Applications of Optimization Algorithms to 3D Graphics

I am about to begin a Comp. Sci. honours thesis on Optimization algorithms. Could anyone give any suggestions or references to existing work where optimization algorithms (Genetic, Memetic, Tabu Search etc.) have been applied in 3D graphics applications?

At the moment I am considering using a Memetic algorithm to solve the Hamiltonian Triangulation problem. But this has already been done by my supervisor and we would both prefer to look at new applications.

As many of you probably know, online communities (such as this one) tend to be a lot more switched on than academia - thus, I am hoping to get some fresh ideas and apply these techniques in new areas.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.