{"id":170,"date":"2026-02-05T09:59:09","date_gmt":"2026-02-05T14:59:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simulation.ucf.edu\/OptiSim\/?page_id=170"},"modified":"2026-03-22T21:00:33","modified_gmt":"2026-03-23T01:00:33","slug":"research","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/simulation.ucf.edu\/OptiSim\/research\/","title":{"rendered":"Research"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull is-layout-flow wp-container-core-group-is-layout-dc35bc7e wp-block-group-is-layout-flow has-background\" style=\"min-height:340px;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;background-image:url(&apos;https:\/\/simulation.ucf.edu\/OptiSim\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/ChatGPT-Image-Feb-3-2026-03_33_22-PM.png&apos;);background-position:52% 55%;background-size:cover;\">\n<div style=\"height:28px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-e5fd738b wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:#fcb900cc;padding-top:28px;padding-right:20px;padding-bottom:28px;padding-left:20px\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" style=\"color:#10214a;font-size:64px;line-height:1.1;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\"><strong>Research<\/strong><\/h1>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-78ce5a21 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:16px\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-content-justification-left is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-fc4fd283 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-3ae0b179 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:#111111;padding-top:14px;padding-right:24px;padding-bottom:14px;padding-left:24px\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"color:#ffffff;font-size:28px;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\"><strong>The School of Modeling, Simulation &amp; Training<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:34px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-12fc4e63 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:60px;padding-right:24px;padding-bottom:40px;padding-left:24px\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-f2b4f319 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:68%\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"color:#10214a;font-size:50px;margin-bottom:18px\">Research Overview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color\" style=\"color:#334155;font-size:21px;line-height:1.85\"><p style=\"color:#334155;font-size:21px;line-height:1.85\">The OptiSim Lab conducts interdisciplinary research combining optimization, simulation, AI\/ML, and digital-twin technologies to address large-scale, high-complexity decision problems.<\/p><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:32%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-f017406b wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:20px;border-top-color:#fcb900;border-top-width:8px;background-color:#f8fafc;padding-top:28px;padding-right:28px;padding-bottom:28px;padding-left:28px\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"color:#10214a;font-size:28px\">Research Focus<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\" style=\"color:#334155;font-size:18px;line-height:1.8\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<li>Optimization &amp; Operations Research<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t<li>Simulation Modeling &amp; Analysis<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t<li>Digital Twins &amp; Real-time Data Assimilation<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t<li>AI\/ML for Complex Systems<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-background is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-6765feee wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:#f8fafc;padding-top:70px;padding-right:24px;padding-bottom:70px;padding-left:24px\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"color:#10214a;font-size:46px;margin-bottom:22px\">Primary Research Areas<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-6cedfde3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-56829a5a wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:18px;border-left-color:#fcb900;border-left-width:6px;background-color:#ffffff;padding-top:26px;padding-right:24px;padding-bottom:26px;padding-left:24px\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"color:#10214a;font-size:24px\">1. Optimization &amp; Operations Research<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color\" style=\"color:#334155;font-size:18px;line-height:1.8\"><p style=\"color:#334155;font-size:18px;line-height:1.8\">Focusing on planning and scheduling, multi-objective optimization, heuristic and metaheuristic algorithm design, and data-driven decision models. Dr. Rabadi is a globally recognized expert in these areas and serves as Chief Editor of the <em>International Journal of Planning and Scheduling<\/em>.<\/p><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:24px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-56829a5a wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:18px;border-left-color:#fcb900;border-left-width:6px;background-color:#ffffff;padding-top:26px;padding-right:24px;padding-bottom:26px;padding-left:24px\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"color:#10214a;font-size:24px\">2. Simulation Modeling &amp; Analysis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color\" style=\"color:#334155;font-size:18px;line-height:1.8\"><p style=\"color:#334155;font-size:18px;line-height:1.8\">Using discrete-event, agent-based, and hybrid simulations to evaluate system performance under uncertainty. This aligns directly with the SMST\u2019s strong emphasis on simulation-driven research.<\/p><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-56829a5a wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:18px;border-left-color:#fcb900;border-left-width:6px;background-color:#ffffff;padding-top:26px;padding-right:24px;padding-bottom:26px;padding-left:24px\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"color:#10214a;font-size:24px\">3. Digital Twins &amp; Real-time Data Assimilation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color\" style=\"color:#334155;font-size:18px;line-height:1.8\"><p style=\"color:#334155;font-size:18px;line-height:1.8\">Developing digital-twin frameworks for disaster logistics, transportation systems, and cyber-physical operations that are supported by recent research in digital twins, adaptive systems, and data-driven modeling.<\/p><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:24px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-56829a5a wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:18px;border-left-color:#fcb900;border-left-width:6px;background-color:#ffffff;padding-top:26px;padding-right:24px;padding-bottom:26px;padding-left:24px\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"color:#10214a;font-size:24px\">4. AI\/ML for Complex Systems<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color\" style=\"color:#334155;font-size:18px;line-height:1.8\"><p style=\"color:#334155;font-size:18px;line-height:1.8\">Applying machine learning and intelligent analytics to improve predictive accuracy, enable real-time decision-making, and support resilient operations for critical infrastructure.<\/p><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-6765feee wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:70px;padding-right:24px;padding-bottom:70px;padding-left:24px\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"color:#10214a;font-size:46px;margin-bottom:22px\">Application Domains<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-6cedfde3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-56829a5a wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:18px;background-color:#f8fafc;padding-top:26px;padding-right:24px;padding-bottom:26px;padding-left:24px\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\" style=\"color:#334155;font-size:19px;line-height:1.9\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<li>Supply chain modeling and optimization<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t<li>UAV-based delivery systems &amp; autonomous operations<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t<li>Humanitarian logistics &amp; disaster response<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-56829a5a wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:18px;background-color:#f8fafc;padding-top:26px;padding-right:24px;padding-bottom:26px;padding-left:24px\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\" style=\"color:#334155;font-size:19px;line-height:1.9\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<li>Aviation and runway scheduling<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t<li>Smart cities &amp; logistics digital twins<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color\" style=\"color:#475569;margin-top:22px;font-size:18px;line-height:1.8\"><p style=\"color:#475569;font-size:18px;line-height:1.8;margin-top:22px\">These domains reflect a long history of funded research from NASA, DHS, NATO, the U.S. Department of Education, and more.<\/p><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-background is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-94645705 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:#10214a;padding-top:72px;padding-right:24px;padding-bottom:72px;padding-left:24px\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" style=\"color:#ffffff;font-size:42px\">Collaborate With Us<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-text-color\" style=\"color:#e2e8f0;font-size:20px;line-height:1.85\"><p class=\"has-text-align-center\" style=\"color:#e2e8f0;font-size:20px;line-height:1.85\">We partner with government, industry, and academic teams on applied R&amp;D, student mentorship, and technology transition. Prospective students and collaborators are welcome to connect through OptiSim@ucf.edu.<\/p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-32709505 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\" style=\"margin-top:26px\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-text-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"mailto:OptiSim@ucf.edu\" style=\"border-radius:999px;color:#10214a;background-color:#fcb900\">Email OptiSim<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Research The School of Modeling, Simulation &amp; Training Research Overview The OptiSim Lab conducts interdisciplinary research combining optimization, simulation, AI\/ML, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"disabled","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-170","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/simulation.ucf.edu\/OptiSim\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/170","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/simulation.ucf.edu\/OptiSim\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/simulation.ucf.edu\/OptiSim\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/simulation.ucf.edu\/OptiSim\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/simulation.ucf.edu\/OptiSim\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=170"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/simulation.ucf.edu\/OptiSim\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/170\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":331,"href":"https:\/\/simulation.ucf.edu\/OptiSim\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/170\/revisions\/331"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/simulation.ucf.edu\/OptiSim\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=170"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}