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Lizhi Wang, a professor in both the Departments of Bioengineering and Systems Engineering and Operations Research, was made a Fellow at the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE) in March, an association where he has been a member for 20 years.
According to the IISE website, the Fellow designation is given to outstanding leaders of the profession that have made significant, nationally recognized contributions to industrial engineering. Wang is a deeply engaged member of the organization, contributing as a participant and volunteer leader. “I have held several leadership roles there,” he said. “I served as the department editor for their flagship journal, IISE Transactions, for about five years, which is a very big responsibility.”
His service extends across multiple dimensions of the organization, working within its operations research division and serving on boards. This year alone, his involvement is extensive. “I’m serving as a co-chair of the Future Faculty Fellow program,” he said, describing an effort supporting PhD students pursuing academic careers. He is also chairing the body of knowledge editorial board.
Wang’s research focuses on solving real-world problems using mathematical modeling and computational optimization. His current emphasisis developing physiology-based and data-driven models for plants, animals, and the human body. A recent project seeks to increase almond yield in an orchard. After spending many years in the Midwest at Iowa State University and Oklahoma State University, his research and experience in agriculture is extensive.
Regarding work in that area, his IISE nomination package recognized that he served as a consultant for some of the largest agritech companies in the world; cofounded start-up companies LookAhead Breeding and Crop Convergence; provided (both paid and pro bono) services to numerous clients in North America and Europe in the plant breeding and controlled environment agriculture industries; and served as Chief Technology Officer for Crop Convergence and launched two apps based on digital twin technology to help growers in controlled environment agriculture improve yield while reducing energy consumption, among other accomplishments.
Wang emphasized the importance of professional societies for the betterment of science.
“IISE is only one society, but we need all research societies to work together to solve real-world challenges. For example, I am interested in getting involved in bioengineering- and healthcare-related societies,” he said. “You have to be open-minded and willing to get out of your comfort zone. You can meet people, help others, and receive support. That’s the benefit of having very diverse and supporting research communities.”