MathPro Team
Dave Hirshfeld
B.Chem.Eng., Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, M.Chem.Eng., University of Delaware, and M.S. (Applied Math), Stevens Institute of Technology.
Prior to establishing MathPro Inc. in 1990, with Sobotka & Co., Inc, U.S. Synthetic Fuels Corporation
(as Director of Strategic Planning), and Esso Research & Engineering Company. Chemical engineer
specializing in analysis of the interactions between clean fuels regulations, developments in refining
technology, the economics of oil refining, and the economics of alternative fuels. Has analyzed the
economics of the oil refining sectors and of individual refineries in the United States, Canada, South
America, Japan, and Europe. Has analyzed the economics and the net energy balance of ethanol production.
Experience includes extensive use of refinery LP modeling to assess costs and impacts in the
refining industry of fuels regulations and government policies. Formulated and guided implementation
of profit-enhancing optimization models for operations planning and investment planning in
the petroleum industry (as well as the forest products, container, and food and beverage industries).
Designed and built MathPro Inc.Ős proprietary refinery modeling system, ARMS.
Former council member and President of The Institute of Management Sciences (TIMS), an international professional society.
Fellow of the Institute for Operations Research and Management Science (INFORMS).
Jeff Kolb
B.A. (Mathematics), University of Wisconsin; M.A. (Economics) and Ph.D. (Economics), University of Oregon.
Formerly with Sobotka & Company, Inc., U.S. EPA, and NERA. Applied micro-economist with exceptional skills in analyzing technical and economic data and in developing computer-based models for technical and economic analysis. More than twenty-five years of experience in analyzing energy, environmental, and economic issues. Experience includes extensive use of refinery LP modeling to assess costs and impacts in the refining industry of fuels regulations and government policies; development and assessment of economic incentive systems (e.g., trading and banking of emissions credits) for improving the cost-effectiveness of government regulations; and litigation support in cases involving refining economics, as well as anti-trust and other issues. Has extensively analyzed the economics of bio-fuels production and use, with particular emphasis on ethanol economics.
Jim Welch
BA (Mathematics), Antioch College; Graduate Studies (Mathematics), University of Maryland, College Park, (Computer Science), Johns Hopkins University, (Quantitative Management Science), University of Houston.
Founder and president of Sundown Software Systems, Inc. Works with MathPro Inc. in development and enhancement of software systems for optimization modeling. Forty years experience as designer and implementer of large (and small) computer software applications, with emphasis on mathematical programming and relational database management applications. Has developed commercial software as well as proprietary application systems.
