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ISE Connection: Spring 2023

ISE Connection: Alumni Newsletter, Spring 2023

From the Department Head

Friends of Virginia Tech ISE,

It is hard to believe we are already just a few short days from spring commencement. We are incredibly proud of our faculty, staff, and students and grateful for their contributions to the department over the last semester.

We’ve had a busy spring in the Grado Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering! Our graduate program is now ranked sixth, advancing a spot from last year, according to the U.S. News and World Report. Our outstanding faculty, staff, alumni, and students have been recognized for their incredible work, which you can read about below.

Thank you for your continued support and engagement in Virginia Tech ISE. We look forward to continuing to prepare our students to be tomorrow's leaders and problem solvers. 

Eileen Van Aken

Department Head

a person texting and driving

Distracted driving on the rise, but rather than the problem, expert says technology could be the solution

Associate Professor Charlie Klauer explains that while technology is a distraction, it can also be a part of the solution through tools such as car play, in which drivers can answer a call hands-free.

Lack of access to clean water impacts economic and health disparities

Graduate student and ICTAS doctoral fellow Emma Dudzinski explores the link between access to clean water and economic/health disparities.

Ingrid Jensen Vaughn

Ingrid Jensen Vaughan (‘85) inducted into the Academy of Engineering Excellence

The 2023 inductees, who have achieved exceptional career successes, were chosen from over 77,000 living College of Engineering alumni, bringing the academy’s total membership to 179.

ISE Academy of Distinguished Alumni

ISE recognized the 18th Induction into the Academy of Distinguished Alumni at our Honors & Awards Banquet on April 19. Congratulations to our inductees:

  • Sharnnia Artis
  • Tim Chase
  • Jennie Gallimore
  • Victoria Lonker
  • Kelly Marchese
  • Chris Mosby
  • Bob Osmond
  • Ian Rehmert
  • Tom Winters
  • Ken Wright

Additionally, we recognized the 2023 Emerging Leaders Award recipients, Rajaram Bhagavathula and Justin Love; and the first Early Career Impact Award Winner, Colleen Ferlotti.

Student and Faculty Awards

In addition to our award-winning alumni, we also had award-winning students and faculty. These include recognitions at the department, college, and university level. Learn more about our award winners.

two students wear Virtual reality goggles to vizualize radiation

2023 Senior Symposium

52 teams participated in the Senior Symposium to showcase year-long senior design efforts, and five teams were recognized by the ISE Advisory Board. Congratulations to our group winners:

  • Application of ISE Tools Award: Devils Backbone Brewery Company, Shipping Optimization
  • Project Performance Award: InMotion, Lean Transformation GSM Motor Line
  • Innovation and Creativity Award: Running Fox Solar Electric Vehicle Charge station
  • Digital Transformation Award: Republic Finance Revolutionizing Loan Acquisition with Machine Learning
  • People’s Choice Award: MedStar, Quality Improvement Through Event Reporting

Upcoming events

Special thanks to everyone who attended our ISE alumni events in Richmond in February and New York City in May! We had a great time connecting with local alumni and catching up on recent departmental news. Stay tuned for more events this fall and join the college at the events below!

  • Arlington Engineering Young Alumni Social
    Wednesday, May 17, from 6-8 p.m.
    The Pinemoor
    1101 N. Highland St., Arlington, VA 22201
    Register to attend

  • Engineering Alumni Summer Outing
    June 3, from 2-4 p.m.
    Shipgarten
    7581 Colshire Drive, McLean, VA 22102
    Register to attend

  • Alumni Weekend
    June 8-11
    Blacksburg, Virginia 
    Register today

  • Virginia Tech Night with the Richmond Squirrels
    Thursday, July 27 at 6:35 p.m.
    The Diamond
    3001 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd., Richmond, VA 23230
    Register by July 19

Gifts of all sizes can make an impact for ISE students

  • $10 provides the Harris Manufacturing Processes Lab with one pair of safety glasses for one of the 800+ students they teach each year.
  • $50 provides a Virginia Tech branded polo shirt for a student to wear during a conference to represent the department and the university.
  • $100 allows the Harris Manufacturing Processes Lab to purchase one new welding helmet.
  • $500 provides a student with the opportunity to attend a conference to learn, present research, network, and expand their professional growth.