About Me
Hi, I'm Justin. I'm a scholar and an educator. Get to know me better through the Q&A below.
Why did you become a professor and what did you study?
I work in academia because I love to learn and I consider it a privilege to share what I learn with others. I have a PhD in business analytics (formerly management science) from the University of Iowa. I have an MS in industrial engineering, an MBA, and a BS in industrial engineering from the University of Missouri.
What is your research area?
I develop methods to solve sequential decision problems. These problems require choices to be made over time and in the face of uncertainty. Engineers call it optimal control, the operations research community refers to it as dynamic programming and Markov decision processes, and computer scientists label it reinforcement learning.
The common thread is optimization across what's known in the present and what might happen in the future. My research is applicable wherever sequential decision problems arise, but my primary focus is transportation and logistics.
Why transportation and logistics?
Two reasons. First, because logistics is an enormous part of the supply chain, and the supply chain makes our lives go round. The pandemic showed the world that logistics operations hide in plain sight. Most people don't notice them until they're not working—until the shelves at the grocery store are empty, delivery is delayed, or flights are canceled. When we do take notice, it's because something is out of sync. I like to think that my research, even if esoteric at times, ultimately brings some rhythm and balance to our everyday lives.
Second, because I can't resist a challenge, and transportation is teeming with complex problems. Each project pushes me to learn something new. My obsession with finding solutions to hard problems has afforded opportunities to learn about a range of topics across operations research, applied math, probability and statistics, and computer science. I love this about my job, and I love it when a solution comes together.
Where do you work? What do you teach?
I'm a professor at Saint Louis University's Chaifetz School of Business. There, I teach courses to business students at the undergraduate, master's, and professional levels. From time to time, I also teach engineering and mathematics students at other universities, typically at the doctoral level. Topics include analytics, supply chain and operations management, applied math for personal decision making, and reinforcement learning.
I'm also the faculty director for the master's program in supply chain management. I was instrumental in achieving a STEM designation for the program, which substantially increased enrollment. Before that, I was a faculty co-director for the one-year MBA program. I helped redesign the curriculum to integrate data analytics across courses and the practicum.
Do you work with companies?
Yes, I consult with firms to develop solutions for complex logistics, operational, and supply chain problems. Some of the most compelling academic work stems from industry-based problems, and some of the most practical solutions are driven by theoretical research. I've engaged with large and small organizations on a range of issues, including food distribution across the Midwest US, global supply chain performance metrics for agriculture, and statewide coordination of resources during a US presidential campaign.
I'm a student, can I do research with you?
Saint Louis University does not have a PhD program in my area, so I do not directly advise students at the doctoral level. However, I have co-advised students at other schools. For example, co-supervision of Nick Kullman led to several international research awards, including Best Dissertation on Transportation and Logistics by the French Operational Research Society (GT2L's Meilleure thèse en transport et logistique). I also work with undergraduate and master's students who have strong skills in mathematics, probability and statistics, and/or computer science.
What do you like to do outside of work?
Years ago, as a doctoral student, I realized my life was entirely work. In search of a hobby, I read the instruction manual for my DSLR. What began as an exercise with buttons and dials evolved into a creative outlet. Now, I enjoy photographing people, landscapes, and abstracts.
For several years, I had the privilege of directing a strings ensemble for a local congregation. I struggled to find music that suited the players' skill levels, which ranged from beginner to virtuoso. I am a pianist with just enough music theory training to be dangerous, so I started arranging my own music and composing original pieces.
I also enjoy writing, hiking, cycling, and cooking. If you're a student of mine, and you ask nicely, I might bake bread for the class.
Do you have a personal philosophy for life?
As I approached age 40, I had the realization that, statistically, I was halfway dead. I thought to myself: "I better do something good with the last half of life!" So I made a list of what I thought was important. I guess you can call these my values. On days when life crashes down all around, and it seems like nothing I do matters, I make sure that whatever I'm doing is on the list, then trust that I'll feel good about it later. Usually, I do.
Engage in Meaningful Relationships
Invest time with people who share my interest in honest, deep, and personal discussion and who reciprocate my desire for friendship and community.
Study Challenging Problems
Conduct research on problems that matter, on problems that pique my interest, on problems that are hard, and with people interested in meaningful relationships.
Leave a Helpful Legacy
Create a portfolio of things learned and accomplished, via introspection, research, and artistic endeavors.
Explore Natural Beauty
Take and make opportunities to connect with nature.
Be Kind and Charitable
Give generously and treat people well.
