This year, we welcomed three new faculty members to strengthen our mission both in and out of the classroom. They bring collective expertise in optimization, statistics, AI, and machine learning. This significantly increases our ability to apply data science across broad fields such as energy and manufacturing, all while exposing our students to cutting-edge methodologies. And our research collaborations continue to have real-world relevance, as is seen through the project where faculty are working alongside MIT and leading industry partners to develop the next generation of the battery workforce. Across all faculty activity, we generated over $5.4M in FY25 research funding—a new record.
Student engagement and experiential learning are central to our mission. From the H-CORE undergraduate research program and co-op journeys like our featured undergraduate student, to study abroad experiences in France and outreach events that increase awareness of IE, our students continue to discover how Clemson IE connects people, systems and data on a global scale.
Finally, I wanted to point to two examples of how the Clemson IE family stays connected. Bharat Ganesan (’09) was recently appointed to the Clemson Alumni Association Board of Directors, while former IE Chair Cole Smith is returning to campus as Clemson’s Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost—a homecoming that underscores the leadership legacy of our department.
How can the above achievements be summarized? Clemson IE continues to be the highest-ranked discipline at Clemson University. That distinction reflects the remarkable dedication of our students, faculty, staff and alumni who together make Clemson IE a wonderful place to be. Thank you for helping us build a department that continues to lead with innovation and purpose.
Go Tigers!
Kevin Taaffe, Ph.D.
Harriet and Jerry Dempsey Professor and Department Chair
Department of Industrial Engineering
