Louis Martin-Vega

Martin-Vega grew up in New York City, where his parents were a part of the air force.[2] His family is originally from Puerto Rico, where he initially obtained his Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez.[3]

He later earned a Master of Science in Operations Research from New York University, a Master of Engineering, and a Ph.D. in Industrial and System Engineering from the University of Florida.[4]

Martin-Vega was the Dean of Engineering at the University of South Florida for five years before joining North Carolina State University in 2006, where he imparted his knowledge and expertise to a large community of over 10,000 students and 750 faculty and staff.[5] Prior to holding the position of Dean of Engineering at North Carolina State University, Martin-Vega also served as the head of Engineering Directorate at the National Science Foundation's (NSF), Director of NFS's Division of Design, and Manufacture and Industrial Innovation.[6]

Additionally, Martin-Vega held the Director position at the Center for Applied Research in Electronics Manufacturing at the Florida Institute of Technology University, and he was also the chair of the Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering at Lehigh University.[7][8] Moreover, in 2021, Martin-Vega was elected as a member of the National Academy of Engineering (NAE).[9] Throughout his career in education he has initiated significant growth within these universities.

Not only has he contributed to the educational system of engineering he has also led several foundations, including the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Engineering Research Centers (ERC) which have been ranked as one of the top 15 colleges of engineering nationwide and the 13th ranked public college of engineering on graduate level in the nation.

Martin-Vega's research focused on various areas, such as industrial engineering, logistics, operational management, and production of several service systems.[10] According to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, he has authored or co-authored over 100 journal articles, "book chapters, and other publications."[11] Additionally, he has delivered more than "200 keynote and related presentations at national and international forums."[11] One of the mottos Martin-Vega said he abided by was "Whatever you're doing, do the best you can at it."[12]

In August 2022, Martin-Vega announced that he would step down from his role as Dean of the College of Engineering at North Carolina State University at the end of the 2022–23 academic school year.[1] He remained as faculty at the University in the Fitts Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering.[13]

Martin-Vega has received numerous awards throughout his engineering career. These include the IIE Albert Holzman Distinguished Educator Award in 1999, the Hispanic Engineering National Education Achievement Award- HENACC in 2000, the National Hispanic Scientist of the Year Award from the Tampa Museum of Science and Industry in 2007, the Outstanding Engineer in North Carolina from the NC Society of Engineers in 2008, the Industrial and Systems Engineering Alumni Leadership Award from the University of Florida in 2009, and the Frank and Lillian Gilbreth Industrial Engineering Award in 2012.[14]

Martin-Vega was honored as one of the 100 most Influential Hispanics in 2007 and 2014 by Hispanic Business magazine.[15][14] In addition, he was honored at the Engineering Gala, which was hosted by the Professional Engineers of North Carolina (PENC) and the North Carolina Society of Engineering to celebrate his achievements and retirement.[16]