Name

Mike Prince

School

University of Florida

Degree Program

Third year PhD student in Industrial and Systems Engineering

Previous Degrees

Master of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering from Ohio State University, 2009; Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering from Ohio State University, 2009

Dissertation Topic

Three-Stage Optimization and Network Interdiction Problems

Research Interests

Linear programming; integer programming; bi-level optimization

Advisors

Cole Smith and Joseph Geunes

Advisors’ Research Focus

Integer programming; large-scale optimization; supply chains; inventory planning

Graduate School – Application Process

How did you select your graduate school and program?

I chose University of Florida’s PhD program in Industrial and Systems Engineering based on funding, program size and the general focus of the program. I ultimately decided to enroll at University of Florida because the school met my research interests and offered me guaranteed funding for the entire duration of my PhD program. I also talked to a few of my former professors and advisors at Ohio State University who helped me make my decision.

What did you do to prepare yourself for graduate school?

I prepared for graduate school by working hard in my bachelors and masters courses and working on research with my advisers. In my opinion, the time spend on these activities was more important than participation in any extracurricular activities.

Did your application requirements include standardized test scores?

Yes, my PhD application required GRE test scores. In order to prepare for the verbal portion of the test, I looked through a Kaplan preparation book and I also memorized words and vocabulary. However, I did not study for the math portion because I felt confident in my math knowledge.

It is important to score high on the GRE because admissions committees for industrial engineering programs place a great deal of emphasis on test scores.

What kind of information did you include in your personal statement?

In my personal statement, I discussed my past and future academic goals. More specifically, I talked about my undergraduate and graduate studies at Ohio State University as well my research interests and my academic plan for a PhD program.

How did you choose faculty to approach for letters of recommendation?

For my letters of recommendation, I chose faculty members with whom I had developed close relationships through conducting research under them or attending their office hours for help with class assignments. As a result, I selected a masters advisor who shared the same research interests as me and the department chair.

Do you have any other tips for a student who is considering applying to graduate school in industrial and systems engineering?

I would tell a student who is considering applying to graduate school in industrial and systems engineering to determine the main focus of the PhD program. Because the field of industrial and systems engineering encompasses many disciplines, it is important that students find a program that aligns with their specific research interests.

Graduate School – The Program

How long is your program and how is the curriculum distributed?

The PhD program in industrial and systems engineering at University of Florida is typically 4 years long, although it may take some students 5 years, depending on how quickly they move through the program requirements.

During the program’s first year, students focus on taking core classes and electives, as well as studying for the general exam they must pass at the end of their second semester. Students take classes such as Fundamentals of Mathematical Programming, Applied Probability Methods, Stochastic Processes, Linear Programming and Network Optimization.

In their second year, students begin to develop their research interests and start attending conferences. By the third year, the student is usually done with most coursework and focuses mainly on their research. By this point, they have conducted enough research to present their dissertation proposal to their dissertation committee. In their fourth year, students present their defense, which involves discussing their dissertation and conveying its value to the field.

What is the focus of your dissertation research?

My dissertation research focuses on the application of bi-level optimization models to supply chain scenarios. By using these mathematical models, I am able to determine how a company can minimize their supply chain costs while taking into account competition and the principles of supply and demand.

I chose my dissertation topic based on my personal research interests as well as feedback from my advisors. Basically, I approached my 2 advisors with my general research interests, and in return they encouraged me to explore specific research problems that they were currently working on and thought I might be interested in working on too.

Can you describe the process of researching for and writing your dissertation?

The process of researching for and writing my thesis is quite intense. Currently, I spend between 40 to 80 hours per week researching my dissertation. In addition, I am currently working on 3 to 4 research papers to publish in scientific journals. Once published, I will combine these 3 or 4 papers into my dissertation, and they will comprise the bulk of its content.

The entire process is somewhat flexible. If I am getting too burnt out, I can take a day or 2 off from working on my dissertation in order to refresh myself.

Does your program have an internship component?

No, my program does not have an internship component. However, I would highly recommend that students who plan on working in the industry, as opposed to academia, to find an internship to do on their own.

What role does your advisor play in your education?

The main role of my advisors is to assist me in the dissertation process. For this reason, I chose 2 advisors who had similar research interests as me, as well as ample free time to work with me. This way, it is a more collaborative process because I can ask them research questions and they can give me feedback and ideas on my research.

Does your doctoral program require comprehensive exams prior to graduation?

Yes, my doctoral program requires comprehensive exams prior to graduation. Students must pass their general exam at the end of their first year, as well as their qualifying exam in their third year.

Graduate School – Paying for It

How much does your PhD program cost?

My PhD program does not cost anything because I am fully funded. This is very common among engineering students at the doctoral level.

How are you funding your education?

I am funding my education through teaching and research assistantships with University of Florida. My assistantships pay for my tuition and healthcare, and they also provide me with a yearly stipend.

The process of obtaining funding was fairly easy. In fact, immediately upon being accepted at University of Florida, I received an offer letter that included the amount of funding.

Graduate School – Living Life

What are the time commitments for a PhD in industrial and systems engineering?

The time commitments for a PhD in industrial and systems engineering vary from week to week depending on the workload. I spend about 5 hours per week in class as well as about 10 hours per week working as a teaching assistant. I also spend between 40 to 80 hours per week researching, working on math problems and computer codes, writing my papers and reading published research articles.

How has graduate school affected your personal life?

Graduate school has affected my personal life by drastically reducing my free time. I have less time to hang out with friends, party, watch television, read and travel.

However, in order to maintain some sort of balance, I try to set personal deadlines and goals in order to stay productive and motivated.

Graduate School – After Graduation

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In the next 5 years, I hope to either be working for a government research lab or as an operations research analyst for a large corporation.

Graduate School - Advice

What insights can you offer a student who is interested in pursuing a PhD in industrial and systems engineering?

I would advise prospective PhD students in industrial and systems engineering to take courses during their bachelors or masters studies that will help prepare them for a PhD program. Students need to have a solid engineering foundation in order to understand some of the more advanced engineering classes.

I would also recommend that students figure out their long-term goals so that they can tailor their PhD program to their career interests.