Today Abi & Ronnie talk to Patrick Ballantyne, a PhD student in the Geographic Data Science Lab, based in the Department of Geography & Planning. Pat’s research, centred around Retail Geography, employs methods both quantitative and spatial in nature, which come under the umbrella of 'Geographic Data Science'. The primary aim of his PhD is to gain a deeper understanding of the geography of retail centre space, demonstrating how such an understanding can be used to  respond to external pressures in the retail sector, such as changing consumer behaviours and the growth of online shopping.

When lockdown began in March, Pat’s access to the shared laboratory – and therefore his research – became restricted. He discusses how he’s adjusted to these challenges, giving an overview of his experience of working from home, whilst also highlighting  the opportunities COVID-19 has presented in terms of consumer data and changing research agendas.

You can get in touch with Pat via email P.J.Ballantyne@liverpool.ac.uk or via Twitter @pj_ballantyne

For code and updates on his projects visit: https://github.com/patrickballantyne

Get in touch with us if you'd like to be involved in upcoming episodes, we’d love to hear from you about life as a PhD student, your research, new projects you’re involved in or changes to your work resulting from COVID19 (this list is not exhaustive!) Contact Abi via Twitter: @abioconnor_ or email: aoconnor@liverpool.ac.uk & Ronnie @asenseofplace1or R.D.Hughes@liv.ac.uk