The INFORMS Georgia Tech Student Chapter recently received the prestigious Summa Cum Laude distinction at the INFORMS Annual Meeting, recognized for their outstanding teamwork, diverse event offerings, and strategic outreach.
This accomplishment is a testament to their dedication in advancing industrial engineering and operations research.
Engaging Leadership and Current Board
2023-2024 Leadership
- President: Zihan Zhang
- Vice President: Anjolaoluwa Popoola
- Treasurer: Lingchao Mao
- Secretary: Zheng Dong
- Alias Members: Xinyu Liu, Sourabh Choudhary
2024-2025 Leadership
- President: Lingchao Mao
- Vice President: Abel Sapirstein
- Secretary: Alina Gorbunova
- Treasurer: Jacob Aguirre
- Council Members: Jay Mulay, Xinchao Liu
The leadership team has fostered broad student engagement, creating a diverse range of events and programs to connect with both the academic and professional interests of students.
Key Initiatives and Impact
1. K-12 Engagement:
- Partnered with the Center for Academics, Success, and Equity (CASE)
- Hosted high school visits and campus shadow days to introduce younger students to college life and industrial engineering
Anjolaoluwa Popoola emphasized, “We’ve heard students say they could see themselves here at Georgia Tech or say things like, ‘Oh, I never really thought about industrial engineering’ … so this partnership has increased awareness of industrial engineering as a potential major.”
2. Senior Student Panels:
- Organized panels where senior students shared guidance on navigating academic and professional pathways
- Covered topics such as work-life balance and career strategies, providing junior students with insights from their senior peers
3. Industry Panels and Networking Events:
- Connected students with industry leaders, including American Airlines representatives, who shared insights into career paths and company culture
Lingchao Mao noted, “For some of our students, particularly international students new to job applications, events like the American Airlines panel were incredibly encouraging. They learned how to find internships and build industry connections, which was transformative for them.”
4. Workshops on Emerging Technologies:
- Provided students with hands-on experience with the latest tools and technologies
- These workshops ensure members stay competitive in both academic and industry environments
Fostering Community and Professional Development
1. Social Events:
- Hosted events aimed at building camaraderie, including trivia and informal meet-ups, which have strengthened community bonds among members from various backgrounds
2. FOCUS Groups and Informal Chats:
- Launched monthly informal chats where senior Ph.D. students provide guidance to younger students on navigating their studies and professional goals
Topics were selected based on a student poll, reflecting interests such as “research, academics, and even personal milestones,” said Lingchao Mao, adding that the breadth of topics speaks to the chapter’s responsiveness to members’ needs
Successful Transition and Future Plans
The chapter is committed to fostering continued growth, empowering future leaders, and deepening student engagement through innovative programs and collaborative efforts.
This summer, the team expanded its network by connecting with neighboring INFORMS student chapters, including those from Clemson and UTK.
“We plan to have an annual retreat to collaborate with other student chapters, discuss potential collaborations, and make student activities better,” shared Zihan Zhang, emphasizing the chapter's dedication to building strong intercollegiate partnerships that elevate student experiences across the region.
With these initiatives, the chapter aims to strengthen its role as a leader in student development and professional preparation within operations research and industrial engineering.
--
Author: Nat M. Esparza, Communications Officer II
