math

Interests

My main focus is on combinatorial optimization, including the related fields integer programming and the more general convex optimization.

All kinds of discrete mathematics appeal to me, though. I also enjoy combinatorics and abstract algebra, especially the computational types.

Software tools

Programming and experimentation helps a lot while doing any kind of math. I'll list some software packages, that I enjoy using. All of them are either free software or available under some kind of academic license.

Python
The popular multi-paradigm programming language is my favorite calculator. The iterators are very useful to do combinatorial enumerations.
Haskell
The programming language I'm currently learning. Purely functional, with static typing and lazy evaluation. Extremely expressive and ideal for prototyping of mathematical ideas.
Sage Math
Versatile computer algebra system combining many mature packages via a common Python interface.
Parma Polyhedra Library
Modern C++ library featuring polyhedral transformations.
COIN-OR
Many tools to model and solve different kinds of optimization problems.
ZIB Optimization Suite
A complete MIP solution package, with ZIMPL (modeling), SoPlex (LP solver) and SCIP (MIP and CP solver).
Gurobi
Cutting edge LP and MIP solver and libraries.

Currently, I'm working on pseudo-randum enumeration of combinatorical objects. There's already some code.

Diploma thesis

I recently finished my diploma thesis in mathematics. It's about the minimum linear arrangement problem, a classic problem in combinatorial optimization. We developed a new approach to solving the problem with a branch-and-cut algorithm using betweenness variables.

A branch-and-cut algorithm with betweenness variables for the Linear Arrangement Problem

Seminar talks

Here are some slides for talks I've given in university seminars. Most of them are in German and cover subjects that rather fit computer science, because math talks make use of the blackboard.

Linear Arrangement Problem - Betweenness approach
(February 2010, English)
Graph isomorphisms and similarity measures
(November 2009, German)
Traveling Salesman Problem with precedences
(May 2008, German)
Ant-inspired load balancing
(January 2008, German)