Harriet B. Nembhard is the Eric R. Smith professor of engineering and head of the School of Mechanical, Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering at Oregon State University. Her research improves complex systems and has led to numerous advances including a patented manufacturing process for small-scale medical devices, simulation models for assessing emergency department performance, modeling patient adherence to treatment, and tools for quantifying research translation. She has published two books and over 50 journal papers. Her work has been recognized by election as an American Society for Quality (ASQ) Fellow in 2009, election to the International Academy for Quality in 2011 and with senior membership in the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineering (IISE). Dr. Nembhard has also been active in mentoring women and underrepresented minorities in the academic institution and has served frequently for many programs to positively impact STEM education, equity and inclusion, and global learning.Dr. Elizabeth A. Cudney is an Associate Professor in the Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Department at Missouri University of Science and Technology. She received her B.S. in Industrial Engineering from North Carolina State University, Master of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering and Master of Business Administration from the University of Hartford, and her doctorate in Engineering Management from the University of Missouri – Rolla. In 2014, Dr. Cudney was elected as an ASEM Fellow. In 2013, Dr. Cudney was elected as an ASQ Fellow. In 2010, Dr. Cudney was inducted into the International Academy for Quality. She received the 2008 ASQ A.V. Feigenbaum Medal and the 2006 SME Outstanding Young Manufacturing Engineering Award. She has published six books and over 65 journal papers. She is an ASQ Certified Quality Engineer, Manager of Quality/Operational Excellence, and Certified Six Sigma Black Belt. She is a member of the ASEE, ASEM, ASQ, IISE, and the Japan Quality Engineering Society (JQES).Katherine M. Coperich is a Strategic Planning Advisor at FedEx Ground. She leads customer facing concept design work for revenue generating initiatives. She received her B.S. in Industrial Engineering from The University of Pittsburgh. Ms. Coperich is a member of IISE where she participates at both the local and national level. She is passionate about broadening the reach of STEM within her community and her workplace.
