Chad M. LauxView profile
Associate Professor
Chad M. Laux is an Associate Professor at Purdue University's Department of Computer and Information Technology within the Purdue Polytechnic Institute. He serves as the Graduate Education Chair for Computer & Information Technology and Co-Lead of Purdue University's Circular Economy Systems initiative at the Purdue University Institute for a Sustainable Future. Dr. Laux is also President-Elect of IISE SEMS (Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers - Service Enterprise Management Society). Dr. Laux earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Industrial Technology from Purdue University in 1995 and 1999 respectively, followed by a PhD in Industrial and Agriculture Technology from Iowa State University in 2007, where he received the Silvius-Wolansky Fellowship for Outstanding Dissertation. As an internationally recognized expert in Lean Sustainability and Six Sigma Systems, Dr. Laux's research integrates Lean principles with sustainability practices to address environmental challenges through circular economy models. His work spans Operations Excellence, Industry 4.0, and Quality 5.0 applications across manufacturing, healthcare, and higher education sectors. His publications demonstrate how organizations can achieve both operational efficiency and environmental responsibility through systematic process improvements. Dr. Laux's scholarly contributions have earned him numerous prestigious awards including the American Society for Quality's Crosby Medal, the Walter E. Masing Book Prize, and multiple International Book Awards. His recent book "Lean Sustainability: A Pathway to a Circular Economy" (2023) received the International Book of the Year Award from the International Lean Six Sigma Institute. With over 200 published works and experience chairing or serving on more than 100 graduate student committees, Dr. Laux maintains active roles as Associate Editor of the International Journal of Lean Six Sigma and Education Chair for the American Society for Quality. His professional affiliations include the American Society for Quality (ASQ), American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE), Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE), and the Institute for Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE). As a Certified Six Sigma Black Belt with industry experience from General Electric and Caterpillar Inc., Dr. Laux bridges academic research with practical industry applications, focusing on sustainable business practices that enhance both performance and environmental outcomes.








