Hui Zhao

Professor Hui Zhao holds the rank of Professor of Supply Chain Management and serves as Co-Director for Research at the Center for Supply Chain Research within the Smeal College of Business, Pennsylvania State University. She specializes in applying analytics to healthcare systems, focusing on pharmaceutical supply chains, public policy, and innovative healthcare technologies like telehealth. Her research addresses incentive misalignment in healthcare value chains, with notable contributions to drug shortages, pricing, and technology-driven solutions.

• Education:
• PhD in Industrial Engineering, Purdue University (2003)
• MS in Industrial Engineering, Purdue University (2002)
• CERT in Applied Management Principles (Mini-MBA), Purdue University (2001)
• MS and BE in Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering, Tianjin University (1997, 1994)
• BS in Industrial Economics and Systems Engineering, Tianjin University (1994)

Research Interests: Professor Zhao’s work spans healthcare analytics, pharmaceutical supply chain optimization, health policy, and telehealth innovation. She employs machine learning and data science to address systemic challenges like drug pricing and illicit online pharmacies. Her research bridges academia and practice, informing government agencies (e.g., FDA, HHS) and industry consortia such as Xavier Health’s AI initiative in healthcare.

Publications & Awards: Her work has been published in top-tier journals and recognized with awards including a Pierskalla Award finalist nod (2015), Ralph Gomory Industry Studies Award runner-up (2018), and SCOR Innovation Award (2018). Her research emphasizes practical impact, with presentations to HHS and FDA expert panels.

Advising & Collaborations: Advises students on healthcare systems and policy. Collaborates with industry and government to translate research into actionable policy recommendations. Actively involved with Xavier Health’s AI in Healthcare Initiative.