Industrial Engineering

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Industrial engineering is one of the most versatile and impactful fields in engineering – combining technology, people, and processes to make systems safer, more efficient, and more productive. From improving manufacturing safety at a steel plant to streamlining food production or optimizing rail maintenance operations, industrial engineers drive innovation across nearly every industry.

At South Dakota Mines, the Department of Industrial Engineering equips students with expertise in mathematical modeling, statistics, human factors, safety engineering, and project management. Through applied problem-solving and teamwork, students learn to design and manage complex systems that integrate machines, materials, and information.

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Meet Our Faculty and Staff

Department Overview

The Department of Industrial Engineering equips students to design and improve complex systems that connect people, processes, and technology. Through hands-on learning and involvement in professional organizations, students develop technical, leadership, and problem-solving skills essential for success across various industries.

Industrial engineering students gain hands-on experience with tools like 3D printing, CNC machining, laser engraving, and simulation software. With the most elective flexibility of any engineering program on campus, students can tailor their studies toward interests in fields such as healthcare, computer science, or business. Early career preparation is a priority, with resume support, fair career guidance, and paid co-op and internship opportunities at top companies like Cargill, Collins Aerospace, Hormel, Michelin, and Union Pacific.

The primary purpose of the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE) is to foster both a professional and social atmosphere within the profession. The Hardrock Chapter of IISE is involved with laser engraving, FE Exam prep, nationwide competitions, regional and national conferences, and other activities.

Students interested in joining IISE can send an email to IISE.hardrockers@mines.sdsmt.edu.

Academic Excellence

Prepare to be inspired by the cutting-edge curriculum, research, practical applications, and visionary thinking that these esteemed professors bring to the field.

Lin Guo - Assistant Professor

Lin Guo's research centers on machine learning-based optimization, advanced manufacturing, and cyber-physical systems, with an emphasis on enhancing algorithms and optimization techniques to improve system robustness. Her work spans manufacturing, quality control, supply chain management, healthcare queuing, network design, decision support systems, and product end-of-life management. Guo has penned more than 20 publications, including co-authoring the monograph "Architecting Satisficing Strategies for Designing Complex Systems."

Suhao Chen - Assistant Professor

Suhao Chen's research primarily focuses on data science and engineering. His areas of interest include predictive analytics through temporal modeling of longitudinal data, manipulating real-world electronic health records, unsupervised learning such as clustering, and extracting information from texts using natural language processing models. Dr. Chen also has expertise in optimization and supply chain analysis.

Research Labs & Centers

Work with our renowned faculty and collaborate on groundbreaking projects that address real-world challenges. The hands-on experience and expertise you will acquire here will not only contribute to your academic growth but also prepare you for successful careers in academia, industry, or government agencies.
STEM Education
With nationally recognized experts in engineering education and transformative curriculum, the department supports a variety of educational environments that produce outstanding graduates who meet or exceed the National Academy of Engineering’s attributes of "The Engineer of 2020."
Human Engineering

In virtually every industry – whether it be mining, manufacturing, construction, or other related industries – safety is paramount. Consequently, faculty members at Mines have active research programs in the areas of safety, industrial hygiene, and ergonomics.

Economic Development and Entrepreneurship

Lean enterprises and sustainability are at the core of our Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management program. Each year, we support a variety of research and design projects that help area industries prosper and grow.

 

Have more questions?

Department Head:
Dr. Jim Stone
(605) 394-2443
Jim.Stone@sdsmt.edu