Industrial Engineering Students and Faculty Recognized at National Conference

Industrial engineering students and faculty received a variety of honors at a national conference of the Institute for Industrial and Systems Engineers, held virtually May 22-25.

Assistant professor Xiao Liu was elected as the president-elect (2021-2022) of the Data Analytics and Information Systems division. The division is the largest division under IISE that brings together members from academia, industry and government who share a common interest in topics related to research and practice of data analytics and information systems. Working with DAIS presidents, board directors and members, Liu expects to continue strengthening activities in the theory, methodology and practice in all technical areas that develop or apply to data analytics and information systems.

Professor Sandra Eksioglu was elected as the president (2021-2022) of the Energy Systems Division. The division's mission is to support members by fostering networks, offering programs and maintaining resources that represent their core competencies and/or areas of specialized practice.

Manuel Rossetti, University Professor of industrial engineering, and Chase Rainwater, associate professor and associate department head of industrial engineering, were recognized with the Innovations in Education Award. The award was given based on their work in designing, developing and implementing a required two-semester course sequence in computing for students pursuing the Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering (B.S.I.E.) at the U of A. According to IISE, the Innovations in Education Award "highlights outstanding innovation in the design or presentation of an accredited IE, ISE, IEOR or similar engineering curriculum, or in a course that is part of an accredited curriculum. It recognizes faculty members who demonstrate outstanding creativity in instructional approaches or curriculum organization, design or content, and who provide evidence of the effectiveness of their innovation."

Two industrial engineering students also earned scholarships. Maryam Alimohammadi, a doctoral student, received the Gilbreth Fellowship. The fellowship is available to graduate students pursuing an advanced degree in industrial engineering or its equivalent.

Senior Valerie Jackson was the recipient of the Harold & Inge Marcus Scholarship. This award is intended to recognize academic excellence and noteworthy contribution to the development of the industrial engineering profession.

Edward Pohl, head of the Department of Industrial Engineering and Twenty-First Century Professor of Engineering, said the awards represented the dedication of the department's faculty and students.

"We are so proud of all of these accomplishments," he said. "It is a testimony to the hard work and excellent students and faculty of the Industrial Engineering Department."