Publications

Check out my publications and profiles below! The majority of my research concerns advancing artifical intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) through analogical reasoning.

Google Scholar ORCiD Web of Science DBLP

9

Journal Articles

15

Conference Papers

13

Magazine Columns

45

Presentations

In review

  1. Journal *Liu, J., Combs., K., & Boubin, J. Efficient unsupervised band selection for hyperspectral imagery with Mamba-based classifier – An in-depth comparative analysis. Transactions on Machine Learning Research, in review.
  2. Journal Combs, K., Champagne, L., Cox, B., Schubert Kabban, C., & Bihl, T. AutoDRAMA: A graph-based approach to relational similarity and analogical mapping. Information Sciences, in review.
  3. Journal Combs, K., Champagne, L., Cox, B., Schubert Kabban, C., & Bihl, T. Enabling AutoDRAMA to continuously learn: More knowledge may lead to information overload. Journal of Automated Reasoning, in review.
  4. Journal *Cox, D., Banerjee, T., Romine, W., Talbert, M., & Combs, K. Conversation flow-based learning for scalable community intelligence extraction across transformer architectures. Transactions on Intelligent Systems and Technology, in review.
  5. Conference *Perry, R., Di Caterina, G., Combs, K., & *Conway, F. (2026). A novel method for determining SNR in neuromorphic recordings. Proceedings of the 2026 European Conference on Computer Vision (ECCV) Conference, in review.
  6. Conference *Belgaonkar, S., Rathinam, S., Swaroop, D., Combs, K., Washington, A. & Bihl, T. Two-stage Pareto front approximation for the biobjective Steiner traveling salesman problem. Proceedings of the 2026 Intelligent Robots and Systems (IROS) Conference, in review.
  7. Conference *Pagani, A., Cominelli, M., Han, L., Dong, G., Benini, S., Gringoli, F., Savardi, M., Srivastava, M.B., Bihl, T., Blasch, E.P., Brigham, D.O., Combs., K., Kaplan., L.M., & Cerutti, F. Preliminary insights in Chronos data understanding and reconstruction. Proceedings of the 2026 29th International Conference on Information Fusion (FUSION 2026), in review.
  8. Conference *Goble, I., Combs, K., Lemming, G., & Bihl, T. A comparison of machine-generated narrative knowledge graphs against human interpretation. Proceedings of the IEEE National Aerospace and Electronics Conference (NAECON), in review.

*Student Author; ‡Invited Talk

2026

  1. Journal Combs, K., Champagne, L., Cox, B., Schubert Kabban, C., Bihl, T., & Lemming, G. Analogy2KG: An automatic pipeline for deriving knowledge graphs from long-text analogies. Knowledge-based Systems, 341, 115772. DOI: 10.1016/j.knosys.2026.115772.
  2. Conference Combs, K., Champagne, L., Cox, B., Schubert Kabban, C., Lemming, G., & Bihl, T. Statistical quantification of analogical correspondence in knowledge graphs. IISE Annual Conference & Expo 2026, accepted.
  3. Conference Combs, K., Champagne, L., Lemming, G., & Bihl, T.J. (2026). Evaluation of information extraction algorithms for preserving analogical semantics within knowledge graphs. 59th Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences, Maui, USA, 1814-1823. Retrieved from https://hdl.handle.net/10125/111611.
  4. Conference *Perry, R., Di Caterina, G., Bihl, T., & Combs, K. (2026). Addressing the lack of neuromorphic data in low SNR scenarios. 59th Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences, Maui, USA,7297-7306. Retrieved from https://hdl.handle.net/10125/112272.
  5. Conference Lemming, G., Combs, K., Howlett, S., & Bihl, T.J. (2026). Human-in-the-loop hybrid and automated pre-processing for zero-shot aerial part-matching via analogical reasoning. 59th Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences, Maui, USA, 6074-6083. Retrieved from https://hdl.handle.net/10125/112122
  6. Presentation Combs, K., Champagne, L., Cox, B., Schubert Kabban, C., & Bihl, T. AutoDRAMA: A graph-based approach to relational similarity and analogical mapping. 94th Military Operations Research Society (MORS) Symposium, accepted
  7. Presentation *Goble, I. & Combs, K. (2026). Evaluating and validating auto-generated knowledge graph accuracy. Dayton-Cincinnati Aerospace Sciences Symposium, Dayton, OH.
  8. Presentation Turner, D., Sarkisian, C., & Combs, K. SAMPLE-R (SAMPLE (Synthetic and Measured Paired Labeled Experiment) by RAPTOR (Rapid Target Predictor)) Dataset: Rapid Synthetic SAR Chip Generation. 89th Automated Target Recognition Working Group (ATRWG) Meeting, Boston, MA, accepted.
  9. Presentation Combs, K., Champagne, L., Lemming, G., & Bihl, T. (2026). Analogy2KG: An automatic pipeline for transformation long-text analogies into knowledge graphs. 9th Annual AFRL AI/ML Technical Exchange Meeting, Virtual.
  10. Presentation Combs, K., Champagne, L., Lemming, G., & Bihl, T. From text to tactical insight: Advancing UAV swarm autonomy with analogical AI. AFRL Discover 2025 (postponed due to government shutdown), accepted.
  11. Poster *Liu, J. & Combs., K. Efficient hyperspectral data processing on the edge: Band selection with Mamba models. AFRL Discover 2025 (postponed due to government shutdown), accepted.

*Student Author; ‡Invited Talk

2025

  1. Journal Combs, K., *Goble, I., Howlett, S.V., Adams, Y., & Bihl, T.J. (2025). Evaluating the trade-off between analogical reasoning ability and efficiency in large language models. IEEE Transactions on Cognitive and Developmental Systems, 17(6), 1401-1410. DOI: 10.1109/TCDS.2025.3559771.
  2. Conference *Christopherson, I., Combs, K., & Soriano, K. (2025). Fine-tuning deep convolutional neural networks on Caltech-101: An application of transfer learning. IEEE National Aerospace and Electronics Conference, Dayton, USA, 1-6. DOI: 10.1109/NAECON65708.2025.11235477
  3. Conference Combs, K. & Bihl, T. J. (2025). The visual analogs of linguistic concepts and their implications on generative AI. Proceedings of the 58th Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences, Big Island, USA, 718-727. Retrieved from https://hdl.handle.net/10125/108923.
  4. Conference Nominated for HICSS58 Best Paper Combs, K., Bihl, T. J., Howlett, S., & Adams, Y. (2025). Zero-shot comparison of large language models (LLMs) reasoning abilities on long-text analogies. Proceedings of the 58th Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences, Big Island, USA, 1614-1623. Retrieved from https://hdl.handle.net/10125/109034.
  5. Presentation *Goble, I. & Combs, K. (2025). Evaluation and comparison of large language models’ analogical reasoning abilities. Dayton-Cincinnati Aerospace Sciences Symposium, Dayton, OH.
  6. Poster *Liu, J. & Combs, K. (2025). Exploring the Explainability of Mamba Model for Hyperspectral Imagery. Sensors Directorate Internship Program (SDIP) Final Review, Dayton, OH.

*Student Author; ‡Invited Talk

2024

  1. Journal Science Spot Feature Combs, K. & Bihl, T.J. (2024) Question optimisation: Building quiz bowl tournament question packet sets. International Journal of Data Analysis Techniques and Strategies, 16(4), 386-409. DOI: 10.1504/IJDATS.2024.10064492.
  2. Journal Combs, K., Bihl, T.J., & Ganapathy, S. (2024). Utilization of generative AI for the characterization and identification of visual unknowns. Natural Language Processing Journal, 7, 100064. DOI: 10.1016/j.nlp.2024.100064.
  3. Journal Combs, K., Moyer, A., & Bihl, T.J. (2024). Uncertainty in visual generative AI. Algorithms, 17(4), 136. DOI: 10.3390/a17040136.
  4. Conference Combs, K., Bihl, T., *Gadre, A., & *Christopherson, I. (2024). A human-factors approach for evaluating AI-generated images. Proceedings of the ACM SIGMIS Computers and People Research Conference 2024, Murfreesboro, TN. DOI: 10.1145/3632634.3655849.
  5. Conference Combs, K., Bihl, T. J., & Pennington, J. (2024). Interoperability for autonomy. Proceedings of the 57th Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences, Honolulu, USA, 903-912. Retrieved from https://hdl.handle.net/10125/106486.
  6. Conference Combs, K. & Bihl, T. J. (2024). A preliminary look at generative AI for the curation and evaluation of verbal-to-visual analogies. Proceedings of the 57th Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences, Honolulu, USA, 1180-1189. Retrieved from https://hdl.handle.net/10125/106520.
  7. Conference Bihl, T., Farr, P., Di Caterina, G., Kirkland, P., *Sola, A.V., *Manna, D., Liu, J., & Combs, K. (2024). Exploring spiking neural networks (SNN) for low size, weight, and power (SWaP) benefits. Proceedings of the 57th Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences, Honolulu, USA, 7561-7570. Retrieved from https://hdl.handle.net/10125/107294.
  8. Magazine Combs, K. (2024). Making the most of this AI moment. OR/MS Today, 11. DOI: 10.1287/orms.2024.03.22n.
  9. Magazine Combs, K. (2024). Certifications for early career OR/MS professionals. OR/MS Tomorrow, 11(1), 7-10. DOI: 10.1287/ORTM.2024.01.01.
  10. Magazine Combs, K. (2024). Informing tomorrow’s leaders: The advantages of INFORMS student membership and its impact on academic excellence. OR/MS Today, 51(1), 58-59. DOI: 10.1287/orms.2024.01.12.
  11. Presentation Combs, K., Lemming, G., Howlett, S., & Bihl, T.J. (2024). Structure-mapping via analogical reasoning: A novel approach to handle out-of-library (OOL) targets. 87th Automated Target Recognition Working Group (ATRWG) Meeting, Huntsville, AL.
  12. Presentation *Christopherson, I. & Combs, K. (2024). Optimizing algorithm pre-processing steps and analyzing convolutional neural network performance. Wright Scholar Presentation Session, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH.
  13. Presentation *Goble, I. & Combs, K. (2024). Evaluation and comparison of large language models’ analogical reasoning ability. DAF LEGACY Program Presentation Session, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH.
  14. Presentation Combs, K. (2024). Analogical learning: An overview of applications. INFORMS Cincinnati-Dayton Research Symposium, Dayton, OH.
  15. Presentation *Christopherson, I., Combs, K., & Camberos, J. (2024). Leveraging generative AI and human factors techniques for building image datasets. Dayton-Cincinnati Aerospace Sciences Symposium, Dayton, OH.
  16. Poster Jenkins, T., Bihl, T.J., Combs, K., Maholtra, R., Morrison, B., Robinson, B., Soriano, K., Kimbrell, J., & Souvlati, P. (2024). Onboard Tactical Autonomous Sensor Orchestration (OTASO). AFRL Discover 2024, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH.
  17. Poster Combs, K., Lemming, G., Howlett, S., & Bihl, T.J. (2024). Analogical reasoning for aerial sensing autonomy. AFRL Discover 2024, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH.

*Student Author; ‡Invited Talk

2023

  1. Journal Combs, K., Lu, H., & Bihl, T. (2023). Transfer learning and analogical inference: A critical comparison of algorithms, methods, and applications. Algorithms, 16(3), 146. DOI: 10.3390/a16030146.
  2. Conference Combs, K., Ganapathy, S., & Bihl, T. (2023). Human factors evaluation of automated semantic characterization of out-of-library images for the design for eXplainable AI systems. Proceedings of the IISE Annual Conference 2023, New Orleans, USA.
  3. Conference Combs, K. & Bihl, T. J. (2023). Clustering and topological data analysis: Comparison and application. Proceedings of the 56th Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences, Maui, USA, 815-824. Retrieved from https://hdl.handle.net/10125/102731.
  4. Conference Combs, K., Bihl, T. J., & Ganapathy, S. (2023). Integration of computer vision and analogical reasoning for characterizing unknowns. Proceedings of the 56th Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences, Maui, USA, 960-969. Retrieved from https://hdl.handle.net/10125/102748.
  5. Magazine Combs, K. (2023). An introduction to computer vision with Keras. OR/MS Tomorrow, 10(2), 15-17. Retrieved from https://www.informs.org/Publications/OR-MS-Tomorrow/An-Introduction-to-Computer-Vision-with-Keras.
  6. Magazine Combs, K. (2023). The power of platforms to transform healthcare. OR/MS Today, 50(6). DOI: 10.1287/orms.2023.04.03n.
  7. Magazine Combs, K. (2023). OR/MS Tomorrow Alumni Story: Yue Wang, Ph.D. OR/MS Tomorrow, 1, 29. Retrieved from https://www.informs.org/Publications/OR-MS-Tomorrow/OR-MS-Tomorrow-Alumni-Story-Yue-Wang-PhD.
  8. Magazine Combs, K. (2023). Continuing the legacy of the Engineers Club of Dayton. ISE Magazine, 55(1), 44-47. Retrieved from https://www.iise.org/iemagazine/2023-01/html/combs/combs.html.
  9. Presentation ‡Combs, K. (2023). Adding your own value. Tau Beta Pi Ohio Mu Chapter (Wright State University) Initiation Ceremony, Dayton, OH.
  10. Presentation Combs, K. & Jacoby-Morris, K. (2023). AFRL STEM outreach and workforce development. AFRL Junior Force Council Leadership Symposium, Washington D.C.
  11. Poster *Gadre, A., *Christopherson, I., Combs, K., & Camberos, J. (2023). Leveraging generative AI and human factors techniques for building image datasets. Wright Scholars Presentation and Poster Session, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH.

*Student Author; ‡Invited Talk

2022

  1. Journal Zadeh, A., Combs, K., Burkey, B., Dop, J., Duffy, K., & Nosoudi, N. (2022). Pet analytics: Predicting adoption speed of pets from their online profiles. Journal of Expert Systems with Applications, 204, 1-10. DOI: 10.1016/j.eswa.2022.117596.
  2. Journal Ballester, N., Parikh, P. J., Combs, K., & Peck, J. (2022). Inpatient discharge-by-noon: Are fewer better than all? Journal of Maine Medical Center, 4(1), 1-6. DOI: 10.46804/2641-2225.1105.
  3. Conference Combs, K., Bihl, T. J., Ganapathy, S., & Staples, D. (2022). Analogical reasoning: An algorithm comparison for natural language processing. Proceedings of the 55th Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences, Virtual, 1310-1319. DOI: 10.24251/HICSS.2022.161.
  4. Magazine Combs, K. (2022). Modeling for COVID-19 college reopening decisions: Cornell, a case study by Peter I. Frazier, Shane G. Henderson, and David B. Shmoys. OR/MS Today, 49(6). DOI: 10.1287/orms.2022.05.34n.
  5. Magazine Combs, K. (2022). Global health security and healthcare supply chains: Perspectives and opportunities for operations research. OR/MS Today, 49(6). DOI: 10.1287/orms.2022.05.22n.
  6. Magazine Combs, K. (2022). Introducing IISE’s student leadership board. ISE Magazine, 54(6), 26.
  7. Magazine Combs, K. (2022). Introducing ISE: Fostering awareness one student at a time. OR/MS Today, 49(1), 50-51. DOI: 10.1287/orms.2022.01.09.
  8. Presentation Combs, K., Bihl, T. J., & Ganapathy, S. (2022). Integration of computer vision and analogical reasoning for characterizing unknowns. INFORMS Annual Meeting, Indianapolis, IN.
  9. Presentation ‡Combs, K. (2022). Analogical reasoning. Engineers Club of Dayton Barn Gang, Dayton, OH.

*Student Author; ‡Invited Talk

2021

  1. Magazine Highlight of ISE Magazine 2021 Combs, K. & Zadeh, A. (2021). Case study – animal analytics: Predicting pet adoption speeds as a multidisciplinary team. ISE Magazine, 53(10), 48-50. Retrieved from https://www.iise.org/iemagazine/2021-10/html/case-study/case-study.html.
  2. Magazine Leung, J. & Combs, K. (2021). Practicing visualization in OR/MS: An art and a science. OR/MS Today, 48(5), 60-61. DOI: 10.1287/orms.2021.05.10.
  3. Presentation 2nd Place in IISE Global Undergraduate Technical Paper Competition Ellison, K., Combs, K., & Sebastian, S. (2021). Putting a smile on redesigning: A dental facility layout problem. IISE Annual Conference & Expo, Virtual.
  4. Presentation Combs, K., Bihl, T., Ganapathy, S., & Staples, D. (2021). Analogical reasoning: A comparison of algorithms. INFORMS Annual Meeting, Anaheim, CA.
  5. Presentation 1st Place in IISE Great Lakes Regional Undergraduate Technical Paper Competition Ellison, K., Combs, K., & Sebastian, S. (2021). Putting a smile on redesigning: A dental facility layout problem. IISE Great Lakes Regional Conference, Virtual.
  6. Presentation Combs, K. & Sebastian, S. (2021). What you can be as an ISE. Northwest Ohio Center’s Women in STEM Day, Virtual.
  7. Presentation Combs, K., Sebastian, S., & Cao, C. (2021). Developing the cost and value justification of a new endovascular technology through mathematical modeling and forecasting approaches. IISE Global Capstone Showcase Webinar, Virtual.

*Student Author; ‡Invited Talk

2020

  1. Journal Combs, K., Fendley, M., & Bihl, T. (2020). A preliminary look at heuristic analysis for assessing artificial intelligence eXplainability. WSEAS Transactions on Computer Research, 8(9), 61-72. DOI: 10.37394/232018.2020.8.9.
  2. Presentation Combs, K., Camp, A. & Ganapathy, S. (2020). Industrial & systems engineering: It’s fun and it changes the world. Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School’s STEMM Idol Speaker Series, Virtual.
  3. Presentation 2nd Place in IISE Global Undergraduate Technical Paper Competition Combs, K. (2020). Cramming questions: Quiz bowl set optimization. IISE Annual Conference & Expo 2020, Virtual.
  4. Presentation 1st Place in IISE Great Lakes Regional Undergraduate Technical Paper Competition Combs, K. (2020). Cramming questions: Quiz bowl set optimization. IISE Great Lakes Regional Conference, Kalamazoo, MI.
  5. Presentation Combs, K. L. & Bihl, T. J. (2020). Cramming questions: Quiz bowl set optimization. INFORMS Cincinnati-Dayton Research Symposium, Dayton, OH.
  6. Poster 2nd Place in Undergraduate Catgory Combs, K. (2020). Cramming questions: Quiz bowl set optimization. OR/MS Tomorrow Mini-poster Competition, Virtual.

*Student Author; ‡Invited Talk