Nico Van Dijk Email & Phone Number

Zutphen, Ge, Nl

Deventer, The Netherlands

Since 2020, I have led a research/development team working on introducing/expanding Machine Learning within our software, Slim4. We have developed ML applications like Transaction Outlier Detection, Promotion Forecastin and New Product Introductions - going from prototype to pilot and to full production - and are now working on our latest application that uses ChatGPT. In doing so, we are a major contributing factor to the success of Slim4 and Slimstock.The most important highlight is our ML library in Slim4:- Mature ML components (feature and model selection, time-based cross-validation, hyperparameter tuning, data/model/prediction monitoring, backwards-compatible model storage);- Easy to setup and use by our users/consultants (sensible defaults);- Flexible and configurable data (direct and engineered features from client-specific data - a range of predefined features and the ability to define custom direct/engineered features);- Safeguards/humble AI (analyzing data size and quality, monitoring model accuracy and data drift, flagging predictions with potential issues);- Integration with Slim4 (scheduling ML tasks, using predictions automatically depending on configuration).I am proud of achieving the above with our small team and the, sometimes difficult, boundary conditions coming from the organization. This includes following the existing development process that, I think, is less suited for the development of our library and making it work in Java instead of more conventional languages for ML. Additionally, we are a continuous driving force for improvements of our software (in non-ML areas), the development process itself (version control, testing, tooling) and even the software architecture (scalability, microservices). At the moment, we are adding python to our production tech stack for offering services with Large Language Models like ChatGPT.

Deventer, The Netherlands

In this role, I developed a fully functional analysis prototype for considering alternative suppliers within our software, Slim4. Additionally, I made preparations for demoing possibilities for developing ML within that same software package leading to my next role.

Amsterdam Area, Netherlands

I have worked on different projects involving machine learning and data science, often implementing the majority of the functionality. These projects included: predictive analyses, predictive maintenance, customer segmentation, text mining, cognitive chatbots and other applications of natural language processing.

Uppsala, Sweden

As a lecturer at the Construction Engineering Department of Uppsala University I divided my time between teaching (such as the BSc courses Hydraulics and Structural Design) and research activities. My research subjects included: - Estimating deformation in 3D X-ray images of human bone by programming our own digital volume correlation code.- Simulating fracture of composite materials using a phase field approach.

Uppsala, Sweden

I have been researching the mechanical behavior of the more than 350 year-old warship "Vasa" in Stockholm. I have developed a multiscale homogenization procedure to predict the elastic and creep properties of the archaeological wood material, analyzed the nonlinear buckling behavior of the original foremast of the Vasa and implemented a viscoelastic material model for orthotropic materials.

Delft Area, Netherlands

I have worked on structural optimization and topology optimization in particular. I have programmed, investigated and improved both so-called density-based and level-set based topology optimization methods. I have focused on consistent sensitivity analysis, the effect of regularization on the optimization process and the treatment of geometrical nonlinearities.

Development of a new damage mechanics model for laminated glass fracture of windshields due to impact.

Performing sound measurements on industrial sites and office housing and executing analyses of these and other sound measurements.

Phd, Structural Optimization, Level-Set Method

Activities and Societies: Participation CounsilPhD thesis on level-set methods for structural topology optimization.

Msc., Aerospace Engineering

Member of the research group Engineering Mechanics, chaired by prof.dr.ir. R. de Borst. He also supervised my graduate project.

Education record

High school diploma