6 November 2026

From Data to Impact: Welcome Prof. Dr. Austin Saragih

How can data and analytics help make supply chains more resilient, sustainable, and responsible? This question is at the heart of Prof. Dr. Austin Saragih’s work. Fresh from completing his Ph.D. at MIT, KLU’s new Assistant Professor of Business Analytics and Operations Management combines mathematical rigor with a passion for tackling real-world challenges.

We spoke with him about his journey to KLU, his approach to research, his teaching philosophy, and the experiences that have shaped him.

Having recently completed your Ph.D. at MIT, what made KLU the right place for the next chapter of your academic career?

KLU is the perfect fit for me because I think with an operations mindset. My background at an MIT logistics center aligns very well with KLU’s focus, and the people here are incredibly welcoming and great to work with.

Which problems are you most passionate about solving, and what impact do you hope your research will have on society?

I am most passionate about solving “ROAD” problems: Responsible Operations, Analytics, and Design. Here, “responsible” means developing solutions responsibly, meaning they are simple, optimal, and grounded in practice, while applying them to areas where responsible operations matter, such as sustainability and resilience. I hope to be a kind and insightful scholar whose research and shared knowledge actively advance these areas.

What is your guiding principle when it comes to teaching?

I love teaching and follow the backward design approach popularized by McTighe and Wiggins: first, identify the learning objectives; second, determine what would constitute acceptable evidence of learning; and third, plan the instruction and learning experiences. This approach has been incredibly helpful in shaping the way I teach.

Beyond your academic achievements, what qualities, interests, or personal experiences have shaped who you are as a researcher, teacher, and person?

First, I strive to be the most authentic, happy, and kind version of myself. Second, as a minority, immigrant, and person of color, I have faced adversity. I try to use the lessons from those experiences to lift others up rather than becoming a source of hardship myself. Finally, I have learned that there will always be people in life who are kind and supportive, and others who are not, and that’s okay. I choose to let go and forgive those who aren’t, while appreciating and welcoming those who are. Most importantly, I try to offer that same kindness and support to others.