About me

I am a full professor at the Department of Computer Science, University of Haifa. Previously I was at IRIF and FILOFOCS as a senior researcher (Research Director) of the CNRS.

I am intrigued by the examination of natural phenomena through the algorithmic lens, particularly in uncovering the interconnections between distributed computing and collective animal behavior. My primary inquiry revolves around how an algorithmic approach can deepen our understanding of biological (or social) mechanisms. The systems I focus on span from computer networks to animal groups, including ants, bats, and humans. Some questions that captivate my interest include:

  • How do factors such as noise and competition influence a group's effectiveness in executing collective tasks?

  • What computational obstacles do animals encounter during foraging, and which strategies prove effective in overcoming them?

  • How do the simple rules adhered to by numerous individuals give rise to overarching global patterns?

Studying these questions, I use computational tools from the fields of distributed computing, game theory, and probability theory, and, when possible, combine them with empirical biological investigation.

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