I am Associate Professor of Operations and Industrial Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), with courtesy professorships in Mathematical Sciences and Data Science. I hold a Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh. My objective is to use science and technology to assist real human need by improving systems that serve vulnerable peoples, such as refugees and asylum seekers, survivors of human trafficking, and children in the foster care system.
I believe that the convergence of novel analytical technologies and open-source software can create solutions that improve quality of life, increase fairness, restore dignity, and generate significant societal impact. My research focuses on using prescriptive (integer optimization) and predictive (machine learning) analytics, together with algorithms, to effectively allocate scarce resources.
Under my mentorship, my team employs mathematical modeling and develops methods and tools to benefit vulnerable and marginalized individuals, groups, and populations. My scholarly work deeply influences students to get involved in these research projects that provides an opportunity to contribute in expanding the current boundaries of knowledge.
My research is supported by the National Science Foundation (Operations Engineering) grants CMMI-1825348, CMMI-1841893, CMMI-1935602, the Ragnar Söderberg Foundation, and other organizations.
You can find my work published in research journals and conferences that include:
- Operations Research
- Production and Operations Management
- European Journal of Operational Research
- INFORMS Journal on Computing
- IISE Transactions
- IJCAI
- Decision Support Systems
- Discrete Optimization
- Socio-Economic Planning Sciences
- Journal of Cleaner Production
- Journal of Combinatorial Optimization
- Health Systems
- Bioinformatics
Learn more about Professor Trapp's teaching, current students, and how to join his team on his personal website.
Visit Digital WPI to view student projects and research advised by Professor Trapp.
SDG 3: Good Health & Well-Being
SDG 3: Good Health & Well-Being - Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth - Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities - Reduce inequality within and among countries
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production - Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions - Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels
Chief Data Officer Magazine
INFORMS (Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences)
Patents