About

I want to help businesses make better decisions by harnessing the power of artificial intelligence.

My background is in engineering and economics, and I enjoy working at the intersection of both fields. My doctoral research involved extensive use of applied optimisation technologies - tools which can solve difficult problems across a range of disciplines.

I see incredible value in coupling mathematical programming with modern software development practices and cloud computing resources. By integrating these technologies I want to be involved in building the next generation of decision support software for industry.

Skills

Languages

Python, GAMS, Matlab, HTML, Javascript

Cloud

GCP, AWS, Google Colab

Data

Snowflake, DBT

Web

Django, Django REST Framework

Tools

Git, Docker Compose, Apache Airflow, Gurobi, CPLEX

Keywords

Mathematical programming, applied optimisation, API development, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), energy systems, data pipelines

Software

In 2021 I started a software company, Envector. The applications I've developed leverage the power of cloud computing platforms and artificial intelligence to derive insights into energy market operation.

During the course of my doctoral studies I developed mathematical frameworks that can assist with the calibration of emissions pricing policies. Here's a selection of GitHub repositories which complement publications produced during my PhD.

I also develop tools that make it easier to use optimisation technologies. Here are a few open-source projects demonstrating my work.

Education

University of Hong Kong

PhD, Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Sep 2016 - Oct 2020

Coursework

• Advanced topics in power system engineering
• Mathematical tools for modern power system analysis
• Polynomial optimization via linear matrix inequalities
• Smart Grid
• Advanced topics in power electronics and drives

Teaching assistant

• Smart Grid
• Electric vehicle technologies

Thesis

• Policy calibration frameworks to reduce power sector emissions while mitigating impacts to wholesale electricity prices

Publications

• Xenophon, A.K., & Hill, D.J. "Open grid model of Australia’s National Electricity Market allowing backtesting against historic data." Scientific Data 5, 180203 (2018)

• Xenophon, A.K., & Zhong, J. "Low-cost greenhouse gas abatement via emission intensities." Journal of International Council on Electrical Engineering 8, no. 1 (2018): 207-214.

• Xenophon, A.K., & Hill, D.J. "Emissions reduction and wholesale electricity price targeting using an output-based mechanism." Applied energy, 242, 1050-1063. (2019)

• Xenophon, A.K., & Hill, D.J. "Adaptive mechanisms to refund emissions payments." Applied Energy 278 (2020): 115689.

Conferences & Workshops

• MIT: A+B, Applied Energy Symposium, Boston, 22-24 May 2019
• IEEE Power & Energy Society General Meeting, Chicago, 16-20 July 2017
• The International Conference on Electrical Engineering, Weihai, China, 4-7 July 2017
• The 9th Seminar for the Next Generation of Researchers in Power Systems, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 20-22 April 2017

University of Adelaide

Honours Degree of Bachelor of Economics (1st Class)

Feb 2015 - Dec 2015

Coursework

• Econometrics IV
• Macroeconomics IV
• Microeconomic Theory IV
• Public Economics IV
• Economic Development IV

GPA

• 6.875

Thesis

• Electricity consumption and economic growth in China: assessing Granger causality at provincial, electricity-market and national levels

Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Honours, 1st Class) & Bachelor of Economics

Feb 2010 - Nov 2014

Double degree GPA

• 6.056

Thesis

• Parameterisation of TLUD cookstoves to reduce emissions

Work

Senior Optimisation and Machine Learning Engineer, Amber Electric

December 2022 - Present

Developing optimisation models along with solar, load, and price forecasting capabilities to optimise thousands of household batteries.

Distributed Energy Optimisation Analyst, Amber Electric

Aug 2021 - December 2022

Responsible for developing energy management strategies and control algorithms for distributed energy resources.

Software Developer / Director, Envector

Jan 2021 - Aug 2021

Developing decision support software for energy systems. Areas of specialisation include mathematical programming, network modelling, and API development.

Senior Research Assistant, University of Hong Kong

Oct 2020 - Jan 2021

Continuation of energy system research following completion of doctoral programme.

Tutor, University of Adelaide

Jul 2015 - Nov 2015

Tutor for an undergraduate economics course, East Asian Economies II. I was responsible for preparing tutorial content, guiding group discussions, and assisting with the marking of assignments.

Intern, Frontier Economics (Asia Pacific), Melbourne

Feb 2015 - Mar 2015

Responsible for data collection and research tasks within a microeconomics consultancy.

Intern, Ove Arup & Partners, Hong Kong

Jan 2014 - Mar 2014

Helped to check and amend drainage drawings in the Mechanical, Electrical, and Public Health division of Arup's Hong Kong office.

Shop Assistant, Fassina Liquor Merchants, Adelaide

Feb 2011 - Dec 2013

Experience in a busy retail environment. Was given increased responsibilities within a short period of time - including managing staff.

Awards

Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme Awardee, 2016-20

Second place, Student Poster Competition, IEEE Power & Energy Society General Meeting, Chicago, 2017

CLP Fellowship in Electrical Engineering, China Light and Power, 2016-17

AARES Undergraduate Award (SA recipient), Australasian Agricultural & Resource Economics Society, 2015

University Blue for Wing Chun Kung Fu, University of Adelaide, 2012

Dean's Merit Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement, University of Adelaide, 2012

Principles of Macroeconomics I Excellence Award, University of Adelaide, 2011

Contact

Email: aleksis {at} akxen {dot} net