Lamar University (LU), Department of Industrial Engineering is hosting the 2019 Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineering (IISE) Annual Student Regional Conference (South Central Region), Feb. 28 - March 2, 2019.

For the first time in 18 years, LU will host this three-day annual hands on learning experience welcoming students and faculty from up to 15 other universities in the South Central Region, including Kansas State University, Oklahoma State University, St. Mary's University, Texas A&M University, Texas A&M University-Commerce, Texas State University-San Marcos, Texas Tech University, University of Arkansas, University of Houston, Missouri University of Science and Technology, University of Missouri-Columbia, University of Oklahoma, University of Texas at Arlington, University of Texas El Paso, and Wichita State University; and one outside of the region, Oregon State University.

“I’m very excited to showcase all the improvements to the campus as well as introduce visiting industrial engineering students to the wide variety of industries that the local area has to offer and also having the opportunity to learn from the visiting industrial engineering alumni,” said Holly Hearn, a junior industrial engineering student, president of the LU Student Chapter of IISE and one of the organizers of the conference.

The conference features speakers, workshops, local plant tours, an opening ceremony barbeque dinner at Spindletop Gladys City Boomtown, a student paper competition, as well as fun activities for the attendees.

“The conference is packed with speakers, workshops, and tours of some of our local companies, lending itself to the opportunity for our guests to expand their real-world perspectives and network with student and professional colleagues,” said Brian Craig, professor and chair, Department of Industrial Engineering. “The conference is also an opportunity for students to have fun together and for LU to showcase our beautiful campus with its Southeast Texas flare.”

Students will tour the Port of Beaumont, BASF Corporation, C&D Skilled Robotics, Inc., and Metalforms, Ltd. LU President Dr. Kenneth Evans will welcome attendees on Fri., Mar. 1 at 8:30 a.m. Additional  speakers include Lamar University's Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. James Marquart; General Manager at Total’s Port Arthur Refinery Bryan Canfield; Lead Manufacturing Innovation Engineer at Bell Helicopter Wes Munlin; Associate Professor in Industrial Engineering at Lamar University Dr. James Curry; and President of H. S. Grace & Company, Inc., Dr. Stephen Grace. 

The conference concludes on Sat., March 2 with hands-on and educational workshops and an awards ceremony for the student paper competition. Each university will submit up to two papers for judging. The purpose of the competition is to encourage undergraduate students to write and present outstanding technical papers based on a project conducted at their home institution. 

“We’re excited to be hosting such a valuable conference for industrial engineering students from all over the region,” said Craig. “We hope that students walk away thinking of the knowledge and skills they gained while enjoying our Southeast Texas hospitality.”  

For more information about the conference go to: luiiseconference.jimdofree.com. Find a promotional video about the conference here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjGZNx-zF24.