Occupational Safety and Health, Ph.D.

"My aim is to empower students to become not just proficient learners, but critical thinkers with a robust problem-solving toolkit that extends well beyond the confines of the classroom."

Avishek Choudhury went into his field of study because it was in the pioneering landscape where systems engineering meets cognitive human factors in healthcare.

"I found myself at the thrilling intersection of technology, healthcare, and human behavior," he says.

His work involves unraveling the intricacies of healthcare environments, fostering systems that are not only efficient and reliable but also emphatically human-centered.

"We champion innovative solutions, setting a new benchmark in healthcare delivery," he says. "The solutions are user-friendly, enhancing the safety and wellbeing of both healthcare professionals and patients alike."

But his role is also about preparing the next generation of professionals.

"This is not just a profession, it is a commitment to revolutionizing healthcare."

In his classroom, he expects his students to immerse themselves in a deep well of knowledge, venturing far beyond the pursuit of grades.

He emphasizes conceptual understanding over rote memorization and nurtures a learning environment where curiosity is not just encouraged, but is a requisite.

"My aim is to empower students to become not just proficient learners, but critical thinkers with a robust problem-solving toolkit that extends well beyond the confines of the classroom."

"All students learn a little differently than others. Being able to see that and provide the material in different ways until you see the ‘light bulb’ moment is crucial."

Jeremy Gouzd decided to go into his field of study because throughout his career he enjoyed engineering and the field of occupational safety.

"Along with those fields of study, I had a passion for teaching," he says.

He tries to get as much involvement with his students as possible, because he believes this is the best way to communicate the material that is being taught.

"Teaching online is different in that the paths you need to take to connect with the student are different," he says. "The information isn't conveyed in the same manner as the traditional style of teaching."

He engages in as much feedback with students as possible, through grading comments, discussions, announcements, and emails.

"I also record shorter versions of my lectures that students seem to be more apt to watch and which highlight and move through the material as the student would, week to week."

"I think that all students learn a little differently than others. Being able to see that and provide the material, information, and lectures in those different ways until you see the ‘light bulb’ moment is crucial."

Dr. Ashish Nimbarte’s training and expertise is in the general areas of Ergonomics and Energy Efficiency. He joined the IMSE department at WVU in August 2009 and he was promoted to the rank of Associate Professor with tenure in 2015. Due to his strong interest in and commitment to graduate education, he was appointed as the Graduate Program Coordinator of the Industrial Engineering (IE) program in 2015. His research interest is motivated by the need to better characterize the factors that impede sustainability of industrial operations so that effective control strategies can be implemented.

Over the last few years, while maintaining his main research thrust in Ergonomics, Dr. Nimbarte has broadened his research expertise to the areas of energy efficiency, pollution prevention, lean implementations, and waste management to develop research projects that apply a holistic approach based on modern Industrial Engineering methods and principles. These projects involve close collaboration with regional manufacturing businesses and are aimed at productivity improvement through a synergistic integration of various production-related entities.

Dr. Nimbarte has served in several leadership positions within various professional societies. He was elected to serve as the member of the executive committee for the International Society for Occupational Ergonomics and Safety for seven years (2012-2019), becoming president of the society in 2018. He also acted as President of the Construction Division of the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers in 2017. Dr. Nimbarte additionally serve on the editorial boards of five international peer-reviewed scientific journals in the areas of Occupational Ergonomics and Safety.

"To adapt to the changing landscape of education, I leverage advanced web-based tools in online classes, tailoring learning experiences to individual students' needs and progress."

JuHyeong Ryu entered the field of safety engineering and management because he was driven by a strong desire to enhance worker safety, health, and productivity.

"Combining my background in architectural and civil engineering, I have developed a multidisciplinary approach, focusing on sustainability and leveraging cutting-edge technologies like human motion sensing, artificial intelligence, biomechanical analysis, and automated work systems," he says.

"Despite the challenges, I'm proud to have made a meaningful contribution to improving occupational safety in various industries."

His teaching approach is centered on facilitating meaningful and engaging online learning experiences.

"I am proficient in delivering content effectively through digital platforms, ensuring that students remain actively involved in the online classroom."

"My experiences as a research advisor, particularly in the online PhD in Occupational Safety and Health program, have equipped me with valuable insights and strategies to enhance the online education environment."

"I place a strong emphasis on personalized feedback and engagement, ensuring that students have the resources they need to excel in their academic journey."