Industrial Engineering Student Recognized by Materials Handling Foundation

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John Miller is using his engineering research to help a small business in India.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — John Miller, a master’s student in the Department of Industrial Engineering, has received the Electrification and Controls Manufacturers Association Honors Scholarship from the Materials Handling Foundation.

The scholarship provides $2,500 to support Miller’s graduate studies.

Miller is currently working on his master’s thesis, which deals with logistics and supply chain issues in India. Miller is working with a small textile company that employs disadvantaged people in India and exports products such as bags and clothing to the United States.

Miller explained that supply chain and logistics are very different in India, because of the economic and cultural factors. For example, moving supplies from one state to another in the country is challenging because of labor strikes and regulations that are arbitrarily enforced. Using his industrial engineering skills to help the company navigate these systems is very rewarding.

“Ultimately this company is really improving people’s lives,” Miller said. “It’s making jobs that really help people.”

In May, Miller visited India to get a first-hand look at the company’s day-to-day operations. John English, dean of the College of Engineering and Miller’s adviser, accompanied him.

“I’m very proud of the work John has done on this project, and I’m very pleased with this recognition,” English said. “His research is having a direct, global impact and it’s been a pleasure to be a part of it.”

Miller plans to finish his degree in the spring of 2015.