Kamiel Gülpen

PhD Candidate in Computational Science
📍 Amsterdam, Netherlands

Current Position

PhD Candidate in Computational Science
RIVM & University of Amsterdam | September 2025 - Present

Researching social tipping points and critical transitions in complex systems. Developing agent-based models and computational tools to understand how small changes in social systems can cascade into large-scale transformations, with focus on informing policy decisions.

Professional Experience

Machine Learning Engineer
Eraneos (powered by Anchormen), Amsterdam | 2022 - 2025

Data-driven consultancy specializing in data and AI solutions. Key projects include:

  • HTM Public Transportation (2023-Present): Comprehensive analysis of fare evasion patterns using statistical modeling, developed ML models (Prophet, Random Forest, XGBoost) for demand forecasting
  • Data Engineering: Built automated pipelines using Azure DataBricks, PySpark, and Azure Synapse
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Regular communication with policymakers and operational teams
Data Engineer
MC Management Consulting, Amsterdam | 2022 - 2023

Provided analytical support for operational methodology improvements, optimized R-scripts and data pipelines, and applied quantitative approaches to business process optimization.

Education

Master in Computational Science
University of Amsterdam | 2020 - 2022

Interdisciplinary program focusing on data, modeling and simulation of complex social systems:

  • CLS Courses: Agent-Based Modeling, Complex Systems Simulation, Stochastic Simulation, Behavior Dynamics in Social Systems
  • CS Courses: Large Scale Data Engineering, Distributed Algorithms
  • AI/ML Courses: Data Mining, NLP, Evolutionary Computing
  • Thesis: "A digital twin of Amsterdam's social network" - Developed comprehensive framework for generating artificial social networks using the Social Relational Attachment (SRA) model
Minor in Programming
University of Amsterdam | 2020

Intensive programming foundation covering Python, C, JavaScript, SQL, HTML/CSS, functional and object-oriented programming.

Bachelor Beta-Gamma (Business Administration)
University of Amsterdam | 2016 - 2020

Interdisciplinary program combining natural and social sciences with focus on quantitative methods, statistics, and data analysis.

Research Output

Master's Thesis: "A digital twin of Amsterdam's social network"
University of Amsterdam | 2022

Developed innovative agent-based modeling framework for generating representative social networks. Key contributions include:

  • Introduced Social Relational Attachment (SRA) model integrating homophily and heterophily principles
  • Two-Group Network (2GN) algorithm for realistic degree distributions
  • Integration of spatial, demographic, and social factors in network generation

View thesis →

Technical Skills

Programming

Python (advanced), R, C, JavaScript, SQL

ML/AI Tools

Prophet, Random Forest, XGBoost, scikit-learn, TensorFlow

Data Engineering

Azure DataBricks, PySpark, Azure Synapse, Pandas, NumPy

Modeling

Agent-Based Modeling, Network Science, Complex Systems Simulation