Hello! I am Dr. Lissa Melis, an Assistant Professor at the Quantitative Economics department of the School of Business and Economics, Maastricht University. My professional world and interests revolves around Operations Research and Artificial Intelligence, two fascinating fields that sit at the intersection of mathematics, business, and technology.
What is Operations Research & Artificial Intelligence?
Imagine trying to solve a complex puzzle – like finding the best route for a parcel delivery truck in a large city or scheduling flights at an airport. Operations Research (OR) is about creating smart, efficient solutions to these puzzles. Using advanced mathematical models and efficient algorithms, we analyse data and develop strategies to improve decision-making and optimize performance. In simpler terms, it’s about making things run better, faster, and smarter.
Now, let’s add Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the mix. AI is essentially about simulating human intelligence in machines. When we combine OR with AI, we’re not just solving puzzles; we’re empowering machines to learn from data, make decisions, and even improve processes on their own. This synergy enables us to tackle even more intricate challenges by creating systems that can adapt, learn from past decisions, and predict future trends. Together, OR and AI form a powerful duo that can transform the way we approach problem-solving, making our solutions not only efficient but also intelligent and forward-thinking.
My Journey
My academic journey began with a PhD in Applied Economic Sciences (Operations Research) from the University of Antwerp in Belgium. There, I dived deep into the world of on-demand bus routing, exploring how to make public transport more responsive and efficient. This work was supported by an FWO (Research Foundation Flanders) fellowship.
“I am convinced that science should contribute to building a better society.”
Following my PhD, I participated in the Flemish PhD cup, where I explained my PhD thesis in 3 minutes to a non-expert audience. I enjoyed a 4-day intensive media training and I will commit myself to continue putting effort in science communication, because I am convinced that science should contribute to building a better society.
I also ventured to the USA as a postdoctoral researcher at Penn State University, focusing on a variety of urban transportation challenges. My time there, supported by the BAEF (Belgian American Educational Foundation) and the President’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Program, was a pivotal period of growth and discovery.
Fields of Interest
My research is driven by a passion for innovative solutions in urban transport and logistics, particularly:
- Design and Analysis of (Meta)heuristics: Crafting algorithms that find good solutions to complex problems quickly.
- Urban Transport and Logistics: Making city transport more efficient, sustainable, and accessible.
- Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS): Exploring systems that integrate various forms of transport into a single accessible service.
- Flexible Transport and Autonomous Vehicles: Developing adaptable transportation solutions that can meet changing needs.
- Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI): Bridging the gap between AI’s complexity and our need for understandable, transparent technology.
I’m deeply interested in how Operations Research and Artificial Intelligence can work together to create smarter, more efficient systems. It’s not just about solving problems; it’s about understanding them in new ways and discovering innovative solutions that make a real difference in our world.
Welcome to my corner of the internet – I hope to share with you the beauty and complexity of OR and AI, and perhaps inspire a few future problem solvers along the way!