Tierney, Kevin

I develop machine learning and optimization methods to model and solve complex decision-making problems in logistics and production, such as package delivery or factory scheduling. My work leverages artificial intelligence to provide fast solutions in human-in-the-loop settings, enabling real-world applications across industry, government, and non-profit organizations. My goal is to make decision support systems efficient, trustworthy and widely accessible.

My research helps create smarter, faster, and more reliable decision-making systems that improve how goods are delivered, resources are scheduled, and services are provided in everyday life.

• Operations research
• Integrating machine learning, reinforcement learning and optimization
• Maritime logistics
• Algorithm configuration and selection
• Optimization under uncertainty

• 2004-2008 Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Rochester Institute of Technology, USA
• 2008-2010 Master of Science in Computer Science, Brown University, USA
• 2010-2013 PhD on the topic of “Optimizing Liner Shipping Fleet Repositioning Plans,” IT University of Copenhagen, Denmark
• 2013-2014 Postdoc, Paderborn University
• 2014-2018 Assistant Professor for Decision Support System and Operations Research, Paderborn University
• 2017 Positive Evaluation as Assistant Professor, Paderborn University
• 2018-2025 Professor for Decision and Operation Technologies, Bielefeld University
• since October, 2025 Professorship in Production und Logistics, University of Vienna