This month, we shine a spotlight on the extraordinary achievements of five outstanding women in the field of operations research. These trailblazers and pioneers have not only broken barriers but also reshaped the landscape of decision science, leaving an indelible mark on a field that tackles complex challenges with strategic brilliance. Let’s come together to celebrate and honor the remarkable contributions of these inspiring women who have played a pivotal role in shaping the future of operations research. Their stories serve as a beacon of inspiration, reminding us that perseverance, innovation, and dedication can create lasting impacts and pave the way for positive change. Join us in acknowledging the significant influence of these extraordinary women in the dynamic and vital realm of operations research.

Susan M. Sanchez

Susan M. Sanchez stands tall in academia and research as a beacon of inspiration. Dr. Sanchez is a trailblazer in operations research and holds the esteemed title of Distinguished Professor at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California. With a Ph.D. from Cornell University in 1986, her journey has been one of passion, dedication and a relentless pursuit of knowledge.
Sanchez’s research interests encompass the intricacies of experiments, data-intensive statistics and robust selections, with practical applications ranging from military operations and manufacturing to healthcare. Her scholarly prowess is evident in the impressive tally of more than 80 publications and over 2000 citations, a testament to the impact of her work in shaping the landscape of operations research.
What sets Sanchez apart is her academic accomplishments and commitment to practical applications. She has secured research funding from prestigious entities like the National Science Foundation, the Agency for Health Services Research, and analytical organizations within the U.S. Department of Defense. Alongside Tom Lucas, she founded the SEED Center for Data Farming in 2006, which is dedicated to enhancing the utilization of simulation experiments and operational effectiveness.
Sanchez’s accolades further underscore her exceptional contributions to the field. Awards such as the Edward Kelleher U.S. Army TRADOC Analysis Center–Monterey Director’s Award for Research Excellence in 2007, the INFORMS Women in OR/MS Award for the Advancement of Women in OR/MS in 2018, and the Distinguished Service Award from the INFORMS Simulation Society in 2019 reflect not only her academic brilliance but also her commitment to advancing the role of women in operations research and simulation studies. Sanchez’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of passion, hard work, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Her story inspires aspiring researchers and academics, showing that dedication to one’s craft can lead to remarkable achievements and a lasting impact on the world.

Judith Liebman

Judith Liebman, a true pioneer in the field of Operations Research, carved her path with resilience and determination. In 1972, she broke barriers as the first woman tenure-track faculty member in the engineering departments at the University of Illinois. Undeterred by being one of the few women in ORSA, a precursor to INFORMS, Liebman joined the ORSA council, eventually becoming the only woman in a leadership role. Her ascent continued, and in 1987, she was elected the first female president of ORSA.
Liebman’s impact extends beyond her groundbreaking achievements. Now retired, her legacy thrives through the Judith Liebman Award, recognizing outstanding student volunteers. Her mentorship has inspired countless women in INFORMS, including her youngest granddaughter, a graduate student in O.R. at the University of Texas at Austin.
Throughout her journey, Liebman faced challenges, but her steadfast focus and unwavering support from her husband enabled her to navigate through them. Taking a break to raise three children, she defied societal norms and returned to pursue her passion for OR. Liebman’s story is a testament to resilience, determination, and pursuing one’s goals despite societal expectations.
At 82, Liebman reflects on the evolving landscape of operations research, expressing a wish to define the field better and acknowledge the vast data available today. As she immerses herself in Women’s History Month, Liebman’s awe at the resilience of women echoes a sentiment that transcends time – a spirit that fueled her own journey from a computer programmer to a distinguished professor, breaking glass ceilings and inspiring generations to come.

L. Robin Keller

Robin Keller’s journey in the world of Operations Research is a testament to resilience and a “never give up” spirit. Unfazed by gender barriers, she pursued excellence from the outset. Even when Harvard University was not an option due to its male-only admission policy, Keller thrived at Stanford University and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), majoring in mathematics. Her introduction to game theory during a class at UCLA ignited her passion for OR/MS and, later, decision analysis.
Facing an unexpected challenge during her freshman year – a diagnosis of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis – Keller displayed remarkable fortitude. Instead of letting it define her, she embraced the philosophy that limitations exist for everyone, yet there are boundless possibilities within those perceived limits. With a determination to secure job security and flexibility due to her health, Keller has been a faculty member at the University of California, Irvine, since 1982, where she has excelled, earning numerous publications and prestigious INFORMS honors.
Keller acknowledges INFORMS as a pivotal force in her career, providing a platform to showcase her work globally. She underscores the importance of service and networking, sharing her expertise, even in Cuba, where she twice attended their O.R. society conference to discuss Markov decision tree analysis using open-source R software. She hopes INFORMS can continue reaching out to countries facing resource isolation.
In Keller’s career, real-world problem-solving took precedence over limitations, shaped by influential mentors like Moshe Rubinstein, Rakesh Sarin, Irv LaValle, and Ralph Keeney. Her advice to aspiring O.R. students resonates with universal wisdom – find joy in what you do, as passion turns challenges into opportunities. Robin Keller’s story is a beacon of inspiration, proving that with determination, passion, and supportive mentors, one can triumph over obstacles and make a significant impact in the world of Operations Research.

Radhika Kulkarni

Radhika Kulkarni, a distinguished figure in operations research, serves as an inspirational trailblazer whose journey has left an indelible mark on the field. Formerly the Vice President of Advanced Analytics R&D at SAS, Kulkarni seamlessly integrated analytics and technology to tackle complex challenges. Her remarkable career, marked by leadership and transformative contributions, exemplifies perseverance and the ability to break through barriers. Kulkarni’s impact extends beyond professional achievements, serving as a source of inspiration for aspiring minds eager to explore the dynamic landscape of analytics.
Having recently retired from SAS, Kulkarni’s legacy remains a testament to the limitless possibilities within operations research. Beyond her professional accolades, she symbolizes the power of visionary leadership and determination. Kulkarni’s commitment to pushing boundaries highlights the profound impact one individual can have on shaping the future of a field. Her story resonates as a beacon of determination, encouraging others to embrace the transformative potential of operations research and contribute to positive change in the evolving world of analytics. As Radhika Kulkarni embarks on a new chapter, her influence continues to inspire the next generation, reaffirming that resilience and innovation are key to leaving an enduring legacy in the realm of operations research.

Anna Nagurney

Anna Nagurney, the John F. Smith Memorial Professor of Operations Management at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, stands as a trailblazer in the field of operations research, breaking barriers and inspiring the next generation. Her love for networks and passion for giving talks converge in her impactful contributions to various domains, from perishable product supply chains to disaster relief and the evolving landscape of the Internet. As the sole female contributor in a groundbreaking “Future Internet” project, Nagurney continues to push boundaries and envision new architectures that can enhance cybersecurity.
Reflecting on her journey, Nagurney recalls a time when she was one of the few women in transportation during her Ph.D. studies in applied mathematics. Today, as the director of the Virtual Center for Supernetworks and a Full Professor at the Isenberg School of Management, she takes pride in the community’s growth, highlighting the increased visibility and support for women in the field. Emphasizing the importance of being a trailblazer, Nagurney encourages young women to pursue STEM professions, providing mentorship and inspiration.
Nagurney’s dedication to empowering young women extends beyond academia. Her role in the book “STEM Gems” showcases her as one of 44 female role models aimed at encouraging girls ages 9 to 15 to explore STEM studies. Scientifically proven benefits of having STEM role models further underline Nagurney’s commitment to providing inspiration. Recognized for her outstanding contributions, Nagurney received the WORMS Award for Advancement of Women in OR/MS, demonstrating her commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive community within the field. Through mentorship, advocacy, and innovation, Anna Nagurney continues to pave the way for women in operations research and beyond.