PhD Candidate

Daniela
Granados Rivera

Operations Research | Supply Chain Optimization | MILP · Heuristics · Python

I translate real-world operational problems into rigorous mathematical models, then build efficient algorithms that make those models work in practice across supply chains, logistics networks, and resource scheduling.

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About Me

Operations Researcher

I am a fifth-year PhD candidate in Industrial and Systems Engineering (Operations Research) at Auburn University, advised by Dr. Alice E. Smith and Dr. Daniel F. Silva. Originally from Bogotá, Colombia, I was drawn to operations research for its power to model any complex system and optimize it for real-world impact.

My dissertation investigates how mobile additive manufacturing (MAM) factories and drone-based delivery can be jointly optimized to create supply chains that adapt to demand uncertainty and recover from disruptions. Developed in direct collaboration with Fieldmade, a Norwegian industrial partner, and published in the International Journal of Production Research.

Beyond my dissertation, my research spans multiple applied domains. I contributed the stochastic optimization components of a Department of Defense-funded project with Frontier Technology Inc., developing two-stage optimization frameworks for large-scale personnel and mission scheduling with decision support for wargames simulation. During a research visit to NTNU in Norway under the FutureLOG project, I developed queueing models to analyze autonomous mobile robot performance in logistics environments. I am also developing a competitive facility location model integrating Multinomial Logit customer choice behavior, calibrated on survey data from 373 households in Bogotá.

Across all my work I apply a consistent methodology: Translating real-world operational problems into rigorous mathematical models, then designing efficient algorithms that make those models tractable at scale. I am passionate about seeing optimization deployed in practice and am actively seeking industry roles in Operations Research and Applied Science. I am willing to relocate.

Research Focus
Supply Chain Optimization MILP Stochastic Optimization Heuristic Algorithms Drone Logistics Mobile Manufacturing Facility Location Vehicle Routing Metaheuristics
Expected Graduation
May or August 2027 · Auburn University
Looking For
Operations Research Scientist · Applied Scientist · Optimization Scientist · Supply Chain Optimization roles
Languages
Spanish (Native) · English · Italian(B1)
5+
Years research experience in OR and supply chain optimization
4
Peer-reviewed journal publications in Q1 and Q2 outlets
128
Students taught independently as instructor of record
3
Countries where research has been conducted or applied
Projects

Research

Published · IJPR 2025

Drone-Enhanced Offshore Spare Parts Logistics Using Mobile Additive Manufacturing

Developed a Mixed-Integer Linear Programming model integrating MAM factory relocation, production planning, and drone-enhanced multimodal routing for offshore spare parts delivery. Designed a two-stage matheuristic achieving solutions 60x faster than exact MILP with less than 6% optimality gap. Applied to a real-world network of 45 locations and 30 offshore oil platforms in Norway in collaboration with Fieldmade.

Read paper →
MILP Matheuristic ALNS Drone Routing Facility Location Mobile Manufacturing Python CPLEX doopl
Key Results
- 60× faster than exact MILP for small and medium instances
- Less than 6% optimality gap for small and medium instances
- 45 locations, 30 offshore platforms
- Real case study in Norway
- Industry partner: Fieldmade
In Progress

Multi-Stage Stochastic Planning Under Disruption Uncertainty

Building a Multi-Stage Stochastic MILP model capturing sequential disruption uncertainty across facility and demand locations. Integrates relocation, production, distribution, and drone routing decisions under a scenario tree with non-anticipativity constraints. Applied to military logistics and post-disaster relief operations.

Inquire →
Stochastic Programming MILP Scenario Tree Rolling Horizon CPLEX Python
In Progress

Mobile Competitive Facility Location with Customer Choice Modeling

Developing a multiperiod mobile competitive facility location model integrating Multinomial Logit discrete choice behavior with capacity sizing and multi-objective optimization. Parameters calibrated via Maximum Likelihood Estimation on survey data from 373 households in Bogotá, Colombia.

Inquire →
Facility Location Discrete Choice MNL MLE Multi-Objective Scikit-learn Gurobi
Completed · Collaboration

Autonomous Mobile Robot Performance Analysis and Layout Design Optimization

Collaborated with NTNU and IIM Ahmedabad on queueing model development to analyze AMR system performance and evaluate layout design trade-offs in logistics environments. Applied to real operational data within the SmartLIB project funded by the Research Council of Norway.

Inquire →
Queueing Theory Simulation AMR Systems Layout Optimization
Completed

Decision Support System for Military Personnel and Mission Scheduling

Contributed stochastic optimization components to a Department of Defense-funded project with Frontier Technology Inc., developing a two-stage stochastic framework for large-scale personnel and mission scheduling with decision support for wargames simulation.

Inquire →
Stochastic Optimization Genetic Algorithm Simulated Annealing Gurobi Python Decision Support
Professional History

Experience

2022 –
Present
Research Assistant
Auburn University · Auburn, AL
  • Published first-authored paper in International Journal of Production Research (2025) on drone-enhanced logistics optimization using Mobile Additive Manufacturing factories.
  • Developed a two-stage matheuristic achieving solutions 60x faster than exact MILP with less than 6% optimality gap for small and medium instances.
  • Built a Multi-Stage Stochastic MILP model for supply chain planning under disruption uncertainty in high-risk environments.
  • Collaborated with Fieldmade (Norway) on a real-world offshore spare parts delivery network across 45 locations and 30 oil platforms.
  • Implemented metaheuristics in Python including Adaptive Large Neighborhood Search, Genetic Algorithm, and Simulated Annealing.
  • Contributed to a Department of Defense-funded research project with Frontier Technology Inc. (FTI), developing stochastic optimization components for large-scale personnel and mission scheduling and decision support for wargames simulation.
View published work →
Aug 2025 –
May 2026
Instructor of Record — Engineering Economics (INSY 3600)
Auburn University · Auburn, AL
  • Independently taught Engineering Economics to classes of up to 130 undergraduate students with full course responsibility.
  • Achieved mean evaluation scores of 5.1–5.4 out of 6.0 with a 94.5% student response rate across two semesters.
  • Developed original course materials, study guides, and active learning activities from scratch including financial modeling exercises in Excel, incorporating student feedback to improve semester over semester.
  • Recognized with the Dr. Saeed Maghsoodloo Assistantship for outstanding graduate teaching contributions.
Auburn Engineering feature →
Feb –
May 2024
Visiting PhD Researcher
Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) · Trondheim, Norway
  • Conducted visiting research under the FutureLOG project (Research Council of Norway) in sustainable logistics.
  • Collaborated with NTNU and IIM Ahmedabad on (Autonomous Mobile Robots) AMR logistics optimization within the SmartLIB project.
  • Developed queueing models for autonomous robot system performance. Manuscript in preparation — revising for resubmission following peer review.
Auburn Engineering feature →
Aug –
Dec 2021
Freelance Research Consultant
Fundación LOGYCA · Bogotá, Colombia
  • Consulted on two applied logistics projects funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB): food waste reduction in marketplaces and last mile distribution optimization for online orders.
  • Developed supply chain improvement strategies for marketplace operations in Garagoa and Villavicencio, Colombia.
  • Created an operational logistics guide for food waste reduction adopted as a project deliverable.
2019 –
Jun 2022
Research Assistant and Instructor
Universidad de La Sabana · Chía, Colombia
  • Developed optimization and simulation models for decision making and analyzed databases using analytical tools for predictive modeling.
  • Published two peer-reviewed journal articles in Q1/Q2 international journals on OR applications in food supply chains.
  • Co-authored four book chapters with Springer and Taylor & Francis on optimization methodologies.
  • Led a research group of nine undergraduate students presenting at four international conferences.
Skills Applied Across Experience
Optimization & Modeling
MILP Stochastic Programming Heuristic Algorithms Matheuristic Metaheuristics Queueing Theory Facility Location Vehicle Routing Discrete Choice Modeling Multi-Objective Optimization
Tools & Programming
Python CPLEX Gurobi doopl OPL Java R Scikit-learn Pandas NumPy Git
Domain
Supply Chain Optimization Logistics Offshore Operations Military Logistics Mobile Manufacturing Drone Delivery AMR Systems Food Supply Chains Decision Support
Peer-Reviewed Work

Publications

Academic Background

Education

2022 – 2027 (exp.)
PhD in Industrial & Systems Engineering (Operations Research)
Auburn University · Auburn, AL
Dissertation: Using Mobile Additive Manufacturing and Drones for Dynamic, Adaptive, and Resilient Supply Chains
Advisors: Dr. Alice E. Smith · Dr. Daniel F. Silva
2022 – May 2025
MS in Industrial & Systems Engineering
Auburn University · Auburn, AL
Earned concurrently with PhD. Focused on optimization, stochastic modeling, and data analytics.
May 2025
Graduate Certificate in Modeling and Data Analytics
Auburn University · Auburn, AL
Machine learning, statistical modeling, and data-driven decision making.
2019 – Jun 2022
Master's in Design and Process Management — Logistics Systems
Universidad de La Sabana · Chía, Colombia
Thesis: Improving food security with farmers' markets in Bogotá: A logistics perspective
Advisor: Dr. Gonzalo Mejía
*Meritorious thesis award.
2014 – 2019
BS in Industrial Engineering
Escuela Colombiana de Ingeniería Julio Garavito · Bogotá, Colombia
Foundation in industrial engineering, operations research, and systems optimization.
Recognition & Service

Awards & Involvement

2026
Dr. Saeed Maghsoodloo Assistantship for Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant
Auburn University · Dept. of Industrial and Systems Engineering
2025
100+ Women Strong Departmental Annual Graduate Award
Auburn University
2024
100+ Women Strong Departmental Travel Award
Auburn University · INFORMS/ALIO/ASOCIO Conference, Medellín
2022
Recognition of Meritorious Master's Thesis
Universidad de La Sabana
2019
Research Grant for Master's Degree
Engineering School · Universidad de La Sabana
Professional Involvement
INFORMS Auburn Chapter — Safety Officer (2025–26) · Secretary (2024–25) · E-Council Representative (2023–24)
Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) Auburn Chapter — Academic Excellence Chair (2023)
INFORMS Auburn University Chapter
INFORMS Auburn University Chapter — Auburn, AL
Research Dissemination

Talks & Presentations

2026
INFORMS
INFORMS Annual Meeting — Job Search Track
Stochastic Optimization for Adaptive Supply Chain Design with Mobile Additive Manufacturing and Drone-enhanced Delivery
San Francisco, CA · November 2026
2026
INFORMS
INFORMS Optimization Society Conference (IOS 2026)
Mobile additive manufacturing factories with drone-enhanced delivery to supply spare parts to offshore platforms
Atlanta, GA · March 2026
2025
INFORMS
INFORMS Annual Meeting
Mobile Additive Manufacturing Factories with Drone Delivery to Supply Spare Partsto Offshore Platforms
Atlanta, GA · October 2025
2025
IFAC
11th IFAC Conference on Manufacturing, Modelling, Management and Control
Using Mobile Additive Manufacturing and Drones for Supplying Spare Parts to Offshore Platforms
Trondheim, Norway · July 2025
2024
INFORMS/ALIO/ASOCIO
INFORMS/ALIO/ASOCIO International Conference
Using Mobile Factories and Drones for Supplying Spare Parts to OffshorePlatforms
Medellín, Colombia · June 2024
2020
SOHOMA Latin America
1st Latin-American Workshop on Service-Oriented, Holonic and Multi-Agent Manufacturing Systems for Industry of the Future
A Multi-agent Optimization Approach to Determine Farmers’ Market Locations in Bogotá City, Colombia
Bogotá, Colombia · January 2021
2020
ICPR
ICPR Americas — International Conference on Production Research
Design of a Nanostores’ Delivery Service Network for Food Supplying in COVID-19 Times: A Linear Optimization Approach
Bahía Blanca, Argentina · December 2020
Media & Recognition

In the News

Daniela Granados Rivera teaching award
April 2026 · Auburn Engineering

ISE Doctoral Student Honored for Excellence in Teaching

Awarded the annual Dr. Saeed Maghsoodloo Assistantship, recognizing outstanding graduate teaching assistants in the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering.

Read article →
Daniela in Norway at NTNU
July 2024 · Auburn Engineering

Engineering Doctoral Students Gain International Experience in Norway

Studied abroad at NTNU under the FutureLOG project, collaborating with Fieldmade on mobile additive manufacturing systems for offshore logistics.

Read article →
Let's Connect

Get In Touch

Whether you want to talk about Operations Research opportunities, explore a collaboration, or just say hello: I would love to hear from you! I am actively seeking my next role in Operations Research, Supply Chain Optimization, or Applied Science.

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