January 15, 2004

Tran Begins Term as Co-Director of Operations Research

Dr. Hien T. Tran, professor of mathematics at North Carolina State University, started his term as the new co-director of Operations Research on January 1, 2004. Tran replaces Dr. Ralph C. Smith, professor of mathematics at NC State, whose term expired December 31, 2003.

The Operations Research (OR) program in the College of Engineering applies scientific methodology to the study of systems whose design or operation requires human decision making. Interdisciplinary in nature, OR draws on, and contributes to, techniques from many fields, including the mathematical sciences, engineering, economics and the physical sciences. OR practitioners have successfully solved a wide variety of real-world problems, ranging from the optimal design of telecommunications networks in the face of uncertain demand to the planning for an optimal deployment of armed forces during wartime.

According to Dr. Yahya Fathi, professor of industrial engineering and Operations Research co-director, “Dr. Smith served an essential and critical role in leading the program to its current prominent status.”

— pishney —

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