Momchil Tomov
About Momchil Tomov
Momchil Tomov is a Senior Research Scientist at Motional, where he develops algorithms for autonomous vehicles. He has an extensive background in research and development, with previous positions at prestigious institutions such as Harvard University and Princeton University.
Work at Motional
Momchil Tomov has been employed at Motional as a Senior Research Scientist since 2021. In this role, he develops algorithms that integrate fast reflexive and slow reflective computations to mimic human driving behavior in autonomous vehicles. His work focuses on creating planning algorithms for self-driving cars inspired by human cognitive processes. Additionally, he enhances the decision-making capabilities of autonomous vehicles by applying principles from neuroscience.
Previous Experience
Before joining Motional, Momchil Tomov held several positions in academia and industry. He worked at Harvard University as a Postdoctoral Researcher in 2020 and as a Graduate Student Researcher from 2016 to 2019. He also served as a Web Developer at Princeton University from 2011 to 2012. His experience includes a Software Engineering Internship at Facebook in 2011 and leadership roles at The Princeton Entrepreneurship Club, where he was both President and the Founder & Director of HackPrinceton.
Education and Expertise
Momchil Tomov earned his PhD in Neuroscience from Harvard University, where he studied from 2016 to 2019. He also holds a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Neuroscience, Robotics & Intelligent Systems from Princeton University, completed in 2014. His educational background is complemented by his early studies in Computer Science, Math, Physics, and English at Geo Milev High School of Mathematics.
Leadership Roles
In addition to his research and development work, Momchil Tomov has demonstrated leadership in various capacities. He was the President of The Princeton Entrepreneurship Club from 2012 to 2013 and the Founder & Director of HackPrinceton from 2011 to 2012. He also served as the Lead Organizer for Startup Weekend in Princeton in 2011, showcasing his commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.
Coaching Experience
In 2010, Momchil Tomov worked as a Coach for the National Programming Team at the Ministry of Education and Science in Bulgaria. This role involved mentoring and guiding students in programming, contributing to their development in competitive programming and technical skills.