INFORMS Open Forum

I was reviewing the Diversity Blogs and I found the one titled 'Why Operations Research? Reflecting on Our Journeys to Becoming Ph.D. students in Operations Research'(https://connect.informs.org/diversity/diversity-blog/why-operations-research). The blog post from INFORMS discusses the unique paths that led a group of Ph.D. students to the field of operations research (OR). It highlights their initial lack of awareness about OR and its interdisciplinary nature. They emphasize the goal of the INFORMS DEI Ambassador High School Outreach Strategic Initiative to expose underrepresented high school students to OR and other STEM fields, hoping to spark interest through engagement and education. The post explains OR as a field utilizing mathematical and analytical tools for complex decision-making across various sectors. The authors reflect on their own reasons for choosing OR, mainly driven by a passion for improvement and optimization. The post also serves as a guide for high school students interested in STEM, discussing the importance of math and programming, the reality of pursuing a Ph.D., and career possibilities in OR.

Matching Experience: Like the authors, I also stumbled upon the field of OR without actively seeking it. I was drawn to the power of mathematical modeling and its application to real-world problems. My discovery of OR was somewhat serendipitous, stemming from a growing interest in mathematics and its practical applications.

Divergent Experience: However, my journey differs as I had early exposure to the importance and impact of interdisciplinary studies in high school. This initial understanding shaped my educational choices and career path, contrasting with the authors' initial unawareness of the field's breadth.

Invitation for Discussion: I'm intrigued to hear from others about their journey into operations research or STEM fields in general. Were you also unaware of OR's reach and potential during your formative years? How do you believe we can better introduce these concepts to the next generation to foster early interest and understanding? Let's share our stories and ideas on how to bridge the knowledge gap for high school students.