A Pegasus Professor who has led his department for the last 17 years has been honored for his exceptional mentorship and extraordinary dedication to his students by the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE).
Waldemar Karwowski, chair of the UCF Department of Industrial Engineering and Management Systems, was selected for one of the most prestigious awards from IISE, the Albert G. Holzman Distinguished Educator Award. Named for a pioneer in the field of industrial engineering, the award recognizes those who have demonstrated a positive influence on the profession through their teaching, research impact and innovation.
Karwowski says he was honored to be chosen for the award, which he accepted earlier this month at the 2025 IISE Conference held in Atlanta. He dedicated his award to his son Mateusz, daughter Jessica, and his late wife, Bela.
He says the accolade was particularly meaningful for him as he believes education is the launchpad to innovation and progress, and serves as the foundation to a vibrant society. Karwowski adds that UCF and the College of Engineering and Computer Science have provided a foundation that allows him to thrive in his research and teaching endeavors.
“I think that’s important to know that we are supported, and that the college and university are providing an environment that is conducive to success,” he says. “There are many success stories that we see and I’m very glad that in a small way, I can contribute to the success of the university.”
Karwowski has spent 41 years in academia, and the last 17 years at UCF as a department chair. He was named a Pegasus Professor in 2016, the highest faculty honor given by UCF.
His research in industrial engineering and its subsets, human factors and ergonomics, has been cited 24,000 times. He has co-authored over 600 publications and served in myriad editorial roles for numerous journals.
At UCF, Karwowski spearheaded the development of several industrial engineering graduate courses, including the fully online master’s degree program in systems engineering and the healthcare systems engineering track for the industrial engineering master’s program.
“Dr. Karwowski is an inspiring educator, accomplished researcher and exemplary academic leader and administrator,” says UCF Distinguished Professor Gavriel Salvedy in his nomination letter. “His dedication to his students and focus on their achievements are evident throughout all his interactions.”
Don Greene, IISE executive director, says it was an honor to recognize Karwowski. Over the years, he says Karwowski has led the organization’s Council of Fellows and contributed greatly to their publications and conferences.
“Perhaps his greatest contribution to IISE has been his long and steadfast leadership of the student members on the campus of the University of Central Florida, where he has mentored many students to become members of IISE and our profession,” says Greene. “Waldemar’s dedication to the association and the profession has made a significant difference in the lives of many students, professionals and colleagues.”
Karwowski has been enthusiastically endorsed for the award by his peers and more importantly, his students.
Over the years, he has guided 60 students in their doctoral journeys, with 10 more to follow in the next two years. His students’ award nomination testimonies all ardently laud his guidance as a mentor, and credit his influence for much of their career success.
NASA program manager Ledlyne Vazquez says he showed unwavering support throughout her Ph.D. program, even through a personal loss, reaching out to her when she stopped working on her dissertation during her grief to help her make progress toward her doctoral degree.
“As I work along scientists, researchers and engineers, I aim to encourage them to develop their potential as demonstrated to me by Dr. Karwowski,” she says.
Sara Hejazi, a postdoctoral fellow at the Center for Brain Imaging, says being accepted into Karwowski’s research lab was a dream come true.
“There is a common saying within the Ph.D. community that students eventually take on the academic character of their advisor,” she says. “If this is true, I am truly honored to follow in the footsteps of Dr. Karwowski, a great scientist known for his wisdom and dignity.”
His recent doctoral student, Shaida Kargarnovin, who graduated last semester, continues to work with Karwowski as a postdoctoral researcher.
“Working with Dr. Karwowski was one of the most meaningful parts of my life. He had a way of quietly observing from a distance, allowing me space to grow while always making sure I was on the right path,” she says. “Whenever I faced a challenge, he stepped in with unwavering support and steadiness. He taught me countless life lessons simply by being who he is, through his patience, integrity, and the quiet strength of his character. His presence was a constant source of reassurance throughout my Ph.D. journey. I feel incredibly fortunate to have had him as my Ph.D. advisor.”
Their testimonies speak volumes for an educator and researcher who modestly hesitates to speak of his own accomplishments. He chooses instead to share how proud he is of each one of his students, and how their efforts are contributing to the field.
“With new developments coming out of our research, we contribute to knowledge, discovery and dissemination,” he says. “Whenever I see a new paper where the first author is my Ph.D. student, that is probably the most gratifying thing.”
Story by Bel Huston