Mikele Gajda

Operations Research Engineer

Operations Research Engineer with a strong background in optimization algorithms, data analysis, and software development. Proven ability to enhance logistics and transportation systems by integrating advanced data-driven optimization strategies, including reinforcement learning techniques. Proficient in Python, Julia, Java, R, Gurobi, CPLEX, and other industry-standard tools.

Operations Research Reinforcement Learning Data-Driven Optimization

Experience

PhD in Operations Research

University of Lausanne (CH)
Lausanne, Switzerland | 2020-2025

Combinatorial optimization; Routing and Scheduling problems; Mathematical modeling.

  • Published (2) and submitted (2) articles to top-field Q1 research international journals.
  • Extended my research network and collaborated with more than 8 researcher from 6 different institutions.
  • Lectured practical sessions in Master courses at EPFL and Unil .
  • Obtained Research Grant for Mobility - HaslerStiftung (10,000 CHF).
  • Winner of Innovation Challenge - Campus 2030 - 1st Prize (5,000 CHF) for vĂ©Lausanne, a game to incentivize biking and walking.
Branch-and-cut Metaheuristics Reinforcement Learning Column Generation Combinatorial Optimization

Visiting Researcher

Polytechnique Montréal (Québec, CA)
Montréal (Québec), Canada | 2023-

Explored column generation and branch-and-price algorithms applied to challenging routing optimization problems. Investigated methodologies at the intersection of machine learning and operations research. Host: Prof. Thibaut Vidal

Visiting Researcher

Ivey Business School (Ontario, CA)
London (Ontario), Canada | 2023-

Explored exact approaches through the modeling of robust mathematical models with efficient valid inequalities. Applied Benders decomposition approaches in CPLEX to evaluate the potential impacts in the solution process.

Lead Optimization Engineer - R&D Department

Italmondo
Milano, Italy | 2019-2020

Worked as a principal Operations Research investigator in designing optimization algorithms and leading a team of developers in implementing solutions into company’s ERP system.

  • Guided the development and implementation of a novel algorithm for the Container Loading Problem, achieving 20% improvement in space utilization and significant cost savings.
  • Led a team of developers in designing and implementing an enterprise-wide optimization framework, ensuring integration with existing systems.
  • Established technical requirements and architectural guidelines for future optimization projects.
Java MATLAB SQL

Software Engineer

AM Automatic Machines
Brescia, Italy | 2016-2017

Developed CRM solutions for the telemarketing team

  • Built interactive geographical visualization system to strategically prioritize store contacts based on historical call data.
  • Integrated Google Street View data into the information process.

Education

Master's in Computer Science & Engineering

University of Brescia
Brescia, Italy | 2017-2019

Master’s Thesis Project at Technical University of Denmark in collaboration with ETH Zurich (CH).

Final Grade: 110/110

Mathematical Optimization Software Engineering Artificial Intelligence Machine Learning

Skills

Programming Languages

Python Julia Java SQL R

Frameworks & Tools

Gurobi CPLEX Docker Git Numpy Pandas Pytorch

Human Languages

English (C1) French (B2) Italian (native) Albanian (native)

Hobbies

Football Hiking Chess Dreaming