Industrial Engineering Student Recognized by Materials Handling Foundation

Photo of John MillerJohn Miller is using his engineering research to help a small business in India.
Scholarship provides $2,500 for Miller's graduate studies

John Miller, a master’s student in the Department of Industrial Engineering, has received the Electrification and Controls Manufacturers Association Honors Scholarship from the Materials Handling Foundation.

Miller is currently working on his master’s thesis, which deals with logistics and supply chain issues in India. Miller is working with a small textile company that employs disadvantaged people in India and exports products such as bags and clothing to the United States.

Miller explained that supply chain and logistics are very different in India, because of the economic and cultural factors. For example, moving supplies from one state to another in the country is challenging because of labor strikes and regulations that are arbitrarily enforced. Using his industrial engineering skills to help the company navigate these systems is very rewarding.

“Ultimately this company is really improving people’s lives,” Miller said. “It’s making jobs that really help people.”

In May, Miller visited India to get a first-hand look at the company’s day-to-day operations. John English, dean of the College of Engineering and Miller’s adviser, accompanied him.

“I’m very proud of the work John has done on this project, and I’m very pleased with this recognition,” English said. “His research is having a direct, global impact and it’s been a pleasure to be a part of it.”

Miller plans to finish his degree in the spring of 2015.

Also honored with scholarships were two recent alums; Leily Farrokhvar received the Frazier Industrial Honor Scholarship of $5,000. Leily is completing her doctorate at Virginia Tech, and Morgan Ulesich who received the Southworth International Group Honor Scholarship of $1,500. Morgan is completing her master's at Clemson University.

Congratulations!

Image of Material Handling Institute logoMaterial Handling Education Foundation

The Material Handling Education Foundation, Inc. is an independent charitable organization dedicated to encouraging and supporting the study of material handling, logistics, and supply chain; exposing students to the vast array of opportunities in the industry.

Established in 1976, the Foundation has provided funds through private and corporate donations to students, teachers, and their institutions. All programs and activities of the Foundation contribute to the development of future industry leaders, teachers and researchers.

During the academic year of 2012/2013, approximately $87,000 was awarded to 30 students. Since 1976, the Foundation has awarded over $2 million in scholarships and grants.

Contacts:
Camilla Shumaker, Director of Communications
College of Engineering
479-575-5697, camillas@uark.edu

Release date: July 28, 2014