Students, faculty, and alumni were recently honored at the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering Awards Banquet, held April 10 at Regas Square. 

The banquet opened with remarks from department head Mingzhou Jin and included student chapter updates, recognition of graduates, department awards, and a Hall of Honor induction. 

ISE’s 2026 Awards 

Outstanding Undergraduate Students

Selected by ISE faculty to recognize students whose accomplishments in the department set the standard for excellence for future students

Junior recipient: Faith Keating  

Senior recipient: Katherine Koester  

Outstanding Graduate Student

Selected by ISE faculty to honor one graduate student for excellence in research, academic performance, leadership, and service

Madelaine Idalides Martinez Ferguson

Outstanding Professor

Selected by ISE students for excellence in education and service 

William “Bill” Hicks, Lecturer

Kirby Faculty Award

The Dr. Kenneth E. Kirby endowed faculty award recognizes faculty excellence in teaching, research, and contributions to the mission of the Department of Industrial & Systems Engineering. The endowed award was established by alumni to honor Dr. Kirby, Associate Professor Emeritus, for his impact on the academic experiences and subsequent careers of hundreds of ISE alum.

Bing Yao, Dan Doulet Early Career Assistant Professor and Director of the RME Program

Kessel Faculty Award

The award was created to recognize the “creative and effective integration of current research into the academic curriculum.” The basis for selection is exceptional classroom performance combined with an effective research agenda or program development. 

Gary Null, Assistant Department Head for Undergraduate Affairs and Assistant Professor of Practice 

ISE Hall of Honor Inductee

Joe C. Cook, Jr. (BS/ISE, ’65)