High Praise: Industrial engineering organization honors Heragu, Hu
Thursday, October 31, 2024
Media Contact: Kristi Wheeler | Manager, CEAT Marketing and Communications | 405-744-5831 | kristi.wheeler@okstate.edu
Founded in 1948, The Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineering is the leading professional association recognized worldwide for its dedication to advancing industrial engineering.
IISE is a global nonprofit institution striving to empower its members and industrial engineering professionals through opportunities for skill enhancement, nurturing excellence and professional advancement. It’s the largest professional society devoted to expanding industrial engineering education.
This year, IISE honored two College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology professors — Dr. Sunderesh Heragu and Dr. Guiping Hu — with high distinctions and awards.
IISE has continuously spotlighted Heragu’s successes in the industry. In 2010, Heragu received the David F. Baker Distinguished Research Award. This honor celebrates a lifetime of success to a nominee who has paved the way for fellow researchers. In 2022, he received a second award recognizing his dedication to service: the Fred C. Crain Distinguished Service Award. Heragu was also selected as the 2024 IISE Albert G. Holzman Distinguished Educator Award winner. This award recognizes Heragu’s considerable contributions through his research, teachings, innovation and administrative leadership. Most recently, he was selected as IISE’s president, beginning in 2025.
Heragu grew up in a small village on the eastern coast of India. As a young man, he was unsure what his future career would be, but he was given a chance in the field of industrial engineering and stated, “[It] completely changed my career trajectory.”
Heragu said he is honored to be the first IISE member ever to receive all three highest distinguishments.
“Over the past 76 years, IISE has given many awards, in many categories, to giants in the field,” Heragu said. “To be recognized amongst these giants itself is a huge honor. To be the first to receive the pinnacle awards in education, research and service is something I had never imagined, but I will forever be grateful.”
Heragu said he credits his success to his former students and colleagues.
During his presidency, he will work to continue advancing education and research for industrial and systems engineering students and professionals.
IISE is the reason Heragu learned many vital leadership skills.
“I hope my work and the honors IISE has bestowed upon me inspires my students to become the leaders of tomorrow who will change the world and make it better for humankind by making the systems around us diverse, efficient and sustainable,” Heragu said.
Over the past 10 years, Heragu has contributed significantly to OSU, sharpening the minds of CEAT students, fostering global cultural awareness, assuming leadership as the department head for the School of Industrial Engineering and Management, attaining the esteemed titles of Regents Professor and holder of the John Hendrix Chair and serving as the associate dean of academic affairs for the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology. This collection of accomplishments positions him well for his role as IISE president.
Hu, head of Industrial Engineering and Management, was selected for the 2024 IISE Fellow Award.
This award is limited to 20 senior members each year who have contributed remarkable achievements in their professional careers and the industrial and systems engineering field. She has been an active member of IISE since 2006.
“Getting nominated and selected as an IISE Fellow means a tremendous amount to me personally and professionally,” Hu said. “Being a first-generation, minority college graduate, I hope this achievement can provide inspiration for future leaders in the field.”
Hu said she contributes her success to the research and educational innovations that lie in the trans- and inter-disciplinary boundary.
She has focused her research on operations and data analytics, concentrating on supply chain design, bioinformatics and health care, renewable energy systems, and sustainable agriculture.
Hu also acknowledges the mentors who have been with her along the way. She expresses extreme gratitude to her family and friends who “provide unconditional love and support me during the high and low points.”
Photos by: Kristi Wheeler and Desa James
Story by: Ashleigh Green | IMPACT Magazine