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Hi! I’m Kara Combs!
I am a computer engineer at the Air Force Research Laboratory. I hold a Ph.D. in operations research, a M.S. in industrial and human factors engineering, and a B.S. in industrial and systems engineering. My research focuses on enhancing defense applications of artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) through biologically-inspired mechanisms based on analogical reasoning, neuroscience, and more! I have 20+ peer-reviewed publications and have presented my work at 30+ conferences. I am active in several professional societies and K-12 STEM outreach events.
Recent News
May 2026
- Chaired the “Knowledge Graphs & Text Analytics” session, which included my presentation on “Statistical quantification of analogical correspondence in knowledge graphs,” at the IISE Annual Conference & Expo 2026 in Arlington, TX
April 2026
- Appointed to the Editorial Review Board for Industrial and Systems Engineering Review