Justin Goodson at the summit of Mount Belford — At the summit of Mt. Belford, 14,203 ft.

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 hold 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.

Justin Goodson photographing in death valley — Taking photos on a cool morning in Death Valley National Park.

What is your research area?

I develop methods for sequential decision problems: choices made over time in uncertain environments. The common thread is optimization across what is known now and what may happen next. My work draws on optimal control (engineering), dynamic programming/Markov decision processes (operations research), and reinforcement learning (computer science). While applicable broadly, my primary focus is transportation and logistics.

Justin Goodson at a whiteboard full of equations — One of many whiteboards filled in the office of my colleague, Ola Jabali. Just out of the frame is half a ream of paper with more notes and equations. This is typical for a research project.

Why transportation and logistics?

Two reasons. First, logistics is a critical layer of daily life. We notice it most when it fails—empty shelves, delayed deliveries, canceled flights. I like to think that my research, even if esoteric at times, ultimately brings some rhythm and balance to our everyday lives.

Second, transportation presents rich, complex problems. Each project demands new ideas across operations research, applied mathematics, probability, and computer science. I value the challenge and the moment when a solution finally clicks.

Marlin Ulmer, Justin Goodson, Barry Thomas, Jeff Ohlmann, and Shu Zhang — Part of my research family. From left to right: colleague Marlin Ulmer, me, my doctoral advisors Barry Thomas and Jeff Ohlmann, and my academic sister Shu Zhang.

Where do you work? What do you teach?

I'm a professor at Saint Louis University's Chaifetz School of Business. I teach undergraduate, master's, and executive courses in analytics, supply chain and operations, and reinforcement learning. I also offer doctoral modules at other universities.

I direct SLU's master's program in supply chain management and led the program's move to a STEM designation. Previously, as co-director of the one-year MBA, I helped integrate data analytics across the curriculum and practicum.

Justin Goodson teaching in a classroom while wearing a face mask — In the classroom during the pandemic.

Do you work with companies?

Yes. I collaborate with firms on logistics, operations, and supply-chain challenges. Many of my academic ideas originate in practice, and practical solutions often benefit from theory. Projects include food distribution across the Midwest, global performance metrics in agriculture, and statewide resource coordination during a U.S. presidential campaign.

Justin Goodson and Rebecca Reid at Devil's Bridge in Sedona — Devil's Bridge in Sedona with my wife, Rebecca. We are not as brave as our girls. They did handstands on the narrow section!

I'm a student, can I do research with you?

SLU does not offer a PhD program in my area, so I do not directly supervise doctoral students here. I co-advise doctoral work at partner institutions. For example, co-supervision of Nick Kullman led to several international awards, including GT2L's Best Dissertation in Transportation and Logistics. I also mentor undergraduates and master’s students with strong backgrounds in mathematics, statistics, and computer science.

Justin Goodson, Nick Kullman, and Jorge Mendoza — Me (left), former doctoral student Nick Kullman (center), and colleague Jorge Mendoza (right). Nick now works with middle-mile logistics at Amazon.

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. 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.

Justin Goodson with his bike on the Mississippi Greenway — A hot summer ride on the Mississippi Greenway. The trail begins at the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, then heads north along the river. This was a training ride for Pedal The Cause, a fundraiser for the Siteman Cancer Center.

Do you have a personal philosophy for life?

Approaching forty, I realized that—statistically—I was halfway through life. Wanting to make the most of my remaining years, I made a short list of what matters. On days when life feels chaotic, 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 better 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

Pursue problems that matter, that are hard, and with collaborators who value meaningful relationships.

Leave a Helpful Legacy

Build a portfolio of ideas and work, including through research, reflection, and artistic endeavors.

Explore Natural Beauty

Make time to be outdoors and pay attention.

Be Kind and Charitable

Give generously and treat people well.

Justin Goodson and Rebecca Reid — With my wife, Rebecca, on a winter hike in Bentonville, Arkansas.