Lessons Learned by Leading, Promoting, and Conducting Interdisciplinary Research
Sarah Ryan
Professor, Department of Industrial & Manufacturing Systems Engineering
Iowa State University
Abstract: Research leaders and funding agencies frequently promote interdisciplinary or convergent research as essential for scientific and societal challenges. Industrial and systems engineers may see ourselves as natural leaders or facilitators – at the very least, indispensable participants – in efforts that bridge disciplines to solve complex problems. Projects I have conducted over the last decade in renewable energy integration, distributed chemical manufacturing, and graduate education have reinforced some messages I had heard and revealed some things I wish someone had told me. Fundamental tools like decision trees and engineering economic analysis have played essential roles in enabling communication and supporting effective collaboration. Sharing leadership has increased participants’ ownership of the process and results.
Biography: Sarah M. Ryan is Professor and the C.G. “Turk” and Joyce A. Therkildsen Department Chair of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering at Iowa State University. She teaches courses in stochastic modeling and optimization under uncertainty. Professor Ryan directed the recently completed DataFEWSion National Research Traineeship for Innovations at the Nexus of Food Production, Renewable Energy and Water Quality Systems. Her research has been supported by multiple National Science Foundation grants, including a CAREER Award, the US Department of Energy, the Iowa Energy Center, an AT&T Industrial Ecology Faculty Fellowship, and industry consortia. She is past Editor-in-Chief of The Engineering Economist and a Fellow of the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers.
