Dave Tompkins

Dave Tompkins is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Waterloo and serves as Associate Director of Undergraduate Studies. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of British Columbia (2010), an M.A.Sc. (2000), and dual B.Sc./B.E.Sc. degrees from the University of Western Ontario (1994/1996). His teaching focus is on the core computer science curriculum, emphasizing foundational courses. His research interests span SAT solving, stochastic local search (SLS) algorithms, algorithm configuration, and image compression techniques.

Dr. Tompkins has contributed extensively to the field of SAT solving through publications on methods like Adaptive Novelty+, Dynamic Scoring Functions, and UBCSAT tool development. His work also includes studies on variable selection heuristics and algorithm adaptation strategies. Notably, he has explored warped landscapes in SAT solving and reactive scaling techniques. Earlier research involved bi-level image compression using JBIG2 standards, addressing challenges in lossy and lossless coding.

His publication trends reflect a strong emphasis on algorithm design and analysis, particularly in combinatorial optimization and constraint satisfaction problems. While no scientific awards are explicitly listed, his contributions to SLS methodologies and SAT solving have likely impacted the field significantly. No grants or advising records are documented in the provided materials.