Daniel Frigan

I am a Ph.D. candidate in Theoretical Computer Science at the Efi Arazi School of Computer Science at Reichman University, working under the supervision of Professor Shay Mozes.

My research focuses on graph algorithms and computational complexity, with particular emphasis on planar and near-planar graph structures, exact distance computation, and the design of data structures with provable efficiency guarantees. My work addresses exact distance querying, preprocessing-query tradeoffs, and the exploitation of structural properties of graphs to obtain scalable and theoretically sound algorithmic improvements.

My research includes contributions to distance oracle design and related algorithmic techniques for planar and near-planar graphs. A recent result, published at the International Colloquium on Automata, Languages, and Programming (ICALP 2025, drops.dagstuhl.de/entities/document/10.4230/LIPIcs.ICALP.2025.33), presents an improved oracle construction for distance and path queries, achieving faster construction while preserving fast query performance and compact representation.

Alongside academic research, I bring over a decade of industry experience in software engineering, systems design, and technical leadership. My professional background includes the development of large-scale simulation systems, algorithmic infrastructure, and complex engineering solutions operating under strict correctness and performance requirements.

Previously, I worked as a Software Engineer and Tech Lead in the ADAS and autonomous vehicle domain, where I contributed to the design of large-scale simulation and testing systems for perception and autonomy. This role involved hands-on development and integration of autonomous robotics components, including experience with ROS-based systems, and close interaction between algorithmic development and system-level validation.

Earlier, I held operations research and technology leadership roles, developing multi-system simulation frameworks and contributing to strategic projects in defense, autonomous systems, and applied optimization.
I hold an Honors B.Sc. and B.A. in Computer Science and Entrepreneurship from Reichman University, graduating Cum Laude, and carry prior academic training in physics and mathematics from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem as part of the Talpiot program. I also hold formal training in project management and quality engineering.

Outside professional work, I am a private pilot license trainee (practicing at the Herzliya airfield) and occasionally I attend entrepreneurship and innovation meetups. I actively follow discussions on technology and algorithms mainly in the fields of Web 3.0, AI integration into software design, and large-scale infrastructure systems, with a particular interest in translating theoretical ideas into practical applications.