This fall semester, the ISE Department welcomed three new faculty members to its ranks, Mohammad Hosseinian, Corey Kiassat and Renran Tian. Let’s learn something about each in a game we call, “3 Big Questions.”
Mohammad Hosseinian
- Why did you choose NC State?
It was an easy decision. NC State is known for its excellence, and the ISE program here is among the best in the country. More importantly, our department is a collegial environment where people genuinely respect and generously support each other. I had heard this before visiting NC State, but when I came here and met my now colleagues, I was immediately sold. Coming from the Midwest, I also have to admit that the weather and the greenery were a nice bonus.
- Tell us about your research.
The broad area of my research is operations research, focusing on optimization methodologies and their applications in medical decision-making. Currently, my work is dedicated to improving cancer treatment methods. Unfortunately, many of us have experienced firsthand the significant emotional and financial burden cancer imposes on families and communities. This battle requires all hands on deck, and my research aims to make a meaningful impact.
- What is a fun fact about you that we don’t know?
I don’t know how fun it is, but I have a hard time saying no to soccer and Persian-style kebab (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kebab).
Corey Kiassat
Why did you choose NC State?
I was acquainted with ISE’s great reputation and its distinctive features. Developing students into transformational leaders in academia, industry, and government was something I had noticed firsthand by hearing about founders of technical enterprises within NC, reading about the scientific contributions of alumni serving as faculty members, and engaging with exceptional students at conferences.
Many aspects of my experiences, expertise, and passion aligned extremely well with the department. Therefore, I wanted to contribute to ISE’s ongoing achievements and future growth.
- Tell us about your research.
My passion lies in seeking innovative solutions to two critical areas: 1) enhancing the productivity and sustainability of manufacturing and healthcare systems, and 2) providing a transformative engineering education.
Manufacturing facilities and healthcare institutions are intricate sociotechnical systems relying on both technology and human decision-makers. Despite substantial investments and technological advancements, suboptimal decision-making within these systems can hamper their effectiveness. I use Lean Six Sigma to boost productivity by focusing on factors related to human decision-makers.
Additionally, I strive to be a thought leader in pedagogical research and innovation, leveraging my expertise to transform engineering education within the classroom and at the departmental level.
- What is a fun fact about you that we don’t know?
I have lived in four countries on two continents. Within the United States, in addition to North Carolina, I have lived in Connecticut and Michigan.
Renran Tian
Why did you choose NC State?
I chose NC State for its top-notch ISE program, especially in human factors and human systems. The university’s strong engineering reputation and collaborative atmosphere, combined with North Carolina’s pleasant weather and the dynamic Research Triangle environment, make it an ideal place to advance my education and career goals. I am excited about the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research alongside talented students and esteemed faculty.
- Tell us about your research.
I aim to enhance human capabilities and improve life and work experiences through AI-enabled technologies, like automated driving and healthcare. Additionally, I work on advancing AI systems’ performance, safety and usability by enabling algorithms to better understand, mimic and support human thought and behavior.
- What is a fun fact about you that we don’t know?
My family is a huge fan of Disney World, and I have visited Walt Disney World Resorts over 10 times in the past 15 years.