No Problems, Only Solutions

^{Above (l–r): Dan Maroncelli, assistant professor of mathematics, and Aidan Riordan. (Photos by Abby Albright)}

In the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence and computational mathematics, one College of Charleston student is making waves with his research in metaheuristics. Aidan Riordan, a senior Honors student majoring in statistics and minoring in computer science, has embarked on a journey that began with a simple request from his grandfather and has led him to present at an international conference. 

When Riordan’s grandfather asked him to assist with a research project on the Variable Neighborhood Search (VNS), a metaheuristic optimization method for solving complex real-world combinatorial problems, Riordan jumped at the opportunity. However, he quickly realized he needed to grasp the concept of metaheuristics first. 

In very simple terms, metaheuristics can use a mathematical algorithm to develop an acceptable solution when finding the exact solution to a complex, real-world problem is computationally not feasible. The algorithm helps reduce the chance of landing on a sub-par solution and can be applied across many fields, ranging from health care to manufacturing.  

“My grandfather provided me with seminal work, but I still had to learn everything in the field to make meaningful contributions and synthesize new ideas,” explains Riordan, whose curiosity-driven approach would become a hallmark of his academic journey. 

Riordan secured a grant from the then School of Sciences, Mathematics, and Engineering during the summer of his sophomore year. This funding allowed him to research metaheuristics under the guidance of Dan Maroncelli, assistant professor of mathematics. 

Maroncelli quickly noticed Riordan’s unique approach to learning. “Aidan has an insatiable curiosity,” he notes. “While many students accept information at face value, Aidan digs deeper to understand why things work. He is also very focused and wants to learn how to solve specific problems, which is uncommon for younger students.” 

This dedication paid off: Riordan and his grandfather uncovered new insights into the interpretability, adaptability and scalability of VNS that had not been previously identified.

Their work was published and presented at the 15th Metaheuristics International Conference in Lorient, France. With his grandfather unable to attend the conference, Riordan stepped up to the plate. As the only undergraduate presenter at the conference, Riordan knew it was a great way to represent the College on an international stage – and the mathematics department did, too, which is why they helped cover Riordan’s travel expenses. 

Riordan’s presentation on the transformative potential of generative AI for VNS made such an impression that he was invited to present again at next year’s conference. This achievement is a testament to the strong foundation Riordan has built at the College of Charleston. 

“None of this would have been possible without the support I received at the College of Charleston Honors College,” he says, adding: “The Charleston Fellows Program and the Entrepreneurship Living-Learning Community equipped me with critical leadership, networking and presentation skills that prepared me well for this life-changing experience.”

Riordan’s academic excellence hasn’t gone unnoticed. He has received multiple scholarships, including the Class of 1938 Golden Anniversary Scholarship, the Honors College Dean’s Excellence Scholarship, the Boykin Honors Scholarship, the Swanson Family Endowed Scholarship and the Wells Fargo Business Scholarship Endowment. All the scholarships helped build his confidence and allowed him to focus on his studies, but receiving the Scott Ward Award for Excellence in Mathematics validated that he is moving in the right direction.

“It was really nice to know that the mathematics department met and selected me as a top student for applied mathematics,” says Riordan. “It’s encouraging to know my teachers believe in me.”

Scott Ward ’85, who established the latter award, sees great potential in Riordan: “Aidan is most deserving of my namesake award. I am humbled each year to know that this award supports and encourages stellar mathematicians while reinforcing that they are indeed moving in the ‘right direction.’ Aidan exemplifies the hunger and curiosity of a true ‘learner.’ Apply that to the field of metaheuristics, and Aidan indeed is set for a bright future. I look forward to his many achievements to come.” 

For Riordan, it all comes down to the close relationships he has formed at the College.

“It’s awesome to talk with teachers after class,” he says, noting that he is especially grateful to his advisors Nick Plasmati ’18 (M.F.A.) and Lancie Affonso ’96 (M.S. ’08) for their “guidance in leadership and networking” and to Maroncelli and math professor Garrett Mitchener “for their guidance in mathematics. … At the College, we have an opportunity for close relationships with teachers and we get a lot of personal support.”

With these achievements, Riordan has set a strong foundation for his future in graduate school and his eventual doctoral thesis.