Rachel Sidebottom
About Rachel Sidebottom
Rachel Sidebottom is a Transport Planner at Arup in Leeds, United Kingdom, with extensive experience in microsimulation modeling and sustainability-related transport impact assessments.
Current Role at Arup
Rachel Sidebottom has been working as a Transport Planner at Arup in Leeds, United Kingdom since 2016. In her role, she has developed a Power BI dashboard to streamline the process of collecting, reporting on, and analyzing Train Operating Company (TOC) performance. This tool aids in investment decision-making, reflecting her expertise in data analysis and transport performance evaluation.
Previous Experience in Administrative Roles
Before joining Arup, Rachel Sidebottom worked in several administrative roles across different organizations. She served as an Administrative Assistant at NCUK - The University Consortium for a month in 2016 and at Watts Group Limited for five months from 2015 to 2016 in Leeds. Additionally, she worked as a Team Assistant at Aon Hewitt Australia for a month in 2015 in Melbourne and as a Sales Advisor at Debenhams for a year from 2013 to 2014 in Manchester. Her early career includes a position as a Telephone Interviewer at McCallum Layton for five months in 2010 in Leeds.
Education and Academic Credentials
Rachel Sidebottom has a robust academic background in geography and transport planning. She achieved a Master of Science (MS) in Transport Planning from the University of Leeds, studying from 2018 to 2021. Earlier, she earned a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Geography from The University of Manchester, completing her studies from 2011 to 2014. Her educational journey began at Roundhay High School, where she studied for five years, earning 9 As and 2 A*s in GCSEs before progressing to Roundhay Sixth Form, where she obtained A levels in Geography, English Language, and Biology from 2009 to 2011.
Specialized Skills and Technical Proficiency
Rachel Sidebottom possesses extensive experience in microsimulation modeling, particularly using Aimsun. Her work often involves calibrating and validating base models, scheme testing, and economic appraisal. She has also contributed to sustainability-related transport impact assessments for major rail schemes, specifically using the CEEQUAL assessment framework. She is proficient in handling large and complex datasets using tools such as Excel, ArcGIS, and Power BI. Moreover, her involvement in multi-disciplinary projects includes writing Travel Plans and Transport Statements to support planning applications for new developments and highway schemes.