Dr. Maximilian E. Ororbia is a postdoctoral fellow at University of Pennsylvania, Weitzman School of Design, in the Polyhedral Structures Laboratory. Max holds a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from the Pennsylvania State University where for his thesis, titled “Discrete structural optimization as a sequential decision process solved using deep reinforcement learning”, he developed a framework that mathematically models the optimization of structures with discrete elements and discrete design variables as a Markov decision process solved using machine learning, specifically deep reinforcement learning, and applied it to a wide array of optimization problems. His research interests are in the development of structural engineering and architectural design decision-making and optimization processes, and creating computational tools aided by machine learning, for generating and exploring design spaces. Max is contributing to the development of an innovative design strategy for a high-performance, 3D-printed prefabricated, and carbon negative funicular floor structure, among other projects.