Robert Hildebrand

Robert Hildebrand is an Assistant Professor in the Industrial and Systems Engineering Department at Virginia Tech's College of Engineering. His research bridges theoretical optimization with practical applications in redistricting, robotics, and healthcare. Previously, he held postdoctoral positions at IBM Watson Research Center as a Goldstine Fellow and at ETH Zurich's Institute for Operations Research.

His educational background includes:

• Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics, University of California, Davis (2013)
• B.Sc. in Mathematics, University of Puget Sound (2008)

Hildebrand specializes in mixed-integer nonlinear optimization and convex geometry, with significant contributions to cutting plane theory and computational complexity. His work integrates operations research with machine learning to solve problems ranging from political redistricting to autonomous fleet optimization. Recent projects demonstrate his focus on translating theoretical advances into real-world solutions for gerrymandering analysis and space exploration robotics.

His publication trend reveals deepening expertise in non-convex integer programming, evidenced by 2024 works on reverse convex sets and binary program idealness proofs. Concurrently, he applies these methods to interdisciplinary challenges like veterans' healthcare access and invasive species prevention.

Scientific recognition includes:

• Goldstine Fellowship (IBM Research)
• Air Force Office of Scientific Research Young Investigator Program

Hildebrand actively mentors graduate researchers and secures substantial funding:

Advising: Supervised PhD completions by Benjamin Beach (2022) and Jamie Fravel (2024), plus MS graduate Brannon King (2024)
Grants: $40,000 Whole Health Consortium seed grant (2024), ICTAS EFO-O Seed Grant for space exploration robotics (2023), Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center continuation grant

He collaborates extensively through Virginia Tech's FASER lab and the Whole Health Consortium, developing optimization frameworks for geospatial healthcare analysis and autonomous fleet coordination in space exploration contexts.