Hello, I'm Michael! I'm a computer scientist with a background in theoretical computer science, currently transitioning into complexity science. I'm a Visiting Student at the Complexity Science Hub Vienna, where I'm working on my Master's thesis, combining my theoretical background in graph theory and algorithms with my growing interest in complex systems and their real-world applications.
I'm currently pursuing my Master's in Logic & Computation at TU Wien, where I previously completed my Bachelor's in Computer Science with honors. Driven by my fascination with how technology shapes society, I've also begun a Master's in Epistemologies of Science & Technology at the University of Vienna.
Beyond that, I'm a professional photographer and an active member of the Club Alpbach Tirol board, creating opportunities for young people to engage with current societal challenges.
Research
My research journey has has started very early thanks to the Bachelor with Honors program, where Prof. Martin Nöllenburg mentored me and allowed me to experience research first-hand in his group. Since then, my interests have evolved from theoretical computer science to complexity science, with a focus on network theory and its applications to real-world societal questions.
Research Interests
- Network Analysis: Developing and applying advanced graph algorithms to extract meaningful insights from complex networks
- Computational Social Science: Using computational methods to address social and organizational questions
- Collective Behavior: Understanding how organizations and societies collectively solve problems and make decisions
- Technology & Society: Exploring how technolgy shapes and changes society, in particular how digital systems impact our collective abilities
Past Research
- Bachelor Thesis: "Engineering a search-tree algorithm for disjoint s-t paths of bounded length" (2022)
Developed a new algorithmic approach to the Short Path Packing problem, which addresses network robustness by finding multiple independent paths of limited length between network nodes.
Read my thesis - MySemCloud: "Interactive Semantic Word Clouds" (2023)
Extended semantic word cloud visualizations with interaction modes that preserve semantic relationships. Published at IEEE PacificVis 2023.
View Interactive Cloud | Read the paper - Graph Drawing Contest 2022: "Visualizing Historical Opera Networks" (2022)
Our winning participation is a visualization of opera performances across Europe from 1775 to 1833, revealing patterns of cultural influence and artistic collaboration.
View interactive poster | View poster as PDF | Read the write-up
Projects
Beyond academia, I try to work on personal projects that allow me to explore interesting new areas and try out new technologies:
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Moment of Insight: An interactive web application visualizing global metrics across democracy, climate, security, and economy through a dynamic world map. Created as part of my application to the European Forum Alpbach, it provides data-driven infographics that should facilitate understanding of complex global issues.
Explore the web app
Photography
Photography has been a significant part of my life since age 13. Over the years, I've developed my skills and style, and have professionalized my work, now operating a registered business and using occasional photography jobs as a balance to my work at the desk.
- Wedding Photography: valentinaundmichael.at
Working alongside my partner Valentina to capture authentic moments on couples' most important days. - Business Photography: business.mikhubphoto.at
Creating professional imagery for businesses and organizations. - Personal Portfolio: mikhubphoto.at
A collection of travel, street, and personal work (very outdated, though).