Bursic_Classroom
Bursic, who earned a BS, MS, and PhD in industrial engineering at Pitt, has been active in IISE at the local and international level. She has served as program chair for the Pittsburgh chapter and faculty liaison, connecting with Pitt’s IISE student chapter. Beyond Pittsburgh, Bursic has written and reviewed papers, moderated panels, served as a track chair for the various tracks at IISE conferences, and presented her research into the efficacy of teaching techniques in engineering education.
The IISE Fellow Award is one of many honors Bursic has received for her scholarship, teaching, and service. IISE has also recognized her with its Engineering Economy Wellington Award and Engineering Economy Division Outstanding Teaching Award, while the Swanson School named her its 2014 Outstanding Educator. She is also a Fellow of the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE), where she has earned the Engineering Economy Division’s Eugene L. Grant Award for the Best Paper in The Engineering Economist in 2020.
“Karen is a tremendous representative for our department,” said Lisa Maillart, Leighton E. and Mary N. Orr Professor and department chair of industrial engineering. “Her research in engineering education, her teaching, and her mentorship have rippled far beyond the tenth floor of Benedum Hall, and her engagement in IISE reflects her dedication to the field and the community of industrial and systems engineers.”
“IISE has always been so important to me,” Bursic said. “I always wanted to be a part of this organization, and now I feel like I’ve reached the pinnacle.”
IISE will recognize Bursic at its 2026 IISE Annual Conference in Arlington, Texas, in May 2026.
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