Final ACO Doctoral Examination and Defense of Dissertation
Title: New Directions in Multi-Objective Optimization with Applications
Jai Moondra
ACO PhD student, School of Computer Science
Date: Friday, November 14th, 2025
Time: 8:30-10:30 am
Location: Klaus 2108
Zoom: https://gatech.zoom.us/j/95280299142
Advisors:
Dr. Swati Gupta, Sloan School of Management, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Dr. Mohit Singh, H. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology
Committee:
Dr. Swati Gupta, Sloan School of Management, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Dr. Mohit Singh, H. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology
Dr. Sahil Singla, School of Computer Science, Georgia Institute of Technology
Dr. Milind Tambe, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University
Dr. Santosh S. Vempala, School of Computer Science, Georgia Institute of Technology
Reader:
Dr. Sahil Singla, School of Computer Science, Georgia Institute of Technology
Link to thesis draft:
https://jaimoondra.github.io/files/thesis_draft.pdf
Abstract:
This thesis introduces the portfolio framework for optimization with multiple objectives. A portfolio is a small set of solutions that approximately optimizes every objective under consideration. This approach recognizes the inherent plurality of objectives and provides a structured way to navigate competing goals. Instead of insisting on a single ‘best’ solution, portfolios offer a small number of high-quality solutions that together span the space of possible preferences. This work discusses the theoretical foundations, algorithmic techniques, and practical applications of this framework across various problems in machine learning and combinatorial optimization.
