Australia
Smart and sustainable cities are increasingly recognised as strategic responses to the multifaceted challenges of urbanisation and climate change. In 2024, the Smart Cities Advisory Group of Australia highlighted the critical role of regional areas in advancing smart city initiatives.