Curriculum vitae
Robert Riley Nerem
Updated October 30, 2026 · 3 pages
Research
My research in neural algorithmic reasoning aims to understand how algorithmic behavior emerges from learning and to develop algorithmic capabilities in machine learning models. I combine theoretical analysis, emphasizing rigorous guarantees for size and out-of-distribution generalization, with application-motivated model development. Through algorithmic alignment, I design methods for combinatorial optimization that combine the strengths of traditional algorithms with the adaptability of learning.
Education
PhD in Data Science, in progress
University of California San Diego · 2022–present
Advisor · Yusu Wang
MSc in Physics
University of Calgary · 2022
BSc in Physics, summa cum laude
Montana State University · 2018