Meet Skypuzzler’s Algorithm Expert, Thomas Alscher
Skypuzzler’s Algorithm Expert, Thomas Alscher, has a Master’s degree in medical engineering obtained in Germany and a PhD in computer science from the University of Copenhagen. At Skypuzzler, he effectively uses his deep knowledge as he researches potential new features and conducts all the necessary steps to ultimately test and integrate them into Skypuzzler’s product, integrated Digital Air Traffic Control (iDATC).
We’re continuing our Meet the Team series with Thomas Alscher, who’s giving us a firsthand look at his role at Skypuzzler.
What is your educational background, and why is it relevant to Skypuzzler?
From early on, I was fascinated by engineering—particularly mechanics and its applications—which led me to study medical engineering in my home country, Germany. My interest in healthcare led to a foundation in mechanical engineering with a focus on medical devices and applying engineering principles to medical research.
I specialised in experimental mechanics, and along the way, I was introduced to computational tools, which sparked my interest in numerical mechanics. I pursued this further in Switzerland, where I gained practical experience in the field. This work made me realise that what I truly enjoy is solving problems by building mathematical and physical models, and then translating those models into code. Driven by this passion, I pursued a PhD in computer science at the University of Copenhagen (KU). During my doctorate, I had the chance to sharpen my skills, contribute to research, and acquire new expertise. Alongside my PhD work on medical simulations, I contributed to a large image-processing project in the life sciences. While the application domain varied—from medicine to imagery and now drones—the core thread in all my work has been modelling, optimisation, and problem-solving through computational approaches. At Skypuzzler, this is precisely what I do: I research potential new features, develop formulations and models, translate them into code, and then test and integrate them into the product.
How will you describe your work progress when developing the latest feature for Skypuzzler?
It’s both fascinating and inspiring to work with such a talented and motivated team, each member bringing a unique background and perspective. This diversity is one of our greatest strengths: we constantly challenge each other, exchange ideas, and spark creativity.
Our process often begins with informal and open-ended brainstorming sessions, intentionally kept loose to encourage free thinking. These discussions are then followed by more structured phases: thorough literature research across industry and academia, as well as careful consideration of client requirements and relevant standards. From there, we collaboratively shape features and models, which are rigorously tested within our framework before being integrated into the product.
Describe a typical day working for Skypuzzler
My day begins with a beautiful bike ride through downtown Copenhagen to our office, which is situated in a stunning location near Kongens Nytorv. I typically start by catching up on our team chat, which is essential since we have colleagues spread across Europe. This keeps me up to date on ongoing developments. We then have a brief morning meeting to outline our tasks for the day, share advice, and request input from colleagues. This connection continues throughout the day, keeping the threshold for interaction low and fostering collaboration. In my role, currently focused on a major European Innovation Council (EIC) project, my day varies depending on the stage of a feature. It involves literature research & documentation, whiteboard sessions on theory with colleagues, coding & testing (of course), and peer reviewing each other’s work. These activities often overlap and are repeated across multiple features simultaneously. I especially like being part of the full development cycle, including glimpses into time & resource management, while being able to contribute to a major project.
After a day at the office, I like (to):
Judo
Even as a recreational athlete, judo feels like an ever-shifting puzzle. Every opponent brings different strategies and strengths, requiring constant adaptation. No two training sessions are ever the same, and even on days when nothing seems to work, the community embodies the principles of judo: You simply take a breather and get back on the mat the next day. Software developers might relate how this persistence helps keeping a cool head in a dynamic environment.
Outdoors
Living in Scandinavia as a former scout, I love spending time in nature. Whether skiing, climbing, or camping, having access to such stunning scenery makes me deeply appreciate Skypuzzler’s commitment to keeping transportation and logistics as environmentally friendly as possible.
Reading
I love recharging with a good book on the couch. While I’d like to claim reading impactful literature, it’s usually science fiction—quite entertaining, nonetheless! The feeling of paper, the smell of the print—all this helps me disconnect from screens. It also sparks my imagination, letting me dream about where drone technology could go in the future—albeit on a much longer timescale.
