ISE grads pursue higher education career paths

Two recent doctoral graduates are using their knowledge from the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE) to teach college students. Carlos Olivos and Ivan Enrique Nail Ulloa have recently begun their careers as assistant professors of industrial and systems engineering.

Carlos Olivos

Carlos Olivos, a 2023 ISE doctoral graduate, is now an assistant professor in the Department of Industrial Engineering at Universidad Católica del Norte in Antofagasta, Chile, where he also received his undergraduate degree in industrial engineering.

Olivos is currently teaching an undergraduate data science course, a new course to the university’s curriculum. Additionally, Olivos is preparing to teach an elective course in optimization applied to energy systems for both undergraduate and graduate students this year.

“I am very excited about the opportunity as I believe I can share the knowledge acquired at Auburn with students in Chile,” Olivos said. “Furthermore, I can inspire and encourage them to pursue graduate studies abroad.”

Olivos received a faculty development scholarship from Universidad Catolica del Norte, allowing him to study with the commitment to return and work as a professor.

He is currently collaborating with colleagues from universities in Chile, focusing on researching energy policy and regulation.

Olivos chose to study at Auburn because Jorge Valenzuela, the ISE Philpott-WestPoint Stevens Professor, visited his university to introduce Auburn University's programs and academic atmosphere.

“Intrigued by the Auburn spirit and environment, I decided to apply, and I was fortunate to be accepted for the fall of 2019,” Olivos said.

Auburn University provided Olivos with guidance from professors to develop new research ideas.

“I took several courses in optimization and data analytics, giving me a versatile toolbox to face any research questions that may arise,” Olivos said.

Olivos is excited about the opportunity to work in his hometown and at the university where he completed his bachelor’s degree.

“This opportunity holds significant value for me due to the sense of belonging it brings,” he said. “I am engaged in teaching and conducting research with the goal of improving our city and country.”

Ivan Enrique Nail Ulloa

Ivan Enrique Nail Ulloa, a recent ISE doctoral graduate, is an assistant professor at the Austral University of Chile in Puerto Montt, Chile, where he also received his undergraduate degree in industrial engineering.

Ulloa teaches classes in mechanics of materials, human factors engineering and data analysis while securing a research grant to study the impact of physical risk factors on productivity and product quality in aquaculture companies, focusing on salmon production.

Choosing Auburn for his doctoral studies was influenced by his experience with the ISE staff at an engineering workshop in 2015.

“Their presentation of various research initiatives struck a chord with me, as I saw an opportunity to engage with meaningful and innovative research,” Ulloa said.

The mentors and research initiatives at Auburn prepared Ulloa with the skills for his new position in teaching.

“These skills range from laboratory and fieldwork to effectively collaborating with a wide array of individuals, including managers and production line workers,” he said.

Ulloa said the Austral University of Chile staff and students have been extremely welcoming and motivating.

“I am inspired by the high level of motivation among the students in my teams,” Ulloa said. “Their eagerness to contribute to the local community through a blend of research and scientific application is truly remarkable and adds a rewarding dimension to my role.”