Natalie Cherbaka

Natalie Cherbaka is a Collegiate Professor and Undergraduate Program Director in the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering at Virginia Tech's College of Engineering. She holds a Ph.D. in Industrial & Systems Engineering from Virginia Tech, an M.S. from North Carolina State University, and a B.S. in Mathematics from Taylor University. Her professional experience includes roles as an Independent Consultant and IBM Fulfillment Manager and Production Planner.

Dr. Cherbaka's research focuses on operations research, supply chain optimization, manufacturing systems, and engineering management. She has contributed to solving complex sourcing decisions using multidimensional knapsack models, explored the application of 5G technology in warehousing, and investigated post-COVID office space design through interdisciplinary case studies. Her work emphasizes real-time data visualization to reduce lead times and improve resource allocation strategies in industrial settings.

She has been recognized with the Best Paper Award in the Engineering Management Division (2009) for her work on proposing an engineering management program at NC State University and was named a 2015-2016 ISE Outstanding Faculty and GTAs Award Winner at Virginia Tech.

Dr. Cherbaka serves as a Senior Design Project advisor and has volunteered at Harding Avenue Elementary School. Her industry experience and academic contributions highlight her commitment to bridging theoretical research and practical applications in industrial systems.