Student Support for 2026 IISE Annual Conference and Expo; Arlington, Texas; 16-19 May 2026

This grant provides support for students to participate in the 2026 Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE) Annual Conference and Expo to be held in Arlington, Texas, 16-19 May 2026. The IISE Annual Conference & Expo is interdisciplinary, bringing together engineers from different disciplines which can foster innovation and increased engagement from students. This conference aligns with the scientific areas supported by NSF, addressing the opportunities and challenges posed by engineering science in the next industrial revolution. Travel support to attend the IISE Annual Conference & Expo can increase participation in engineering by providing students with access to a professional network, mentorship opportunities, and exposure to cutting-edge research and industry practices. Engaging with a community of professionals and peers at various career stages helps students build valuable connections, gain insights into career pathways, and develop a sense of belonging within the engineering field, ultimately encouraging their continued growth and participation in the profession. The broad range of topics presented at the conference will provide students with opportunities to learn more about the methods and tools needed to create globally competitive industries focused on the creation of manufactured products and systems. This grant supports students' conference registration costs with the goal of promoting student participation at the conference. The selection process of the awardees prioritizes students who do not otherwise have sufficient funds from other sources (e.g., advisor, department, other travel awards) to attend the conference. The conference offers career development opportunities through special sessions, workshops, networking activities, and mentoring from experienced professionals representing a variety of career stages, institutions, and geographical regions. Participation is open to all, and the lineup of speakers and organizers fosters an environment designed to empower students to engage meaningfully in discussions on the future of industrial and systems engineering. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria. NSF Award ID: 2618343 | Program: 01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT | Principal Investigator: Yisha Xiang | Institution: University of Houston, HOUSTON, TX | Award Amount: $30,000 View on NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/show-award/?AWD_ID=2618343 View on Research.gov: https://www.research.gov/awardapi-service/v1/awards/2618343.html