“To me, learning is about not only understanding certain topics but also getting to know more about myself"

A devoted father and passionate researcher, Tien Nguyen is a PhD candidate studying operations research and decision science at the University of Michigan – Dearborn. Tien’s research focuses on dynamic parking optimization, which involves developing sophisticated optimization algorithms to adjust parking prices in response to demand. Tien’s work promises to maximize urban revenue while simultaneously reducing average parking costs — a win-win solution for urban mobility challenges. His highly applicable research has already garnered recognition, with papers accepted at two conferences of the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers and another forthcoming at INFORMS.

Tien left a fully funded undergraduate program in Japan in pursuit of life-changing experiences. He found what he was looking for after moving to the U.S.: “I didn’t regret it one bit.” Energized by the opportunity to learn about many subjects, Tien earned degrees in engineering, management, and business analytics from Arizona State University and UM-Dearborn. “To me, learning is about not only understanding certain topics but also getting to know more about myself,” Tien writes.

As a doctoral candidate, Tien’s research portfolio addresses real-world operations challenges across multiple domains. He has implemented machine learning techniques to predict when aircraft engines need maintenance and applied artificial intelligence tools to detect COVID-19 in chest X-rays. Additionally, he has built computer programs that learn optimal strategies for complex decision-making scenarios. Under Professor Armagan Bayram’s supervision, Tien has developed mathematical models that help organizations make smarter pricing decisions to maximize future returns while also excelling as an instructor for advanced industrial engineering courses.

Tien has also become a loving, attentive father to his three children. His determination shines through in his ability to balance his studies with raising his nine-year-old soccer prodigy, his 11-year-old coding enthusiast, and his 13-year-old aspiring artist. Tien views fatherhood as his greatest achievement. His wife and children motivate him to persist through the sleepless nights and difficult semesters.

CEW+ recognizes Tien’s quiet determination and names him an Irma M. Wyman Scholar.