Erkut SönmezView profile
Associate Professor
Erkut Sönmez serves as Associate Professor of Supply Chain Management and Analytics in the College of Business at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. His research integrates operations management with real-world applications in food systems, energy supply chains, and financial services, utilizing advanced analytical methods to solve complex capacity management problems. Education: Ph.D., Operations Management, Carnegie Mellon University, Tepper School of Business M.S., Operations Management, Carnegie Mellon University, Tepper School of Business B.S., Industrial Engineering, Middle East Technical University, Turkey Sönmez's research focuses on capacity management challenges arising from new business models and technologies, particularly in food and energy supply chains and banking operations. He employs queueing theory, simulation, and stochastic optimization to derive counter-intuitive managerial insights for strategic and tactical decision-making. His work reveals critical tradeoffs in volunteer staffing for gleaning operations, LNG supply chain optimization, and risk-efficiency balances in banking systems. Publication trends show consistent contributions to high-impact journals including Operations Research , Manufacturing and Service Operations Management , and Food Policy , with emphasis on sustainable operations in food waste reduction (40% of U.S. food is wasted while 14 million households face food insecurity) and energy logistics. His research bridges theoretical rigor with practical applications, frequently covered by media outlets like Huffington Post and Perishable Pundit . Scientific Awards: Distinguished Research Award, College of Business, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (2019) William Larimer Mellon Fellowship for doctoral studies Yasar Holding High Academic Achievement Fellowship Sönmez actively contributes to academic service as reviewer for Operations Research , Management Science , and other top journals, and as judge for POMS and M&SOM competitions. His research on LNG supply chains received support from Qatar National Research Fund's NPRP award. He collaborates extensively with organizations including Boston Area Gleaners, Food Bank of the Southern Tier, Cornell University, and Boston College to translate research into operational improvements for food rescue systems. As an educator, he teaches Supply Chain Logistics Management and Operations and Supply Chain Management courses while serving on university committees including Recruiting, Grade Appeal, and as Independent Study Advisor. His work demonstrates how community-focused operational innovations can simultaneously address food waste and insecurity through efficient gleaning systems.




