Burak Eksioglu, a professor in the Department of Industrial Engineering, has been named director of the College of Engineering's Master of Science in Engineering program, an online degree program ideal for working professionals who have a bachelor's degree in engineering or computer science.

The program is highly ranked among online graduate engineering programs by U.S. News and World Report.

Eksioglu has more than 20 years of experience leading cross-functional teams in supply chain, logistics and transportation with technical expertise in optimization and data analytics. He joined the college in 2019 after five years as an associate professor of engineering at Clemson University. Prior to that, he worked for 11 years at Mississippi State University, where he taught and directed the National Center for Intermodal Transportation and Competitiveness

His industry experience includes working as an organization development specialist for Marsa KJS in Adana, Turkey.

Eksioglu said he is very excited to lead the program.

"MSE offers a lot of flexibility to students to shape their program, which is an excellent opportunity for us to grow the program and for our students to advance their careers," he said.

Dean Kim Needy said Eksioglu will be an excellent leader for the popular and successful program.

"I am thrilled to have Dr. Eksioglu in this important position guiding one of our five online master's programs," Needy said. "His wealth of leadership experience and dedication to excellence will undoubtedly mean great things for the college, this program and our students."

In addition to his teaching and research at U of A, Eksioglu served for three years as director of graduate studies for industrial engineering and as director of the Center for Excellence in Logistics and Distribution.

Eksioglu earned a doctorate in industrial and systems engineering from the University of Florida, a master's degree in engineering business management from the University of Warwick in the United Kingdom and a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering from Bogazici University in Turkey.

His research focuses on optimization with applications in transportation, logistics, supply chain management and health care. Sponsors of his research have included the U.S. Department of Transportation, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, NASA and industry.

He is a member of the Tau Beta Pi Honor Society, the Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences, Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers, American Society for Engineering Education, and Production and Operations Management Society.

Eksioglu replaces Ed Pohl, who became dean of the Graduate School and International Education in June.