Oakes Lab
The Oakes Lab at Polytechnique Montréal researches knowledge engineering for complex cyber-physical systems and digital twins.
The Oakes Lab focuses on knowledge engineering for complex cyber-physical systems. We start with the expert’s domain knowledge, capture it in models, and then utilize it to better construct, optimize, verify, and validate complex systems.
Lab Members
PhD Students
Master’s Students
Alumni Students/Interns
| Name | Role | Years | Topic | Publications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mikkel Schmidt Andersen | Research intern | 2025 | Probabilistic DT update scheduling | |
| Louis Malassigne-Onfroy | Research assistant | 2024 | Visualization of digital twin architectures | DTInsight paper |
| Amélie Bosphore | Research assistant | 2024 | Implementation of modelled machine learning pipelines | |
| Justin Caisse | Research assistant | 2023–2024 | Ontological modelling of machine learning pipelines |
Open Opportunities
I am actively looking for motivated and talented individuals for undergraduate, Masters, and PhD positions.
Available projects and potential topics:
- Developing a Semantic Integration and Consistency Framework for Hierarchical Digital Twins (fully funded — PhD only)
- Analyzing and improving the quality of digital twin models and systems [paper]
- Improving the explainability of digital twin architecture and service results [paper]
- Utilizing machine learning techniques (such as reinforcement learning, LLMs, and recommendations) and ontological modelling for digital twin construction and evolution (Master’s and PhD — funded) [paper]
If you have another research idea which aligns with my interests, I would love to hear it! Please send me a message.
What do I offer:
- A position at Polytechnique Montréal, a world-class institution
- affiliated with the Université de Montréal (ranked 125th globally) and the Quebec Artificial Intelligence Institute (Mila)
- located in Montréal, a global cultural capital
- Virtual tour of Polytechnique
- Supportive mentoring on many aspects of graduate life
- Cutting-edge research and technologies
- Collaboration with local and global experts
- Opportunities to publish in excellent venues, present at top conferences, and perform international research visits
- Competitive funding is available
What do I expect:
- A friendly yet professional attitude
- Ability to perform high-quality research and publish worthwhile contributions
- Strong self-motivation skills and the ability to ‘push’ projects
- Attendance to and engaging presentations at conferences
- Completion of degree requirements with high course marks
- Note that we conduct our research and discussions in English. At Polytechnique, some graduate courses may have to be taken in French
Contacting Me
See my Contact page for up-to-date contact information, including my email and office location.
When emailing me to inquire about a position, I kindly ask that you do the following:
- Please demonstrate that you are aware of my research interests and publications.
- (Required) Please answer the following questions, with 200 to 500 words each.
- What excites you about research?
- What are your research interests?
- How do your research interests match my own?
- What’s your favourite project you’ve worked on?
- (Required) Attach an up-to-date CV
- (Required) Attach your transcript(s)
- (Optional) Attach at least one reference letter
- (Optional) Attach your relevant publication(s) or report(s)
I apologize, but due to the volume of requests, I will not be able to respond to your email unless it matches the above conditions.
Please be detailed and specific. Your email should give me a sense of who you are, what you want to research, and why you would like me specifically to be your supervisor.
Under-represented groups are especially encouraged to apply!
To know more about the Polytechnique application process, please see the following links:
Student Resources
At Polytechnique
- New graduate student journey
- Requirements for the PhD degree
- Polytechnique Montréal’s Student Services (SEP): english / french
- Polytechnique student bourses/grants
Interesting reading and advice
- Behind the scenes: the struggle for each paper
- The largest problem in academia is discoverability: Be Findable
- How to write a thesis: Thesis Projects - A Guide for Students in Computer Science and Information Systems
- Fantastic advice on writing: Writing for Computer Science