Call Author ID or Author Alias?

Hi

I am trying to create a unique link for each logged in user. The link needs to change depending on which user is logged in (I have about 50 staff who will be using the site).

I have created an override of the easyblogwelcome module. Within the code I have added:

			<div class="eb-mod-item">

			<a href="/<?php echo $author->getName();?>/travelling">

						<span class="mod-cell">

							<i class="mod-muted fa fa-car"></i>

						</span>

						<span class="mod-cell">Travelling Expenses</span>

					</a>

			</div>

Using the author name adds a space between the first name and last name so the link won't work. Is there a variable I can call such as:

<?php echo $author->getAuthorAlias();?>

So that when, for example Joe Bloggs is logged in, his link will show up as joe-bloggs/travelling

Then I can setup that menu item within Joomla so that it points to his own page each time he logs in.

Or is there a different way to create a link for each logged in user? I've attached a screengrab of the menu.

Thank you