Theodore B. Trafalis

Theodore B. Trafalis is a Professor in the Department of Industrial & Systems Engineering at the University of Oklahoma. He leads the Laboratory of Optimization and Intelligent Systems (LOIS), focusing on optimization, machine learning, and data-driven methods with applications in weather prediction, healthcare, manufacturing, and finance.

Education:

• Ph.D., Industrial Engineering, Purdue University
• M.S., Industrial Engineering, Purdue University
• M.S., Mathematics, Purdue University
• B.S., Mathematics, University of Athens

Research Interests: Uses optimization and machine learning to solve real-world challenges such as tornado prediction, supply chain resilience, and fair AI systems. Specializes in federated learning, robust algorithms, and imbalanced data problems. Active in developing mathematical frameworks for data assimilation in geophysical models and medical prognosis systems.

Key Achievements:

• Recipient of OU Regents Award for Superior Research (2004)
• Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Intelligent Control and Automation
• Author of over 150 peer-reviewed articles spanning optimization theory, machine learning, and interdisciplinary applications

Grants & Collaborations:

• NASA-funded projects on tornado prediction systems
• DOE grants for robust optimization in energy networks
• Industry partnerships with aerospace and manufacturing firms

Labs & Teams: Directs the LOIS Lab, which collaborates with institutions globally on AI ethics, risk-aware control systems, and sustainable supply chains.