Hispanic professionals have made significant contributions to the field of operations research, advancing both theory and practical applications. They have pioneered innovative methods in optimization, logistics and resource management. Their research has enhanced efficiency and problem-solving capabilities, demonstrating the impactful role Hispanic scholars play in shaping the future of operations research and related fields. In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate the accomplishments of four operations research practitioners: Jorge Nocedal, Erika Tatiana Camacho, Andres P. Weintraub and Richard A. Tapia.
Jorge Nocedal
Jorge Nocedal is a Mexican-American researcher and professor at Northwestern University. He is widely known for his groundbreaking work in developing algorithms for large-scale optimization problems. These algorithms are used in fields like machine learning, engineering, and data science to solve complex challenges. Notably, Nocedal contributed to the creation of L-BFGS, KNITRO, and L-BFGS-B, which are key tools in optimization. In addition to his research, he serves as the Director of the Center of Optimization and Statistical Learning. In 2012, he received the prestigious George B. Dantzig Prize for his remarkable achievements in the field.
Erika Tatiana Camacho
Erika Tatiana Camacho is a professor at the School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences at Arizona State University. She is also a Fulbright Research Scholar at the Institut de la Vision. Currently, her research focuses on mathematical modeling to study healthy and diseased retinas at the cellular and molecular levels. Through this important work, she aims to help reduce blindness and improve vision health. Camacho has received much national recognition for her contributions to science and education. Notably, she won the 2019 AAAS Mentor Award, the 2014 PAESMEM award from the White House, and the 2020 AWM Louise Hay Award for Mathematics Education.
Andres P. Weintraub
Andrés P. Weintraub is a Chilean scholar and professor in the Department of Industrial Engineering at the University of Chile. He consistently applies operations research methods to forestry management, natural resource planning, and logistics. As a result, he optimizes resource allocation and improves decision-making processes in these fields. Additionally, he served as president of the International Federation of Operational Research Societies (IFORS), further demonstrating his leadership. Over the years, he has earned multiple awards, recognizing his outstanding contributions. In 2021, he received the Harold Hotelling Medal for Lifetime Achievement from INFORMS, cementing his legacy.
Richard A. Tapia
Richard A. Tapia is a mathematician and professor in the Department of Computational and Applied Mathematics at Rice University. He focuses his research on computational and mathematical sciences, consistently making significant contributions in these fields. In addition to his research, Tapia has written or co-authored two books and over 100 mathematical research papers. Notably, he became the first Hispanic elected to the National Academy of Engineering. Furthermore, he led the National Research Council’s Board on Higher Education and the Workforce. In 2011, President Barack Obama honored him with the National Medal of Science for his groundbreaking achievements in optimization theory, numerical analysis, and his dedicated efforts to increase diversity in math and science education.
