Problem Solved: The IISE Podcast

Listen to this #IISEAnnual2025 podcast break with Valerie Maier-Speredelozzi from the University of Rhode Island, recorded live on the floor of the IISE Annual Conference & Expo 2025 in Atlanta. Hit play to relive the energy, steal an idea before your next coffee refill, and stay plugged into the #IISEAnnual2025 buzz — wherever you engineer impact.SPONSORED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON'S CULLEN COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING: At the University of Houston's Cullen College of Engineering, the Industrial and Systems Engineering Department prepares students not just to be team players — but to become dynamic leaders. Ranked among the Top 50 public universities by U.S. News & World Report, both the College and department are recognized for academic excellence and innovation. With flexible programs and industry-relevant certifications, such as our Lean Six Sigma program at lss.uh.edu we equip learners at every level to break through outdated systems and lead meaningful transformation. Discover more at ie.uh.edu.

Listen to this #IISEAnnual2025 podcast break with Jingfei Chen, senior principle product manager at ServiceNow, recorded live on the floor of the IISE Annual Conference & Expo 2025 in Atlanta. Hit play to relive the energy, steal an idea before your next coffee refill, and stay plugged into the #IISEAnnual2025 buzz — wherever you engineer impact.SPONSORED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON'S CULLEN COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING: At the University of Houston's Cullen College of Engineering, the Industrial and Systems Engineering Department prepares students not just to be team players — but to become dynamic leaders. Ranked among the Top 50 public universities by U.S. News & World Report, both the College and department are recognized for academic excellence and innovation. With flexible programs and industry-relevant certifications, such as our Lean Six Sigma program at lss.uh.edu we equip learners at every level to break through outdated systems and lead meaningful transformation. Discover more at ie.uh.edu.

Listen to this #IISEAnnual2025 podcast break with David Gray from Autodesk Inc., recorded live on the floor of the IISE Annual Conference & Expo 2025 in Atlanta. Hit play to relive the energy, steal an idea before your next coffee refill, and stay plugged into the #IISEAnnual2025 buzz — wherever you engineer impact.SPONSORED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON'S CULLEN COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING: At the University of Houston's Cullen College of Engineering, the Industrial and Systems Engineering Department prepares students not just to be team players — but to become dynamic leaders. Ranked among the Top 50 public universities by U.S. News & World Report, both the College and department are recognized for academic excellence and innovation. With flexible programs and industry-relevant certifications, such as our Lean Six Sigma program at lss.uh.edu we equip learners at every level to break through outdated systems and lead meaningful transformation. Discover more at ie.uh.edu.

Listen to this #IISEAnnual2025 podcast break with Max Miller from Auburn University, recorded live on the floor of the IISE Annual Conference & Expo 2025 in Atlanta. Hit play to relive the energy, steal an idea before your next coffee refill, and stay plugged into the #IISEAnnual2025 buzz — wherever you engineer impact.SPONSORED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON'S CULLEN COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING: At the University of Houston's Cullen College of Engineering, the Industrial and Systems Engineering Department prepares students not just to be team players — but to become dynamic leaders. Ranked among the Top 50 public universities by U.S. News & World Report, both the College and department are recognized for academic excellence and innovation. With flexible programs and industry-relevant certifications, such as our Lean Six Sigma program at lss.uh.edu we equip learners at every level to break through outdated systems and lead meaningful transformation. Discover more at ie.uh.edu.

Listen to this #IISEAnnual2025 podcast break with Sanjit Addepally from Rutgers University, recorded live on the floor of the IISE Annual Conference & Expo 2025 in Atlanta. Hit play to relive the energy, steal an idea before your next coffee refill, and stay plugged into the #IISEAnnual2025 buzz — wherever you engineer impact.SPONSORED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON'S CULLEN COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING: At the University of Houston's Cullen College of Engineering, the Industrial and Systems Engineering Department prepares students not just to be team players — but to become dynamic leaders. Ranked among the Top 50 public universities by U.S. News & World Report, both the College and department are recognized for academic excellence and innovation. With flexible programs and industry-relevant certifications, such as our Lean Six Sigma program at lss.uh.edu we equip learners at every level to break through outdated systems and lead meaningful transformation. Discover more at ie.uh.edu.

Carly Walker of Auburn University is a first-time IISE Annual Conference & Expo attendee. She said she's enjoyed her first year at the event thanks to what she describes as a “welcoming" atmosphere. Listen to this #IISEAnnual2025 podcast break with Carly, recorded live on the floor of the IISE Annual Conference & Expo 2025 in Atlanta. Hit play to relive the energy, steal an idea before your next coffee refill, and stay plugged into the #IISEAnnual2025 buzz — wherever you engineer impact.SPONSORED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON'S CULLEN COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING: At the University of Houston's Cullen College of Engineering, the Industrial and Systems Engineering Department prepares students not just to be team players — but to become dynamic leaders. Ranked among the Top 50 public universities by U.S. News & World Report, both the College and department are recognized for academic excellence and innovation. With flexible programs and industry-relevant certifications, such as our Lean Six Sigma program at lss.uh.edu we equip learners at every level to break through outdated systems and lead meaningful transformation. Discover more at ie.uh.edu.

Melika Jahan Beikloo is a Ph.D. candidate from Clemson University in the industrial engineering department. It's her first time at #IISEAnnual2025, and she's also giving a presentation Monday, June 2. Listen to this #IISEAnnual2025 podcast break with Melika, recorded live on the floor of the IISE Annual Conference & Expo 2025 in Atlanta. Hit play to relive the energy, steal an idea before your next coffee refill, and stay plugged into the #IISEAnnual2025 buzz — wherever you engineer impact.SPONSORED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON'S CULLEN COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING: At the University of Houston's Cullen College of Engineering, the Industrial and Systems Engineering Department prepares students not just to be team players — but to become dynamic leaders. Ranked among the Top 50 public universities by U.S. News & World Report, both the College and department are recognized for academic excellence and innovation. With flexible programs and industry-relevant certifications, such as our Lean Six Sigma program at lss.uh.edu we equip learners at every level to break through outdated systems and lead meaningful transformation. Discover more at ie.uh.edu.

Anuja Patil from CNA Insurance, and the president (2025-26) of the Applied Ergonomics Society, recently spoke with Problem Solved: The IISE Podcast during #AppliedErgo2025 in Orlando, Florida.Learn more about the conference at: iise.org/AEC

John Sohn from the University of Michigan recently spoke with Problem Solved: The IISE Podcast during #AppliedErgo2025 in Orlando, Florida.Learn more about the conference at: iise.org/AEC

In this special bonus episode from the Applied Ergonomics Conference 2025, Mike Courtney, founder of Aperio Insights, delivers a compelling keynote exploring the crucial link between imagination and innovation. Drawing on more than two decades of experience in market research and strategic foresight, Courtney shares how technologies such as AI and robotics are rapidly transforming concepts into reality. He emphasizes that the modern challenge isn't just inventing but deciding which innovations truly merit investment. Courtney also highlights how adopting a futurist mindset enables professionals to not only survive but thrive amidst disruptive change, turning potential chaos into strategic advantage.

In this bonus episode from the Applied Ergonomics Conference 2025, Dr. Karl Zelik of Vanderbilt University shares insightful perspectives on innovation in biomechanics and wearable technology. Drawing from his extensive experience as co-director of the Center for Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology and as Chief Scientific Officer of HeroWear, Zelik discusses how to identify meaningful advancements versus mere industry hype. He provides practical guidance on creating sustainable, impactful solutions that enhance workplace health, safety, and productivity. Zelik's keynote underscores the importance of informed innovation to truly improve well-being across industries and society.

Jim Mecham from OccuCare Injury Prevention recently spoke with Problem Solved: The IISE Podcast during #AppliedErgo2025 in Orlando, Florida.Learn more about the conference at: iise.org/AEC

Cheryl Roy from Dorn Companies recently spoke with Problem Solved: The IISE Podcast during #AppliedErgo2025 in Orlando, Florida.Learn more about the conference at: iise.org/AEC

Texas A&M students Aspen Burke, Lillian Bravo and Samuel Britton recently spoke with Problem Solved: The IISE Podcast during #AppliedErgo2025 in Orlando, Florida.Learn more about the conference at: iise.org/AEC

Dustin Herte and Chris Gromowski with Blue Line Battery recently spoke with Problem Solved: The IISE Podcast during #AppliedErgo2025 in Orlando, Florida.Learn more about the conference at: iise.org/AEC

In this bonus episode of Problem Solved: The IISE Podcast, we present Mandy Long's keynote address from the Healthcare Systems Process Improvement Conference 2025 in Atlanta. With a distinguished background in artificial intelligence and healthcare technology, including leadership roles at IBM Watson and Experian Health, Mandy explores the practical application of AI in healthcare. She emphasizes the importance of tailoring AI to solve real, human-centered problems, avoiding vendor lock-in, focusing on measurable outcomes, and recognizing the enduring role of human expertise alongside AI.Learn more about the HSPI conference at: iise.org/HSPI

In this bonus episode of Problem Solved: The IISE Podcast, we present Dr. Venkatesh Bellamkonda's keynote address from the Healthcare Systems Process Improvement Conference 2025 in Atlanta. As an assistant professor of emergency medicine at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and a consultant physician in the Department of Emergency Medicine at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, Dr. Bellamkonda shares his journey into process improvement, inspired by personal experiences and colleagues. He illustrates how quality improvement tools can be applied to everyday challenges, such as organizing a nursery and managing emails.Dr. Bellamkonda also emphasizes the importance of engaging healthcare professionals at all levels through relatable examples and structured training programs. He advocates for using these skills to address significant issues like workplace violence and second victim syndrome, aligning improvement efforts with the core mission of healthcare institutions and the well-being of their teams.Learn more about the HSPI conference at: iise.org/HSPI

Devpradnya Kadam from UF Health shares her experience at the Healthcare Systems Process Improvement Conference 2025. Learn more about the conference at iise.org/HSPI.

Taylor Rader from Mayo Clinic shares her experience at the Healthcare Systems Process Improvement Conference 2025. Learn more about the conference at iise.org/HSPI.

Kim Kaleta, a student from Kennesaw State University, shares her experience at the Healthcare Systems Process Improvement Conference 2025. Learn more about the conference at iise.org/HSPI.

Ritu Ward from T. Ward & Associates Inc shares her experience at the Healthcare Systems Process Improvement Conference 2025.Learn more about the conference at iise.org/HSPI.

Aakash Mittal from MDofficeManager shares his experience at the Healthcare Systems Process Improvement Conference 2025.Learn more about the conference at iise.org/HSPI.

Dive into all things Healthcare Systems Process Improvement Conference 2025 with Ali Anderson and Aaron Kanne. Discover the incredible sessions, keynotes, and networking opportunities awaiting you at this year's premier healthcare engineering event. From first-time attendees to seasoned professionals, this episode breaks down what makes HSPI special, including exclusive workshops, thought-provoking presentations, and insights from industry leaders. If you're passionate about improving healthcare outcomes and processes, this is the episode for you!Don't miss out on HSPI 2025 — Feb. 19-21 at Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia. Visit iise.org/HSPI for more information and to register.Follow SHS on social media to stay updated on conference news and announcements:LinkedInInstagram

This week, we're talking with Avi Fishman, a Lean Master Black Belt and Six Sigma Black Belt with extensive experience in healthcare systems process improvement who — at the time we recorded our interview — recently found himself looking for his next job. We talked with him about his career path from an NYPD officer to health care administrator, his approach to leveraging his professional network, and his advice for all on remaining “resume ready.”This episode also marks the 200th published episode of “Problem Solved.” Since we launched in May 2019, we have talked with professionals, students, authors, and business leaders in the fields of industrial and systems engineering, healthcare systems, and ergonomics as well as the numerous industries and academia in-between. We're grateful for the wisdom and insights of our guests, and we're especially thankful to our listeners — spanning the globe across more than 125 countries. We're planning to return with new episodes of “Problem Solved” as well as our new Q&A series “ExpertISE” in 2025.

In this week's episode, Chris Tonn*, director of outreach and networking for IISE's Modeling and Simulation Division, sits down with Jarrod Thome.Jarrod is an Operations Manager in McDonald's Global Operations Strategy & Standards department, where he uses his expertise in simulation modeling to tackle big questions for one of the world's most recognized brands. With a career spanning roles at the United States Postal Service and Spirit Aerosystems, Jarrod has developed and implemented simulation models across diverse industries, including aircraft manufacturing and logistics.In this conversation, Jarrod shares how simulation modeling drives innovation at McDonald's, from understanding customer behavior to optimizing global operations. He also offers insights into lessons learned throughout his career and the future of modeling in both manufacturing and service industries.*(When he's not podcasting for IISE, Chris Tonn is a simulation engineer for Spirit AeroSystems Inc. in the Manufacturing Integration Technology, Future Factory Team.)

James Swisher, IISE's Director of Continuing Education, returns to ExpertISE this week to offer his insights on the following question: "What role does ethics play in ISE and how are students prepared to handle ethical dilemmas in the field?"

This week on ExpertISE — Javier Masini, industrial engineer with Value Management Strategies Inc. and an IISE instructor, answers the following question: "Can ISE principles be applied to non-manufacturing sectors?"

James Swisher, IISE's Director of Continuing Education, returns to ExpertISE this week to offer his insights on the following question: "How can students gain practical experience or internships in the industrial and systems engineering field while still in school?"

Eric Hassen, president of the Applied Ergonomics Society, and Martha Parker, AES board member and Project Manager for the Texas A&M Center for Worker Health, discuss how to develop ergo programs to improve worker safety, remote work challenges for ergonomists and the benefits of belonging to the society.

In this episode of "ExpertISE," author, certified Lean Six Sigma master black belt, and continuous improvement expert Tina Agustiady answers: "How important are group projects and teamwork in the ISE profession?"

With early and mail-in voting underway in the 2024 elections in the U.S., and an anticipated crowd of in-person voters topping it all off Nov. 5, how are election officials managing the ballot traffic and executing a free and fair election process? We talked to returning guest Gretchen Macht, Ph.D., an associate professor in the Department of Mechanical, Industrial & Systems Engineering at The University of Rhode Island. Dr. Macht is also the Director of the Engineering for Democracy Institute, previously known as URI VOTES. She discusses how her team engages with county election officials from different parts of the U.S., the lessons learned from four years ago and how they're being applied now, and what you should know about the process in real time as American voters — and the world — wait for the results.You can listen to Dr. Macht's previous appearance on our podcast ahead of the 2020 elections at: https://share.transistor.fm/s/7dc07e35

Barrett Caldwell, Ph.D., professor of industrial engineering and aeronautics and astronautics at Purdue University as well as a Fellow of IISE, returns for another round of "ExpertISE." This week, Dr. Caldwell gives his thoughts on the following question: "What role does ethics play in ISE and how are students prepared to handle ethical dilemmas in the field?"

James Swisher, IISE's Director of Continuing Education, returns to ExpertISE this week to offer his insights on the following question: "What's one piece of advice you wish someone had given you when you were a student in ISE?"

This week on ExpertISE — Javier Masini, industrial engineer with Value Management Strategies Inc. and an IISE instructor, answers the following question: "How do real world ISE projects differ from the theoretical scenarios discussed in college?"

First-time guest Jacquie Maupin and returning guest Ali Hobbs Everett share their personal stories and discuss their indirect paths into healthcare systems improvement, as well as the industrial and systems engineering skills and know-how needed to succeed in the field.

Elizabeth Gentry, Ph.D., a solution value analyst at Philips and a part-time instructor for the University of Louisville and IISE, returns to ExpertISE to answer the question: "How do you incorporate feedback loops and continuous improvement in the systems you design or optimize?"

Barrett Caldwell, Ph.D., professor of industrial engineering and aeronautics and astronautics at Purdue University as well as a Fellow of IISE, returns for another round of "ExpertISE." This week, Dr. Caldwell gives his thoughts on the following question: "How important are group projects and teamwork in the ISE profession?"

James Swisher, IISE's Director of Continuing Education, returns to ExpertISE this week to offer his insights on the following question: "What strategies do you use to keep with the latest research and developments in the field?"

In this week's "ExpertISE," author, certified Lean Six Sigma master black belt, and continuous improvement expert Tina Agustiady answers: "What role does continuous learning play in the ever-evolving ISE landscape?"

This week on ExpertISE — Javier Masini, industrial engineer with Value Management Strategies Inc. and an IISE instructor, answers the following question: "Are there any specific soft skills that are particularly valuable in the ISE profession?"

Rohan Shirwaiker is an IISE Fellow, a professor in the ISE department at North Carolina State University and co-director and chief scientific officer at the Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein, where he works on the design and manufacture of biological products for medical and sustainable food applications. He discusses his work and career with fellow Penn State graduate Cassandra Sotos, an industrial engineer, entrepreneur and professional musician. The duo also discuss their career paths beginning at their shared time at Penn State as well as offer advice to young professionals and college students seeking a career in ISE.

Elizabeth Gentry, Ph.D., a solution value analyst at Philips and a part-time instructor for the University of Louisville and IISE, returns to ExpertISE to offer advice on mentorship for young professionals working in industrial and systems engineering.

Purdue University's Barrett Caldwell, Ph.D., is back for another episode of "ExpertISE." Barrett is a professor of industrial engineering and aeronautics and astronautics at Purdue as well as a Fellow of IISE. This week, Barrett answers: "How do you see the intersection of ISE with the growing emphasis on remote work and decentralized teams?"

James Swisher, IISE's Director of Continuing Education, returns to ExpertISE this week to offer his insights on the following question: "What emerging technologies or tools are revolutionizing ISE practices?"

This week on ExpertISE — Javier Masini, industrial engineer with Value Management Strategies Inc. and an IISE instructor, answers the following question: "In your experience, what has been the most challenging project or problem you've addressed using ISE principles?"Learning more about IISE's educational and certification offerings at: iise.org/trainingcenter

In this week's "ExpertISE," author, certified Lean Six Sigma master black belt, and continuous improvement expert Tina Agustiady returns to answer: "What challenges did you face early in your career, and how did your college experience prepare you for them?"Learning more about IISE's educational and certification offerings at: iise.org/trainingcenter

Elizabeth Gentry, Ph.D., a solution value analyst at Philips and a part-time instructor for the University of Louisville and IISE, returns to ExpertISE to explain the benefits of obtaining advanced certifications and training. Planning to take the NCEES Principles and Practice of Engineering exam on Oct. 9? Look no further than the PE Exam Review for Industrial Engineers from IISE — THE prep course designed for your success — July 15-19 in Norcross, Georgia. IISE's course content is meticulously designed to help you pass the PE Exam. Test takers who participated in our prep course boast a pass rate of over 90 percent — more than 30 percent higher than the national average! Enroll in the IISE PE Exam Prep course today at link.iise.org/peexamreview.

Cindy Anderson is founder and CEO of Alula Consulting and a strategy consultant for Engineering for One Planet (engineeringforoneplanet.org), an initiative supported by The Lemelson Foundation to promote sustainable engineering practices and integrate sustainability into engineering education. She discusses the EOP's goals, educational resources and the potential environmental and social impacts of industrial engineering in a discussion with John Corliss, senior vice president with PEER Consultants and a member of IISE's Sustainable Development Division. You can view her presentation from #IISEAnnual2024 in Montreal and a video on the EOP mission. Planning to take the NCEES Principles and Practice of Engineering exam on Oct. 9? Look no further than the PE Exam Review for Industrial Engineers from IISE — THE prep course designed for your success — July 15-19 in Norcross, Georgia. IISE's course content is meticulously designed to help you pass the PE Exam. Test takers who participated in our prep course boast a pass rate of over 90 percent — more than 30 percent higher than the national average! Enroll in the IISE PE Exam Prep course today at link.iise.org/peexamreview.

Nicola Chrzanowski is an industrial engineering manager with Pratt & Whitney who was an Annual Conference exhibitor.Learn more about the IISE Annual Conference & Expo at iise.org/annual. Planning to take the NCEES Principles and Practice of Engineering exam on Oct. 9? Look no further than the PE Exam Review for Industrial Engineers from IISE — THE prep course designed for your success — July 15-19 in Norcross, Georgia. IISE's course content is meticulously designed to help you pass the PE Exam. Test takers who participated in our prep course boast a pass rate of over 90 percent — more than 30 percent higher than the national average! Enroll in the IISE PE Exam Prep course today at link.iise.org/peexamreview.

Seokhyun Chung is an assistant professor of systems and information engineering at the University of Virginia attending his first Annual Conference.Learn more about the IISE Annual Conference & Expo at iise.org/annual. Planning to take the NCEES Principles and Practice of Engineering exam on Oct. 9? Look no further than the PE Exam Review for Industrial Engineers from IISE — THE prep course designed for your success — July 15-19 in Norcross, Georgia. IISE's course content is meticulously designed to help you pass the PE Exam. Test takers who participated in our prep course boast a pass rate of over 90 percent — more than 30 percent higher than the national average! Enroll in the IISE PE Exam Prep course today at link.iise.org/peexamreview.

Nancy Zupick is manager of the Arena simulation team at Rockwell Automation and an Annual Conference exhibitor.Learn more about the IISE Annual Conference & Expo at iise.org/annual. Planning to take the NCEES Principles and Practice of Engineering exam on Oct. 9? Look no further than the PE Exam Review for Industrial Engineers from IISE — THE prep course designed for your success — July 15-19 in Norcross, Georgia. IISE's course content is meticulously designed to help you pass the PE Exam. Test takers who participated in our prep course boast a pass rate of over 90 percent — more than 30 percent higher than the national average! Enroll in the IISE PE Exam Prep course today at link.iise.org/peexamreview.