Message from new ISE Chair Juming Tang

I'm thrilled to step into the role of Chair of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering at the University of Washington as of October 1, 2024. Building on the visionary foundation established by Professors Cynthia Chen, Linda Boyle, Richard Storch and others, I'm excited to lead ISE into its next chapter of impact and innovation.

The heart of ISE is its people. In classrooms where students challenge conventional thinking, in hallway conversations about solving real-world problems, and in collaborative research sessions, I've witnessed firsthand the passion and talent that defines our community. Our students don't just study engineering—they're actively reimagining what's possible in their fields.

Our professional staff are the backbone of everything we accomplish, turning ambitious ideas into reality through their expertise and dedication to our teaching, research, and student support missions.

Our faculty aren't just teaching engineering—they're redefining it. From creating human-centered systems that enhance worker safety to developing AI-powered solutions for healthcare challenges, their cutting-edge research tackles some of society's most pressing problems. Whether they're optimizing disaster relief operations, strengthening cybersecurity protocols, or revolutionizing food systems, ISE faculty and students are creating tangible impact that extends far beyond campus.

I have also had the pleasure of meeting with numerous ISE alumni and friends, who continue to provide amazing support to our programs through generous donations for student scholarships and fellowships, offering ISE students internship opportunities, and sharing their expertise as guest lecturers. ISE is fortunate to have the support and guidance from a strong and active External Advisory Board (EAB), consisting of more than twenty alumni who are leading engineers, current and former executives from global technology companies and successful start-ups representing a wide range of industries, including consulting, technology, manufacturing, entertainment, logistics, and healthcare. The board's guidance and support play a crucial role in shaping the future of our department.

I am pleased to share some of the good news about ISE that reflects our strong upward trajectory:

• A transformative $4.5 million estate gift intention from Richard and Mary Kay Hansen will establish our department's first endowed chair, helping us attract and retain top faculty.
• Student interest in ISE has surged dramatically. Our junior-year enrollment for Spring 2025 has doubled compared to last year and the Master of Industrial Systems Engineering (MISE) program has also seen record interest and enrollment.
• ISE is launching its first Summer Studies Abroad program in Spain this summer, with a cohort of 20 students, expanding global learning opportunities for our students.
• Our graduate students continue to earn national recognition, bringing home numerous awards that reflect both their exceptional talents, hard work, and the strength of ISE's academic foundation.
• Two ISE faculty members – out of a total of three University-wide – were selected as Boeing Visiting Professors in 2025, highlighting the excellence of our faculty.
• We are welcoming two outstanding new faculty members who will strengthen our expertise in operational research and AI applications for cybersecurity, areas crucial to addressing tomorrow's challenges.

My long-term vision is to position our department to be one of the nation's premier industrial and systems engineering programs, matching the University of Washington's world-class reputation. We'll achieve this by continuously reimagining our curriculum to address emerging challenges, creating learning environments that foster innovation, focusing our research on high-impact areas, and building the infrastructure that enables breakthrough discoveries.

Our location in Seattle—a global hub of innovation in technology, healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics—creates unparalleled opportunities for our community. This vibrant ecosystem doesn't just provide internships and jobs for our students; it creates a living laboratory where theory meets practice. By strengthening our partnerships with industry leaders and community organizations, we'll ensure our students develop into the forward-thinking problem solvers society needs and our research drives meaningful change for Washington and the world.

The collaborative spirit that defines ISE is our greatest asset as we take on these ambitious goals. Together, we're not just teaching and studying industrial and systems engineering—we're reshaping it to meet the challenges of tomorrow. I'm energized by the opportunity to lead this journey and invite you to join us in creating a boundless future

Thank you for your trust and partnership. I look forward to the exciting journey ahead.

Sincerely,

Juming Tang, Ph.D.
Chair, Department of Industrial & Systems Engineering
Frank Jungers Endowed Chair
Member, US National Academy of Engineering
University of Washington