Industrial Engineering Student Receives Fellowship

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Hector Vergara, a doctoral student in the industrial engineering department, is the recipient of the Institute of Industrial Engineers' E.J. Sierleja Memorial Fellowship for the 2011-12 academic year. The Institute of Industrial Engineers is the world’s largest professional society dedicated solely to the support of the industrial engineering profession, and the Sierleja Fellowship is awarded annually to a top graduate student whose graduate degree research is focused on rail transportation.

Vergara's research focuses on the rail transportation delivery system. It is being funded by the Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corp. through their membership in the Center for Excellence in Logistics and Distribution. As a major consumer of coal for their power plants, much of which is transported by rail from the Powder River Basin in Wyoming, AECC is interested in innovative solutions that will enhance their rail transportation delivery system.

“Hector is very deserving of this honor,” said Sarah Root, Vergara’s faculty mentor. ”He is an outstanding student and researcher, and is a very hard worker. I am extremely proud that IIE has recognized the excellent work he has done.”