Bruce Ankenman

Bruce Ankenman is a Professor of Industrial Engineering and Management Sciences at Northwestern University, affiliated with the Segal Design Institute and the Master of Engineering Management Program. He holds a Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, along with an M.S. in Manufacturing Systems Engineering and a B.S. in Electrical Engineering.

His research focuses on developing user-friendly statistical tools for design and analysis of experiments, bridging the gap between engineering practice and advanced statistical methods. Notable contributions include co-developing the course Designing Your Life for Northwestern (inspired by Stanford’s program) and co-founding the Northwestern Personal Development StudioLab, which supports undergraduate personal development through courses, certificates, and resources.

Ankenman’s work spans experimental design methodologies, healthcare innovation (e.g., diabetes education tools, stroke diagnosis via NLP), and interdisciplinary education. His research integrates principles from engineering, statistics, and education science, emphasizing practical applications in healthcare systems, simulation optimization, and user-centered design.

He has contributed to foundational studies in statistical modeling (e.g., Gaussian processes, kriging metamodels) and has collaborated on projects ranging from semiconductor manufacturing optimization to improving paramedic report analysis for prehospital stroke diagnosis. His pedagogical innovations aim to enhance teamwork skills and career readiness in engineering students.