My name is Hrayer Aprahamian, and I am an Assistant Professor in the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering at Texas A&M University. I am also affiliated with Texas A&M Energy Institute. My research interests lie at the interface of optimization and data analytics, with a focus on the interplay between combinatorial/discrete and global optimization. I strive to establish innovative solution techniques and efficient algorithmic approaches, coupled with novel statistical and data analytics techniques, and use these methodologies to optimize complex stochastic systems. My ultimate aspiration is to pioneer approaches for optimizing “black-box’’ problems with expensive-to-evaluate or undefined systems. Given the ever-increasing complexity of modern systems and the exponential growth of big data, the demand for these techniques has surged, underscoring their importance more than ever before. This endeavor requires ingenuity and creativity, as well as a comprehensive understanding of mathematical modeling and computational methods. I have a strong interest in applying my research to healthcare and public policy-related domains, aiming to address pressing societal needs and advancing public health through research. Collaborating with domain experts, my goal is to translate theoretical findings into policies that can have a positive impact on human lives. Through close collaborations with practitioners, my work has successfully influenced policies for various organizations such as Texas A&M’s Counseling and Psychological Services, the University of Texas Medical Branch, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, the American Red Cross, and the North Carolina State Lab of Public Health. My research has earned numerous accolades, including the 2023 IEOM Young Researcher Award, the 2022 INFORMS Pierskalla Award, the IISE Transactions Award, the IISE Pritsker Award, finalist for the 2021 INFORMS JFIG Award and 2017 Bonder Scholar for Applied OR in Health Services, and runner-up for the 2017 INFORMS Pierskalla Award. Funding from industry and federal agencies has supported my research endeavors, leading to widespread recognition, including media attention; feature articles in magazines; designations of “timely importance”; and appearances in various national and international seminars, panels, and workshops. For more information, please visit research and publications. Prior to joining Texas A&M, I obtained my Ph.D. in Industrial and Systems Engineering at Virginia Tech, where I was advised by Professors Ebru K. Bish and Douglas R. Bish. 
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