New faculty member brings data expertise to ISE
Published: Aug 27, 2026 3:35 PM
By Carla Nelson
Haifeng Wang's primary research focuses on using data to improve decision-making.
The Auburn University Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE) has welcomed Haifeng Wang as an associate professor, bringing his expertise in artificial intelligence, machine learning and data-driven modeling to the department.
Wang earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from Southeast University in Nanjing, China, in 2013. He earned a master’s degree in 2015 and a doctoral degree in 2019 from Binghamton University. During his doctoral studies, he worked as a research associate for Innovation Associates and Koh Young Technology. He later served as an assistant professor and associate professor at Mississippi State University before joining Auburn.
“We are excited to welcome Dr. Wang to the department,” said Mark Schall, department chair. “His expertise in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and data-driven modeling will complement our department’s strengths in manufacturing and create opportunities for new research collaborations.”
Wang’s primary research focuses on using data to improve decision-making.
“My main research focus is about machine learning modeling based on different types of data, and how to develop a support system to make an effective and efficient decision,” he said.
His research spans healthcare, manufacturing and agriculture. In health-related research, Wang has analyzed sleep data to examine relationships between sleep and conditions such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. At Auburn, he hopes to collaborate with regional sleep research centers.
Wang also applies AI and optimization techniques to manufacturing and agriculture problems. One agriculture project involved developing a machine vision tool that uses photographs of soybean plants and machine learning to detect potential plant diseases.
Wang said he is excited to collaborate with Auburn faculty and apply his expertise to the department’s strengths in manufacturing.
“There are several projects I’m very excited to start at Auburn,” he said. “Our department is very strong in manufacturing. With my experience in AI, machine learning and data modeling, I look forward to exploring challenging problems in manufacturing processes through ICAMS (Interdisciplinary Center for Advanced Manufacturing Systems) and other research centers.”
Wang is teaching Manufacturing Systems II this semester. He said Auburn’s strong engineering school and the national and international reputation of the industrial and systems engineering program were important factors in his decision to join the university.
Wang added he was also impressed by Auburn ISE’s commitment to engineering education, research and service.
“I think we have a very dedicated team working on engineering education, research and serving society,” he said. “I appreciate the opportunity to join the team and look forward to working with my colleagues and contributing to the department’s continued success and growth.”
Media Contact: , carla@auburn.edu, 3348441404
