PhD IN INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING
Why PhD in IE?
- Acquire advanced knowledge and skills to improve and optimize operations and training in academia, industry and government
- A wide-range of industry and research career opportunities are possible with an IE doctoral degree (supply chain, manufacturing, defense, automotive, entertainment, healthcare, and many more)
Why PhD@UofL?
- Research topics that benefit the society
- Faculty who care about your experience
- Carefully developed curriculum that provides advanced courses and training
- Pathways to prepare you for academic and industry positions
- Outstanding resources (computing and equipment) to facilitate executing your ideas
- Student chapters allow you to network with fellow students and industry professionals
- Overall, a family-like environment
- Full financial support for up to 4 years
Research Areas
Our Students are Hired By:
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Student Testimonials
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“The department’s faculty and staff impressed me with their level of support and guidance. I am deeply appreciative of their supportive nature and willingness to make changes that improve the student experience. My advisor was incredibly supportive, providing me with both the technical skills and knowledge necessary for my research, as well as mentorship and encouragement to navigate the challenging path of a PhD student. The curriculum is well-designed and covers a wide range of topics in industrial engineering. The department also goes above and beyond to provide opportunities for professional development through expert seminar series and various student development initiatives.”
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“Over the course of my journey as a PhD student at the University of Louisville (UofL), I had the privilege of working with top-notch instructors and advisors at IE and CECS departments who helped me to learn about ins and outs of different topics both in theory and practice. As a big part of my life at UofL, Logistics and Distribution Institute (LoDI) at UofL funded my research and engaged me in multiple research and industrial projects for multiple years which not only gave me the opportunity to carry out quality research, but also to put my knowledge into practice. Apart from my academic growth, the University of Louisville offered me great opportunities in other aspects of life with well-equipped recreational facilities and entertaining events. Now, as an member of close-knitted family of UofL, I am always looking forward to its bright days.”
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“Going through Speed School really made me grow as a person. I had never been challenged so much intellectually, to the point of wondering whether or not I was capable of finishing the program. Now, having obtained both my BSIE and MEngIE from UofL and while currently pursuing my PhD in IE from UofL, I can more confidently say I can tackle any challenges that are placed in front of me. I would like to give credit to one professor in particular, Dr. Saleem, for not only working with me through my Master’s degree, but also encouraging me to publish my work in professional journals and to pursue my PhD. One lesson I will take with me throughout my career, and my life, is to never stop asking questions and to never stop learning.”
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“I truly belief that I couldn’t have chosen a better department to pursue my PhD studies than the Industrial Engineering department at the University of Louisville. The welcoming nature of the department made me ease into life in a new country and also cemented by interest in a field I was new to. The faculty has their doors always open for any help needed but at the same time will challenge you to achieve your best. Networking is encouraged through conferences and seminars and the department is supportive by providing adequate funds. The guidance from the faculty and the encouragement from my peers helped to make a smooth transition from the academia to the industry.”
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“Being a Research Assistant at Logistics and Distribution Institute at the speed school of engineering brought me a significant opportunity to truly learn and practice science, in the field of logistics and material handling, in addition to very essential soft skills such as leadership and teamwork. Moreover, working with a group of graduate students from all around the globe, was tremendous to evolve my understanding of different cultures, in addition to making the daily work fun. The support I received from my advisers throughout my Ph.D. adventure was crucial to my great achievements, testified by the Women in Operations Research-Bayer scholarship and Doctoral Colloquium Student Sponsorship Award at INFORMS.”
Full financial support (tuition + stipend + insurance)
- UofL graduate school scholarships and assistantships
- IE department Graduate Teaching Assistantships
- Graduate Research Assistantships
Interested in learning more?
Some of our Current Students
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Advisor: Dr. Lihui Bai
Research Interests:
- Data Analytics
- Machine Learning
- Optimization in Logistics
- Last Mile Delivery
- Geographical Analysis
Bio: Morshedul Alam is a PhD candidate in the Department of Industrial Engineering and working under the supervision of Dr. Lihui Bai. Currently he is working on a funded project to develop a Machine learning model to predict the pavement conditions for Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC). He is doing research on optimization for last mile delivery as his PhD dissertation. Morshedul Alam completed his MS in Industrial Engineering from Lamar University, Beaumont, Texas and BS in Industrial & Production Engineering from RUET, Bangladesh. He has 5 years job experiences in different manufacturing companies in Bangladesh.
Education:
- M.S. in Industrial Engineering, Lamar University, Beaumont, TX, USA, 2018
- B.S. in Industrial & Production Engineering, RUET, Bangladesh, 2010
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Advisor: Dr. Arsalan Paleshi
Research Interests:
- Goods Flow Optimization
- Decision Analysis
- Warehousing
Bio: Md Salahuddin Ayuby is a PhD student at University of Louisville. He graduated from University of Southern Mississippi in 2016 with MS in Logistics Trade and Transportation. He completed BSc in Industrial Engineering in 2009 from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET). He worked as a graduate research assistant at Logistics and Distribution Institute (LoDI) in 2017. After that, he started working in logistics for a Swedish furniture retailer. He is currently in Pennsylvania and continuing research towards his PhD program.
Education:
- M.S. in Logistics Trade and Transportation, University of Southern Mississippi, MS , USA, 2016
- B.Sc. in Industrial Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Dhaka, Bangladesh, 2009
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Advisor: Dr. Monica Gentili
Research Interests:
- Optimization models and algorithms
- Operations Research
- Healthcare and Supply chain optimization
- Data analytics and statistics
Bio: Hasini Balasuriya is a doctoral student in Industrial Engineering at the University of Louisville. She received her bachelor’s degree in Management and Information Technology at the University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka in 2022 specializing in Business Systems Engineering. Her research interests are the applications of optimization and data analytics in healthcare and supply chain.
Education:
- B.S. in Management and Information Technology, Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2022
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Advisor: Dr. Faisal Aqlan
Research Interests:
- Human factors and safety
- Human-technology interaction
Bio: Rumena Begum is a doctoral student in Industrial Engineering at the University of Louisville. She received her MS in Industrial and Management Systems Engineering at Montana State University in 2022. Her research interests are human factors and safety, and human-technology interaction. Her current doctoral research is on human systems engineering with focus on ergonomics, process improvement, and industry assessment.
Education:
- M.S. in Industrial and Management Systems Engineering at Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA, 2022
- B.S. in Industrial and Production Engineering at Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet, Bangladesh, 2017
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Advisor: Dr. Faisal Aqlan
Research Interests:
- Optimization and simulation
- Data Analytics
- Virtual reality technology
Bio: Khalid is a Ph.D. student in Industrial Engineering at the University of Louisville. He received his B.S. in Industrial Engineering and Production Engineering at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. His research interest lies in the application of simulation, optimization, and machine learning techniques for healthcare, supply chain, and manufacturing systems. Khalid is also interested in sensor-based virtual reality and engineering education research.
Education:
- B.S. in Industrial and Production Engineering, University of Ibadan, Nigeria, 2020
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Advisor: Dr. Xiaoyu Chen
Research Interests:
- Reinforcement learning
- Deep Learning for manufacturing and healthcare
- Cognitive Engineering
Bio: Jerry is a doctoral student in Industrial Engineering at the University of Louisville. He received his MS in Industrial and Systems Engineering at Texas A&M 2022. His research interests include advanced machine learning with applications in manufacturing, healthcare, and human information processing.
Education:
- M.S. in Industrial and Systems Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 2022
- B.S. in Industrial and Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 2020
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Advisor: Dr. Faisal AqlanResearch Interests:
- System simulation
- Optimization for applications in manufacturing.
Bio: Mahmoud Fayek is a Ph.D. student with an M.S. in Production Engineering and Operations Management from Waseda University in Japan, and a B.S. in Mechanical Design and Production Engineering from Cairo University in Egypt. Mahmoud has active working experience spanning seven years as a Mechanical Engineer in various industries from cement, fabrics, furniture, sheet metal, shipbuilding, and solar power plants.
Education:
- M.S. in Information, Production and Systems Engineering, Waseda Uni., Tokyo, Japan, 2019.
- B.S. in Mechanical Design and Production Engineering, Cairo Uni., Cairo, Egypt, 2013.
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Advisor: Dr. Lihui Bai
Research Interests:
- Optimization models and algorithms
- Machine Learning
- Data Analytics
- Operation Research
- Logistics
Bio: Ilker is a PhD student in the department of Industrial Engineering at the University of Louisville (UofL). He is currently working in the Logistics and Distribution Institute (LoDI) to conduct his doctoral research. His research interest lies in the application of optimization techniques based on stochastic operations research, machine learning and data analytics in the area of logistics and healthcare. Ilker has 6 years job experiences in production planning and business analytics.
Education:
- M.S. in Industrial Engineering, Karabuk University, Karabuk, Turkey, 2020
- B.S. in Industrial Engineering, Karabuk University, Karabuk, Turkey, 2016
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Advisor: Dr. Pratik J. Parikh
Research Interests:
- Data Analytics
- Applied Optimization
- Supply Chain Management
- Simulation Modeling
Bio: Uttam Karki is a Ph.D. student in the Department of Industrial Engineering at the University of Louisville. His doctoral research includes optimization of patient visibility from a nursing station by designing an in-patient ward in a hospital setting. He holds a master’s degree in Industrial and Human Factor Engineering from Wright State University, Ohio that investigated optimization of impulse profit from a retailer by changing rack design and product allocation on a rack. His research interest is in Data Science and the application of Simulation and Optimization techniques in supply chain management.
Education:
- M.S. in Industrial and Human Factor Engineering, Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio, 2019
- B.S. in Industrial Engineering, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal, 2017
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Advisor: Dr. Li Yang
Research Interests:
- Cellular and lightweight structures design using additive manufacturing (AM)
- Medical devices, Implants and bone cements
- Material testing, characterization and analysis
Bio: Naresh is a first-year doctoral student in the Department of Industrial Engineering at the J.B. Speed School of Engineering at the University of Louisville. He received his MS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Toledo in 2018. He is currently working on effect of AM process parameters on thin wall and strut structures with his advisor, Dr. Li Yang. His doctoral research focus on design and analysis of AM cellular and lightweight structures.
Education:
- M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio, United States, 2018
- B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Institute of Engineering, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal, 2013
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Advisor: Dr. Pratik Parikh
Research Interests:
- Trauma network design
- Trauma cost estimation and trauma care evaluation
- Retail backroom storage assignment/order picking
Bio: Lin Lin is a second-year doctoral student in Industrial Engineering at the University of Louisville. She received her MS in Industrial and Human Factors Engineering at the Wright State University in 2020. Her research interests are the applications of optimization and data analytics in healthcare and retail. Her current doctoral research investigates the problem of optimizing a regional trauma care network to maximize patient safety in the presence of state provided subsidies to support the hospital system.
Education:
- M.S. in Ind & Human Factors Engineering, Wright State University, Dayton, OH, USA, 2020
- M.S. in Neuroscience, SUNY-University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA, 2017
- Bachelor of Medicine in Oral Medicine, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China, 2014
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Advisor: Dr. Lihui BaiResearch Interests:
- Operation Research
- Logistics and Supply chain
- Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
Bio: MD Mohiuddin is a doctoral student in the department of Industrial Engineering at the University of Louisville (UofL). His passion is to work on logistics system for Electric Vehicle (EV) battery refurbishment, re-manufacturing, repurposing, and recycling (circular economy). He is focusing on the design and optimization of the reverse logistics system for EV batteries.
Education:
- B.S. in Industrial and Production Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), Bangladesh, 2019
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Advisor: Dr. Monica Gentili
Research Interests:
- Optimization applications for the classroom
- Artificial intelligence and Natural Language Processing
Bio: Josh is a first-generation PhD student with an interest in Optimization applications for education and improved learning experiences. He began doing research in the summer of 2019. He has gained experience with machine learning, social network analysis, proposal-writing, and conference presentations. He has worked on a cross-disciplinary team as part of a larger effort to combat organ trafficking and increasing the number of living organ donors in America and worldwide.
Education:
- B.S. in Industrial Engineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 2020
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Advisor: Dr. Kevin Chou
Research Interests:
- Metal Additive Manufacturing
- Powder Metallurgy
- Microstructural characterization and analysis
- Finite Element Modelling
Bio: Nismath is a Ph.D. student in the Department of Industrial Engineering at the J.B. Speed School of Engineering, University of Louisville (UofL). Her research interest lies in manufacturing and microstructural analysis of metal parts made using conventional and additive technologies. Nismath’s doctoral research focuses on Laser Powder-Bed Fusion (L-PBF) Metal Additive Manufacturing under the supervision of Dr. Kevin Chou. Her research involves understanding the surface characteristics and pore features of L-PBF parts and establishing correlations with processing conditions.
Education:
- M.Tech. in Metallurgical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, India, 2022.
- B.Tech. in Production Engineering, APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University, Kerala, India, 2019.
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Advisor: Dr. Pratik J. Parikh
Research Interests:
- Operation Research & Simulation
- Machine Learning & Data Analytics
Bio: Mahmud Parvez, enrolled as a doctoral student in Industrial Engineering department from Fall 2021, at the University of Louisville. His current doctoral research focuses on designing & analyzing the real-life complex problems of industry by using applied OR methods & Simulation techniques and solve them through different software’s & heuristics.
Education:
- B.S. in Industrial & Production Engineering (IPE), Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (KUET), Bangladesh.
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Advisor: Dr. Faisal Aqlan
Research Interests:
- Deep learning
- Sensor-based modeling
- System simulation
- Engineering education research
Bio: Azzam Radman is a doctoral student in Industrial Engineering at the University of Louisville. He received his MS in Data Science at Jordan University of Science and Technology in 2022. His research focus includes deep learning and sensor-based modeling. Azzam is also interested in system simulation and engineering education research.
Education:
- M.S. in Data Science, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan, 2022
- B.S. of Mechanical Engineering, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan, 2022
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Advisor: Dr. Monica Gentili
Research Interests:
- Optimization
- Operations Research
- Machine Learning
Bio: Amanat Ur Rahman is a first-year doctoral student in the department of Industrial Engineering at University of Louisville (UofL). He is currently working in the Logistics and Distribution Institute (LoDI) to conduct his doctoral research. Amanat’s research interest is in the application of optimization techniques based on stochastic operations research and machine learning in the area of logistics and healthcare. He is currently exploring numerous research topics for his doctoral study.
Education:
- B.S. in Industrial and Production Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Dhaka, Bangladesh, 2020
- M.S. in Industrial and Production Engineering, Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology, Dhaka, Bangladesh, 2014
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Advisor: Dr. Jason J. Saleem
Research Interests:
- Human performance analysis in human-machine interaction
- Decision support systems
- Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs)
Bio: Prameet Ranjan Jha is a PhD candidate in the Department of Industrial Engineering at the University of Louisville. Prameet graduated from Tribhuwan University, Nepal with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. Since then, he has accumulated a rich experience in manufacturing operations handling portfolios such as Safety & Environment, Engineering Maintenance, and Distribution Logistics. His research interests include analyzing human behavior and performance in human-machine interactions, designing and developing human-machine systems, and decision support systems. As a future human factor engineering expert, Prameet aspires to contribute to uplift human safety conditions in manufacturing industries in his home country.
Education:
- B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Institute of Engineering, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal, 2010
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Advisor: Dr. Kevin Chou
Research Interests:
- Metal Additive Manufacturing
- Discrete Element Method
- Computation Fluid Dynamics
- X-ray Microtomography
- Automotive Design Optimization
Bio: Santosh Rauniyar is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Louisville. His PhD research is focused on the transient thermo-fluid behavior in laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) process and understanding the size effect in making small features. He is currently using White Light Interferometry to study the surface characteristics and the melt pool morphology of single tracks and multi tracks. His current research also includes thermo-fluid simulation to predict the transient nature of the melt pool. He has prior experience with meshless method, automotive design optimization and aerodynamic analysis of a paralympic wheelchair.
Education:
- M.S. in Industrial Engineering, University of Louisville, 2019
- B.E. in Mechanical Engineering, Pulchowk Campus, Tribhuvan University, 2012
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Advisor: Dr. Jason J. Saleem
Research Interests:
- Virtual reality technology and their uses in training systems
- Law enforcement and military personnel training
Bio: Jacob is a doctoral candidate with the Department of Industrial Engineering at the J.B. Speed School of Engineering at the University of Louisville. He is also the lab manager of the Center for Ergonomics. He has worked with his advisor, Dr. Jason J. Saleem, on multiple projects for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Jacob’s research interests focus on the integration of virtual reality (VR) technology with training systems. His research involves utilizing VR technology such as head-mounted displays (HMDs) to provide higher quality training to law enforcement professionals and to lower training costs.
Education:
- M.Eng. in Industrial Engineering, University of Louisville, 2016
- B.S. in Industrial Engineering, University of Louisville, 2015
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Advisor: TBA
Research Interests:
- Optimization models and algorithms
- System Dynamics and Simulation
- Economics & Behavioral Economic
- Healthcare and renewable energies
Bio: Shahab Sadri is an Industrial Eng. Ph.D. student at the University of Louisville and a graduate research assistant at the Logistics and Distribution Institute (LoDI) since March 2020. He got his B.Sc. in Industrial Eng. and his M.Sc. in Social and Economic Systems Eng. both from the Isfahan University of Technology in 2014 and 2017, respectively. He was recently involved in a project aimed at helping an aging clinic to operate efficiently concerning COVID-19 restrictions. He is exploring operations research techniques to build a bridge from theory to applications such as healthcare, renewable energies, and economics.
Education:
- M.Sc. in Social and Economic Systems Engineering, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran, 2017
- B.Sc. in Industrial Engineering, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran, 2014
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Advisor: Dr. Jason J. Saleem
Research Interests:
- Machine Learning and Pattern Recognition
- Human Computer Interaction
- Optimization
- Medical image processing
Bio: Sima is a PhD Student with the Department of Industrial Engineering at the University of Louisville. She has a master degree in Artificial Intelligence. Her previous research experiences include Modeling Effective Brain Connectivity in FMRI Data, Structure Learning for Bayesian Network using Clique Decomposition of Super Structures, Persian Handwriting Recognition using Markov Random Fields, Service Oriented Architecture, its Methodologies and Requirements. In 2019, Sima was awarded SIGS Graduate Fellowship Award from the UofL. Now she is working with Dr. Saleem on automatic usability evaluation.
Education:
- M.Eng. in Artificial Intelligence, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran 2012
- B.S. in Computer Engineering, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran 2010
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Advisor: Dr. Li Yang
Research Interests:
- Additive Manufacturing
- Finite Element Analysis
- Solid Mechanics Models
- Material Characterization
Bio: Sumit Paul is a first-year doctoral student in Industrial Engineering at the University of Louisville. He received his BS in Industrial and Production Engineering at the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology in 2019. His research interests are in modelling and characterization of Additive Manufacturing of cellular structures.
Education:
- B.S. in Industrial and Production Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Dhaka, Bangladesh, 2019
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Advisor: Dr. Luis SeguraResearch Interests:
- Data-driven models
- Additive manufacturing processes
- Data Science
- Physics-based machine learning
Bio: Christian Zuniga, originally from Ecuador, is pursuing his Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering at the University of Louisville. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Electronics and Automation Engineering from Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas-ESPE, Ecuador. His research interests lies in integrating physical and data-driven models to optimize processes and product quality in advanced manufacturing. After graduation, he aims to contribute as a professor in academia to teach and influence future generations.
Education:
- B.S. in Electronics and Automation Engineering, Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas ESPE, Ecuador, 2021.
Contact
Contact Us
Dr. Monica Gentili
PhD Program Director
J. B. Speed School of Engineering
University of Louisville
Louisville, KY 40292
502-852-0143
monica.gentili@louisville.edu
Katherine Markuson
Director of Engineering Graduate Affairs
University of Louisville | J.B. Speed Building, Room LL21 | Louisville, KY 40292
502-852-6278
katherine.markuson@louisville.edu