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abdulla_ konak_webAbdullah Konak

Distinguished Professor of Information Sciences and Technology
Penn State Berks

Tulpehocken Road P.O. Box 7009
Reading, PA 19610-6009
Office: Gaige Technology and Business Innovation Building 212
(610) 396-6310

Research Focus

Applied Mathematical Programming: Applications of operations research techniques such as linear, integer, dynamic programming, heuristics, and game theory to solve large-scale real-life problems with multiple objectives. 

Computational Intelligence: Modeling and optimization of complex systems using computational intelligence techniques such as artificial neural networks, agent-based models, and distributed algorithms combined with techniques from probability and statistics.

Simulation Optimization: Integrating simulation models into optimization algorithms for system optimization and decision analysis.

Entrepreneurship and Innovation Education: Creative problem-solving skills in STEM education; entrepreneurship education ecosystems; innovation mindset.

Virtual Computing in Education: Advancing student learning through effective laboratory and activity designs based on collaborative, inquiry-based learning through virtual computing. Designing online learning objects to simulate deep learning in students through hands-on activities.

Research Results

External Grants

Institutional  Grants and Endowments

  • Estimating Missing Data in Remote Sensing Applications Using Deep Learning, Frank Franco Undergraduate Research Award, $1000, 2024.
  • Investigating Factors Affecting Underrepresented Students’ Participation in Student Innovation Competitions, Exhibitions and Training Programs (ICETs), Social Science Research Institute, Penn State, $14,167, 2021-2023.
  • Effective Use of Generative AI in Computing Classes for Promoting Critical Thinking, Frank Franco Undergraduate Research Award, $2000, 2023-2024.
  • Data-Driven Mathematical Models for Menu Engineering, Faculty Research Development Grant, $2,300, Penn State Berks, 2023.
  • Dashboards for Communication Natural Disaster Risks, Frank Franco Undergraduate Research Award, $1000, 2022.
  • Predicting Wireless Signal Penetration using Deep Learning, The Institute for Computational and Data Sciences, NSF Research Innovation with Scientists and Engineers (RISE) Seed Grant, in-kind, 2021.
  • SQL Work-in-Progress (SQL-WIP): An Online Tool for Learning SQL Logic and Syntax, The Schreyer Institute for Teaching Excellence Grant, $2200, 2020-2021.
  • Improving the Effectiveness of Team Peer Evaluations using AI, The Institute for Computational and Data Sciences Seed Grant, $2,750, 2019-2020.
  • Solving Multiobjective Dynamic Environmental/Economic Dispatch (DEED) Problem using Artificial Intelligence, Penn State-NTNU Collaboration Development Fund, $2,500, 2019-2020.
  • Reset for Success Prototype, Faculty Research Development Grant, $1,500, Penn State Berks, 2019.
  • A Clustering Algorithm Based on Measurement Models, Faculty Research Development Grant, $1,500, Penn State Berks, 2018.
  • A Cyber-security Networking Laboratory for Smart Grid Readiness, Research and Scholarship Support Award, $2,000, Penn State Berks, 2016-2017.
  • Statistical and Machine Learning Techniques to Identify Abnormalities in Peer Evaluations, Faculty Research Development Grant, $900, Penn State Berks, 2016.
  • Competitive Facility Location Problem on Networks, Faculty Research Development Grant, $2,400, Penn State Berks, 2015.
  • Vehicle Routing Problem on Urban Transportation Networks with Varying Traffic Conditions, Faculty Research Development Grant, $2,400, Penn State Berks, 2014.
  • Exact Algorithms to Calculate Reliability in Sensor Networks, Faculty Research Development Grant, $2,000, Penn State Berks, 2013.
  • Social network analysis metrics to maintain connectivity in ad hoc networks, Faculty Research Development Grant, $2,000, Penn State Berks, 2012.
  • Cyber Security Discovery Programs for K-12, The Howard O. and Jean Beaver Endowment for Community Service, $2,500, Penn State Berks, 2012-2014.
  • A Set Covering Formulation to Survivable Network Design Problem with Relays, Faculty Research Development Grant, $2,400, Penn State Berks, 2011.
  • Distributed Algorithms for Dynamic Self-Optimization in Mobile Ad Hoc Networks, Faculty Research Development Grant, $2,400, Penn State Berks, 2010.
  • A Relaxed Flexible Bay Approach to the Unequal-Area Facility Layout Problem, Faculty Research Development Grant, $2,400, Penn State Berks, 2009.
  • Northeast Pennsylvania Virtual Computing Lab (NPOL), Faculty Research Development Grant, $2,400, Penn State Berks, 2008.
  • Local Optimization in Flat Search Spaces, Faculty Research Development Grant, $3,000, Penn State Berks, 2007.
  • Using Kriging to Estimate Network Performance in Wireless Local Area Networks, Faculty Research Development Grant, $2,000, Penn State Berks, 2006.
  • Optimal Design of Client-Server Networks Considering Reliability, Faculty Research Development Grant, $2,000, Penn State Berks, 2005.
  • Collaborative Work and Virtual Teams Using Groupware Technology, a joint project with the University of Technology Delft, Delft, The Netherlands and Middle East Technical University (METU), Ankara, Turkey, Penn State International Programs Faculty Travel Grant: New Places, New Challenges, $2,000, 2004.
  • Wireless Network Reliability in Ad-Hoc Networks, Faculty Research Development Grant, $2,500, Penn State Berks-Lehigh Valley College, 2004.
  • Women in Information Science Programs, Undergraduate Research Grant, $500, Penn State Berks-Lehigh Valley College, 2004.
  • Reliability Modeling for Ad-hoc Networks, Undergraduate Research Grant, $500, Penn State Berks-Lehigh Valley College, 2003.
  • Developing Learning Objects for Computer Networking Courses, Penn State Basic Educational Technology Course Enhancement Grant, $1,000, 2004.
  • Using Network Transformations to Improve Effectiveness of Network Simulation Techniques, Faculty Research Development Grant, $2,000, Penn State Berks-Lehigh Valley College, 2003.