Role

Since 2023, Simon has been a doctoral researcher at the Cologne Institute for Information Systems at the University of Cologne. Within the institute, he combines responsibilities in research, teaching, and IT administration. As the chair’s IT administrator, he manages the technical infrastructure and supports the integration of digital tools into research and teaching processes. Simon is also involved in coordinating and delivering programming education, contributing to introductory programming courses that form a core component of the Information Systems and Computer Science curriculum. 

In addition, he is responsible for the master-level Advanced Seminar Collaborative Innovation Networks, which explores the interplay between human collaboration and artificial intelligence. In this seminar, students design AI-powered sensor systems such as smartwatch-based physiological monitoring and bio-electrical plant sensors to capture “honest signals” of teamwork.

Research

Simon’s research focuses on AI-supported digital health, particularly the detection of epileptic seizures using wearable sensor data. His project Epileptic Seizure Detection investigates how machine learning can be applied to electrocardiogram (ECG) signals to identify epileptic seizures. The aim is to develop a system suitable for everyday use that continuously monitors heart activity via smart devices such as ECG-enabled smartwatches and detects patterns indicative of a seizure.

The research builds on the insight that changes in heart rate variability – derived from the analysis of RR intervals and R-peak dynamics – can serve as early indicators of seizure onset. By advancing algorithms for ECG-based detection, Simon’s work contributes to the development of reliable, user-friendly solutions that can operate outside clinical settings. The ultimate goal is to improve the quality of life and safety of people with epilepsy through accessible and unobtrusive health monitoring technologies.

Beyond seizure detection, Simon is broadly interested in the application of intelligent digital systems in chronic disease management, exploring how data-driven solutions can support patient autonomy and personalized healthcare.

Education

Simon Wolf holds both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Information Systems from the University of Cologne, where he specialized in Data Science and Econometrics. During his studies, he developed a strong interest in programming education and data-driven system design through his work as a student assistant. In addition to his academic activities, he has taught multiple editions of Bayer AG’s Summer School for Business Informatics, introducing dual-study students to the fundamentals of programming before their university studies.