Dr. Yao Zhao is a professor in Supply Chain Management at Rutgers University, holding a Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering and Management Sciences from Northwestern University. His impressive background includes positions as a visiting scholar at MIT's Operations Research Center and a visiting professor at Duke's Fuqua School of Business. With research interests in Supply Chain Management, Analytics, and Healthcare, Dr. Zhao has published in top-tier journals, served as an associate editor for notable publications, and received accolades such as the National Science Foundation Career Award in 2008 and the Dean’s Meritorious Teaching Award in 2016. He is a respected case writer, winning first place in the INFORM Case Writing Competition in 2014. Dr. Zhao has also designed and taught core courses at Rutgers, including Supply Chain Analytics and Healthcare Operations Analysis. His extensive consulting work spans numerous organizations, including General Motors and the Defense Logistics Agency, significantly impacting economic and social outcomes in projects like the energy supply chain in Pakistan and the shuttle system for the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games, achieving exceptional customer satisfaction.