About me

I am a professor in Freight Transport and Logistics at the Eindhoven University of Technology in the Netherlands.

I develop transport, logistics, and mobility problem models using operations research techniques. I established a strong academic foundation in supply chains, transportation, logistics, and mobility. By combining academic expertise with practical leadership skills, I address complex challenges and contribute to organizational success.

My CV is available here.

My research focuses on freight transport and logistics, where I have made significant contributions throughout my career. I have authored over 165 papers in reputable academic journals, including Management Science, Transportation Science, and Transportation Research Part B. My work has received over 15,800 citations and an h-index of 66, according to Google Scholar.

In my research, I collaborate with approximately 15 Ph.D. students and various colleagues worldwide. I utilize operations research models and techniques, such as integer programming, branch-and-price, and metaheuristics, to address challenges in transport and logistics. Additionally, I apply artificial intelligence methodologies, including reinforcement learning and other machine learning approaches, to solve complex problems in the field.

I developed a balanced leadership profile that spans both education and research, supported by strong international collaborations and a record of high-quality scholarly output. In my roles as Director of Education and Graduate Program Director at Eindhoven University of Technology, I oversee a diverse portfolio of programs serving approximately 2,000 students. My responsibilities included chairing the Bachelor Program in Industrial Engineering and ensuring academic integrity as both chairman and member of the Exam Committee. Additionally, as Academic Director of the TIAS Executive Master in Operations and Supply Chain Management, and previously as Academic Director of the Full-Time Master in Global Supply Chain Management at Antwerp Management School, I contributed to the growth and recognition of these programs, with the latter achieving top positions in the Eduniversal rankings.

Equally important is my research leadership. I lead a talented team of scientists within a department renowned for its impactful research in operations management, operations research, logistics and supply chain management. My work is characterized by strong international collaborations and a consistent output of high-quality publications in leading journals. These achievements reflect both the breadth and depth of our research activities, as well as our commitment to advancing knowledge in the field. My leadership extends to interdisciplinary evaluation committees for hiring and promotions, board membership and deputy chair roles within the Operations, Planning, Accounting, and Control (OPAC) group, and policy development as a member of the Department Council.

Throughout my career, I actively fostered collaboration between academia and industry, notably as director of the European Supply Chain Forum, where I promoted knowledge development and transformation through joint initiatives. This integrated approach to leadership in both education and research, combined with a strong track record of international engagement and team development, enables me to contribute effectively to the advancement of our field.

As the principal investigator at TU/e, I secured nearly 40 million euros in grants through active participation and leadership in consortia and by submitting proposals to Dinalog, NWO, EU, and various companies. Over 4 million euros have been allocated to TU/e, primarily to support recruiting Ph.D. and PostDoc students. I also serve as an associate editor for several prominent journals.

I participated in numerous collaborative projects with industry partners, primarily involving my Master’s, Professional Doctorate, and Doctorate students. Additionally, I regularly speak at academic and professional conferences in the Netherlands and abroad, sharing my expertise and presenting my research findings. Furthermore, I am connected to CIRRELT (Centre interuniversitaire de recherche sur les réseaux d’entreprise, la logistique et le transport) in Montreal, Canada, as a collaborating member.

In 2019, I became the Director of Education and Graduate Program Director (aka Vice Dean of Education) at the Department of Industrial Engineering & Innovation Sciences, overseeing approximately 2,300 students across bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs. As a member of the Departmental Board, I contributed to strategic decisions alongside the dean, two vice deans, and the managing director. I also served as chair of the Bachelor Program in Industrial Engineering, supporting around 850 undergraduate students, and ensured the integrity of assessments as chairman and member of the Exam Committee.

Additionally, I direct the European Supply Chain Forum (ESCF), which involves around 75 multinational companies. The ESCF facilitates interaction and knowledge sharing within supply chains, driving advancements through collaboration and diverse perspectives. This initiative emphasizes the important role of students and researchers in advancing the field.