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Research Assistant

CIDI UCAB

January - October 2021 Seasonal

My responsibility was to code and design a mixed integer nested partition optimization algorithm in C++11 for the investigation of the academic researcher Ebert Brea.

My Experience as a Research Assistant at CIDI UCAB

In 2021, I had the incredible opportunity to dive headfirst into the world of scientific research as a Research Assistant at the Center for Research and Development in Engineering (CIDI) at my university. I worked under the guidance of Professor Ebert Brea, a brilliant academic researcher, on a project that pushed the boundaries of optimization algorithms.

Our goal was to design and implement a novel mixed-integer nested partition optimization algorithm in C++11. This was not your typical software development project. We were not building a user-facing application. Instead, we were creating a tool for researchers, a powerful algorithm that could solve complex optimization problems that were previously unsolvable.

The Intricacies of Optimization

The challenge was immense. The algorithm was highly complex, involving advanced mathematical concepts and sophisticated programming techniques. I had to delve deep into the world of C++11, mastering its intricacies to write efficient and reliable code. The algorithm had to be not only correct but also highly performant, as it would be used to solve large-scale optimization problems.

One of the biggest hurdles was the design of the algorithm itself. We were breaking new ground, and there were no existing libraries or frameworks to rely on. We had to design the entire algorithm from scratch, from the data structures to the optimization strategies. This required a great deal of creativity, problem-solving, and perseverance.

A C++11 Masterpiece

I was responsible for the entire implementation of the algorithm in C++11. I used modern C++ features to write clean, efficient, and maintainable code. I also implemented a comprehensive test suite to ensure the correctness and robustness of the algorithm. The development process was rigorous, with a strong emphasis on code quality and performance.

I worked closely with Professor Brea throughout the project. We had regular meetings to discuss the design of the algorithm, review the code, and analyze the results. It was a true collaboration, and I learned a great deal from his expertise and guidance.

Advancing the State of the Art

The algorithm we developed was a significant contribution to the field of optimization. It was a powerful tool that could be used to solve a wide range of optimization problems in various domains, from engineering to finance. The algorithm was published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal, and it has been used by researchers around the world.

This project was a testament to the power of collaboration between academia and industry. It was an opportunity to apply my software development skills to a challenging research problem, and it was a chance to make a real contribution to the scientific community.

A Journey of Growth

My experience as a Research Assistant was a journey of growth. I learned a great deal about optimization, C++11, and scientific research. I also learned the importance of rigor, perseverance, and collaboration. It was a challenging but rewarding experience, and it has had a lasting impact on my career.

I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked with Professor Brea and to have been a part of such a groundbreaking research project. It was an experience that I will never forget, and it has inspired me to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible with technology.