Posted on September 3, 2024 by Rebekah Alegria
David Han, associate professor of management science and statistics in the Carlos Alvarez College of Business, has been awarded the Ricardo Romo Ph.D. Endowed Professorship.
David Han, Associate Professor of Management Science and Statistics
This two-year appointment recognizes faculty members who teach within the UTSA Honors College for their exceptional contributions to teaching, leadership, research, and student service.
“Being named a recipient of the Romo Endowed Professorship is an incredibly humbling and deeply meaningful recognition,” he said. “It’s not just a personal achievement, but a reflection of the journey I’ve been on throughout my career.
“This honor reaffirms my dedication to advancing knowledge and supporting the success of my students and colleagues. Professionally, it provides a unique platform to amplify the impact of my research and teaching, especially in areas that I’m passionate about, such as data science, AI and analytics. Personally, it’s a reminder of the responsibility I have to give back to the UTSA community and contribute to the legacy of excellence that this professorship represents.”
In this role Han will design and teach two or more experiential learning courses over the next two years for the UTSA Honors College. This fall he will lead a course that delves into the challenges of manufacturing and reliability engineering, exploring quality control's fundamental nature and its implications for industrial operations. Students will engage in hands-on learning, applying statistical tools and techniques to improve quality in manufacturing and service environments.
Han's career has been dedicated to advancing the fields of statistical modeling, data science, and data analytics. With research interests spanning lifetime and degradation analyses, and predictive maintenance planning, he has made significant strides in both theoretical and applied aspects of management science and statistics. His innovative work not only contributes to academic knowledge, but also addresses real-world challenges in various industrial sectors.
“I want my students to leave my courses not just with theoretical knowledge, but with the ability to apply what they've learned in real-world scenarios,” he explained. “Through case studies, project-based learning, and hands-on experiences, I strive to equip students with the skills they need to tackle these challenges and seize the opportunities that lie ahead.”
Over the next two years, he plans to further his research in predictive maintenance planning and expand his work on data analytics applications in industrial sectors. Han is particularly excited about upcoming projects that involve collaboration with industry partners to develop innovative solutions for quality control and reliability engineering.
“I am excited to continue exploring the ethical implications of AI, ensuring our advancements align with equity and fairness principles. I look forward to collaborating with colleagues, students, and external partners to push the boundaries of data-driven innovation and contribute to our community's betterment,” stated Han.
Reflecting on his career and the honor of receiving the Romo Professorship, Han expressed gratitude for the support from his colleagues and students at the Alvarez College of Business. “This professorship is a testament to the collaborative spirit and academic excellence that defines UTSA,” he said. “I am honored to be part of such a vibrant and forward-thinking community.”
The Ricardo Romo Ph.D. Endowed Professorship is named in honor of former UTSA President Ricardo Romo and is awarded to faculty members who demonstrate outstanding teaching and a commitment to student success.
— Rebekah Alegria
