Carter Kerk

Carter Kerk serves as a Professor in the Industrial Engineering Department at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, where he has completed 28 years of service. Previously a professor at Texas A&M University for five years, he also held key administrative roles including Assistant to the Provost for Native American Initiatives and Faculty Athletics Representative.

His academic credentials include:

• BS in Industrial Engineering, University of Nebraska
• MS in Industrial Engineering, University of Nebraska
• PhD in Industrial and Operations Engineering, University of Michigan

Dr. Kerk's research spans ergonomics, human factors engineering, and safety engineering, with recent focus on American Indian STEM education through the Tiospaye Scholar Program. Since its 2009 inception, this initiative has graduated 65 scholars by providing holistic support across financial, academic, professional, cultural, and social domains.

Funding for the Tiospaye Scholar Program derives from National Science Foundation grants and private donors, with active efforts to establish multi-million-dollar endowments for permanent sustainability. Dr. Kerk developed specialized courses including Safety Engineering and Industrial Hygiene, while creating the Occupational Safety Minor and Graduate Safety Certificate programs.

As a Professional Engineer, Certified Safety Professional, and Certified Professional Ergonomist, he maintains active memberships in the American Society of Safety Professionals, Human Factors & Ergonomics Society, Institute of Industrial & Systems Engineers, and National Society of Professional Engineers.