Saurabh Sanjay Singh, a doctoral student in the Department of Industrial, Systems and Manufacturing Engineering (ISME), won first place in the poster competition at the IISE (Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers) South Central Conference. The conference was held from Feb. 29 through March 2 at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, and his research was entitled, “Blood Supply Chain Simulation – An Investigatory Analysis.”
According to Dr. Deepak Gupta, a professor and associate chair in the ISME department who provided guidance to Singh, his research stood out among competitors, demonstrating the high caliber of education and mentorship in the ISME department. His presentation not only garnered praise from peers and professionals alike but also resonated strongly with high school students in attendance.
“The unanimous feedback from these younger attendees highlighted how Saurabh’s clear and engaging delivery made complex engineering concepts accessible, leaving them feeling empowered rather than overwhelmed,” Dr. Gupta said.
The conference included participation from esteemed universities across Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas, including Oklahoma State, Texas Tech, the University of Oklahoma and the University of Missouri-Columbia, among others. The event featured an impressive lineup of keynote speakers, such as Dr. Russell D. Meller, principal scientist at FORTNA; Tyler Beneke, product manager at Google; and Vance Clement, CEO at Lineus Medical; enriching the conference with their vast industry insights. Their presence underscored the conference’s significance as a melting pot of ideas and innovations in the industrial engineering field.
“A special mention goes to Dr. Cindi Mason, associate teaching professor in the ISME department, whose efforts were instrumental in facilitating this enriching experience for all WSU attendees,” Singh said. “Her dedication to fostering a supportive and collaborative environment for students to explore and excel is a testament to the department’s commitment to excellence.”
Singh’s achievement not only brings pride to WSU but also highlights the ISME department’s role in shaping future leaders in engineering. It is a reflection of the quality of education, mentorship and opportunities available to students, poised to make significant contributions to the field of engineering.