Dr. Anahita Khojandi of the University of Arkansas has been inducted into the Arkansas Research Alliance’s ARA Academy.
The latest ARA Scholar, Khojandi is a professor of engineering whose research has been supported by multiple federal agencies and other organizations.
“Anahita’s extraordinary work is well-aligned with ARA’s core mission of recruiting world-class research talent to drive economic development through industry-relevant research,” said Bryan J. Barnhouse, ARA president & CEO. “Her applied research speaks directly to the innovation needs facing many of the state’s industries.”
Formerly of the University of Tennessee, Khojandi is an industrial engineering researcher whose work focuses on applying advanced analytics, operations research, optimization and artificial intelligence to improve decision-making in complex systems. Her research develops data-driven models that help organizations allocate resources more efficiently, manage uncertainty and improve performance in areas such as healthcare delivery, supply chains, public health and service operations.
“Anahita is exactly the kind of research talent the ARA Scholars Program was created to recruit,” said Douglas Hutchings, ARA Academy director. “We’re excited to see what new doors she opens in Arkansas.”
The ARA Scholars Program is a strategic talent recruitment initiative that helps Arkansas universities attract nationally recognized research leaders whose work can drive scientific discovery, innovation and economic growth. Through the program, selected researchers are recruited to one of Arkansas’ research institutions and receive a three-year grant totaling $500,000 to accelerate their research, build collaborative partnerships and expand the state’s research competitiveness. Scholars are also inducted into the ARA Academy, a community of leading scientists and engineers working to advance Arkansas’ research capacity and economic development.
“I am truly honored to be selected as a member of the academy,” Khojandi said. “I look forward to learning from my fellow Academy members and working alongside them and Arkansas’ private sector to advance the important mission of ARA and land-grant universities. Together, we can help ensure that these institutions continue to serve as powerful engines of economic development and prosperity for Arkansas and beyond.”
The ARA Academy currently includes 37 active members representing the University of Arkansas, Arkansas State University, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture and the federal National Center for Toxicological Research in Jefferson.
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