Research
Developing models, algorithms and intelligent decision-support systems for complex operational environments.
Modeling · Simulation · Optimization
Professor and Director
School of Modeling, Simulation and Training · University of Central Florida
Research and academic leadership at the intersection of digital twins, operations research, simulation, planning and scheduling, artificial intelligence, and resilient logistics.

About
Ghaith Rabadi is a Professor and Director of the School of Modeling, Simulation and Training at the University of Central Florida. His work spans complex systems modeling, optimization, digital twins, planning and scheduling, and supply chain and logistics applications.
Before joining UCF, he served as a professor and graduate program director at Old Dominion University and as Vice President for Research and Development at Princess Sumaya University for Technology. Earlier in his career, he completed NASA-funded postdoctoral research, held a visiting faculty appointment at UCF, and worked as a research director in the modeling and simulation industry.
His research has received support from public agencies and industry partners, including NASA, the Department of Homeland Security, NATO, the Virginia Port Authority, MITRE, Northrop Grumman, STIHL, and Qatar Foundation. He is also a co-founder and Chief Editor of the International Journal of Planning and Scheduling.
Professional focus
Developing models, algorithms and intelligent decision-support systems for complex operational environments.
Preparing graduate researchers to work across engineering, analytics, modeling, simulation and emerging technologies.
Building interdisciplinary programs, partnerships and research initiatives within UCF and across external organizations.
Research at a glance
Current work connects rigorous operations research with simulation, artificial intelligence and digital engineering.
Data-connected virtual systems for monitoring, experimentation, optimization and training.
Optimization, heuristics and metaheuristics for complex planning and resource-allocation problems.
Discrete-event simulation and simulation optimization for dynamic operational environments.
Models and algorithms for aviation, manufacturing and other resource-constrained systems.
Resilient logistics, transportation systems and decision support for commercial and humanitarian settings.
Machine learning and autonomous systems for disaster information, search and rescue, and emergency operations.
Featured work
A model-based systems engineering approach for real-time, data-connected simulation.
View publicationA U.S. Department of Education-supported initiative for next-generation modeling and simulation education.
View projectMentoring doctoral researchers across optimization, digital twins, logistics, simulation and AI applications.
Meet the studentsConnect with Dr. Rabadi through UCF or explore his scholarly profiles and current research initiatives.