Please describe your research in nontechnical language:
 I'm best known for writing scientific papers on transport-related themes. I have recently co-authored a paper on COVID-19 mitigation in public transportation, which among other things, sought to unravel commercial drivers’ perception of vulnerability to catching the SARS-CoV-2 virus while at work and their compliance to the enhanced mitigation measures, including masking up. This study shows that most drivers have a high vulnerability perception to Covid-19. It further emerged that older drivers, in particular, consistently wore face masks and insisted on masking up by other persons in their commercial vehicles. Socio-demographic factors and the need to ensure one's safety and the safety of loved ones were critical determinants of face mask use. The policy implication is that public awareness campaigns must focus on the younger generation of drivers (i.e. 18-39 years) who perceived themselves to be immune to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Also, state and non-state actors, like the transport operator unions, must strengthen their collective resolve to defeat Covid-19. To read more, visit https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10900-021-01004-0


How would you explain what you do to someone unfamiliar with your work and field? 
 My main area of research is the geography of transportation systems with a particular focus on transport and the organization of human space, COVID-19 mitigation in public transport, electro-mobility, travel-behavior, emerging technology-driven transport network services, and road safety. Through innovative and cutting-edge scientific approaches, I am currently partnering with international consultants to develop an e-Mobility policy framework for the government of Ghana. Previously, my research has shed light on the emergence and ensuing conflicts involving transportation network companies and local taxi operators in Accra; road safety with a particular focus on the use of seatbelts by drivers, and the use crash helmets by commercial motorcyclists and pillion riders respectively. In addition, I have highlighted on mobility patterns in metropolitan Accra with an interest in mode choice determinants for both long distance and short distance trips, as well as the demand-supply dynamics in the commercial use of motor-taxis, locally referred to as ‘Okada’.


What draws you to your work? 
 My motivation for teaching and researching is shaped by two major experiences. First, my former Geography tutors and professors at both senior high school and tertiary levels inspired me positively with their uncanny dedication and sheer enthusiasm to the extent that I just wanted to be a teacher and a scientist, and not just an ordinary teacher but an excellent teacher, just like they were. Second, the skills and competencies acquired over the years in the art of public speech, particularly during my doctoral studies at the University of Ghana where I won the coveted ‘Best Oral Presentation Award’ at the maiden doctoral research conference, have prepared me adequately for teaching and researching.


What's your favorite course to teach and why?
 My favorite course is GEOG 462 Transportation and the Space Economy. This second semester course allows me to employ the multifaceted Problem-Based Learning pedagogy for the benefit of my students. These include the use of documentaries and audiovisuals; guest lectures involving key transport industry players, road safety policy actors and law enforcers; student-led group field research projects and educational tours of the Tema sea port.


What do you wish others (colleagues, students) knew about what you do? 
 I believe that teaching at the university ought not to be impersonal, boring, non-humorous and completely disassociated from real-world happenings. On the contrary, teaching and learning ought to be fun with a cocktail of very animated lectures, field trips, and site visits.


If you could share one piece of advice with students, what would it be?
 “I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand”(Confucius). By sure to practice what you learn.


So far in your career, what do you consider to be your greatest achievement?
 The greatest achievement in my career was in 2017 when my scientific paper "Does distance and personal circumstances of trip makers matter to mode choice choice? Evidence from urban Ghana" was adjudged the Overall Best Paper at the China-Ghana Urban Development Forum by the Confucius Institute of the University of Cape Coast.


Finally, if you weren't doing this, what would you be doing?
 Perhaps, I would have been a pastor because I just love to teach based on my thorough research of literature.

Author Name
Dr. Ernest Agyemang
Geography & Resource Development
School of Social Sciences
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