Mathematical optimization software development defines the career of Robert E. Bixby, a mathematician born in 1945. His work centers on applied mathematics, specifically within the fields of linear programming and combinatorial optimization. By bridging academic research with commercial software application, he has influenced the computational methods used to solve complex optimization problems across various industries.
Academic Foundation
Bixby pursued his undergraduate studies at the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in industrial engineering in 1968. He continued his graduate education at Cornell University, completing a Doctor of Philosophy in operations research in 1972. His dissertation, titled Composition and Decomposition of Matroids and Related Topics, focused on matroid theory under the supervision of Louis Billera.
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Throughout his career, Bixby held faculty positions at several institutions, including the University of Kentucky and Northwestern University. In 1984, he joined Rice University, where he became a member of the Computational and Applied Mathematics Department and eventually served as the Noah Harding Professor Emeritus. During his time at Northwestern and Rice, he supervised doctoral students including Collette Coullard and Eva K. Lee.
Software Development and Commercialization
Bixby transitioned his expertise in optimization into the software sector by co-founding CPLEX Optimization in 1987. After the company was acquired by ILOG in 1997, he continued his work in the field as the President and co-founder of Gurobi Optimization. His contributions to the development and commercialization of high-performance optimization software earned him election to the National Academy of Engineering in 1997.
Professional Recognition
The Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences recognizes Bixby as a fellow. In 2007, he received the Frederick W. Lanchester Prize. His career has spanned significant international activity, including professional work conducted in Germany, alongside his primary research and teaching engagements based in Houston.
Fast facts
- Born: 1945
- Citizenship: United States
- Undergraduate Degree: University of California, Berkeley (1968)
- Doctoral Degree: Cornell University (1972)
- Key Software Companies: CPLEX Optimization, Gurobi Optimization
- National Academy of Engineering Election: 1997
- Frederick W. Lanchester Prize: 2007
Questions readers ask
What is Robert E. Bixby's primary field of expertise?
He specializes in applied mathematics, with a focus on mathematical optimization and linear programming.
Which major software companies did he co-found?
Bixby co-founded CPLEX Optimization in 1987 and Gurobi Optimization.
Achievements
- Frederick W. Lanchester Prize — 2007
- Held posts at University of Kentucky, Northwestern University and Rice University
- Fields: linear programming, mathematical optimization and applied mathematics
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