Optimization Algorithm Development
Have a problem that feels like it needs optimization, but you’re not sure how to formalize or tackle it? That’s where I come in. I help researchers, engineers, and technical teams turn complex decisions, simulations, and approximations into well-posed mathematical models—and build custom algorithms that scale.
Past projects include reconstructing images from proton accelerator data for proton CT scans, optimizing customer lifetime value estimations in e-commerce, researching physics-based animation for movies, and improving trading/routing strategies in blockchain networks.
Ideal Clients
AI & Data Infrastructure Startups
building optimization into products or large-scale data workflows
Industry R&D Teams
imaging, geophysics, or other simulation-heavy domains
Common Traits
‣ Face challenges that benefit from formal optimization modeling
‣ Seek principled, well-structured solutions
‣ Need custom algorithms or solver pipelines that scale with data and complexity
‣ Want clean, modular, and maintainable implementations
‣ Value mathematical rigor and algorithmic performance
Offerings
Custom Development
Well-scoped project with modeling, solver design, and delivery. Includes Python code and clear documentation of models and methods.
Retained Support
Ongoing modeling support, solver iteration, code reviews, and integration support.
Workshops & Team Training
Live, hands-on sessions for your team. Topics include operator splitting, convex modeling, and decision-focused learning. Includes slide deck + optional recordings.
Curious if optimization can help your team?
About Me
My name is Howard Heaton, and I have degrees in computer science, mathematics, and physics. I earned my Applied Math PhD at UCLA studying numerical optimization under Wotao Yin and Stanley Osher. I've collaborated with teams in medical imaging, e-commerce, animation, and cryptoasset trading. I also publish research in top-tier optimization and machine learning venues (e.g. AAAI, JMLR, PNAS, SIMODS). Explore links below to learn more about my work.