Bio

Ishti Sikder is a Ph.D. student and Graduate Research Assistant in NC State University’s Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE). He previously served as a Data Science Research Consultant with NC State’s Data Science Services. His experience spans optimization, data science, machine learning, and statistical analysis, with projects addressing challenges in healthcare, transportation, logistics and financial technology.

Before joining NC State, Sikder earned a master’s degree in Engineering Management from UNC Charlotte. During his studies, he developed optimization models to improve patient appointment scheduling and transportation systems, including projects involving Mayo Clinic and Cargill.

At NC State, Sikder has presented his research on production and inventory decision-making at INFORMS Annual Meetings. He has also served as a session chair for presentations on advanced inventory and supply chain management.

Advisor

Russell King

Concentration

System Analytics and Optimization

Area(s) of Expertise

Sikder’s current research focuses on inventory planning for products in the end-of-life (EOL) phase of their life cycles, when demand is time-dependent and declining. He develops analytical optimization models and computational algorithms to determine replenishment schedules and supplier assignments while accounting for supplier-specific ordering, purchasing, and inventory holding costs. His work identifies when sourcing from a single supplier is most economical and when transitioning from one supplier to another can reduce total cost, with applications to spare-parts planning and long-term service obligations.