Vira Chankong

Vira Chankong serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the Case School of Engineering, Case Western Reserve University. His research develops rapid learning and optimization methods for intensity-modulated radiation therapy and combinatorial optimization paradigms, with office location in Olin 708 and contact via vira.chankong@case.edu.

His educational background includes:

• PhD in Systems Engineering from Case Western Reserve University (1977)
• MS in Systems Engineering from Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand (1974)
• BS with honors in Electrical Engineering-Mathematics/Physics from University of New South Wales, Australia (1971)

Dr. Chankong's research centers on large-scale optimization, multiobjective optimization, and logic-based discrete optimization, with significant applications in medical research (Gamma Knife radiosurgery and Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy), systems biology (signaling pathways), data mining, and supply chain management. His work integrates systems methodology with decision theory to solve complex engineering design and operational problems. As a senior member of IEEE and IIE, and member of SIAM and INFORMS, he bridges theoretical optimization with practical biomedical and industrial implementations.

His publication record from 1990-2017 reveals consistent interdisciplinary focus, evolving from power systems control (1990s-2014) toward medical and supply chain applications (2014-2017), demonstrating sustained expertise in optimization algorithms across diverse domains while maintaining strong ties to electrical engineering fundamentals.

Scientific recognition includes:

• Srinivasa P. Gutti Memorial Teaching Award Nominee (2018)
• Tau Beta Pi Teaching Award Nominee (2016)
• CWRU Diekoff Award Nominee (2011, 2016)
• CWRU Wittke Award Nominee (2005)
• INFORMS Franz Edelman Award Semi-Finalist (1997)
• INFORMS External Appointment at Duke Medical Center (2016-present)

His teaching portfolio spans optimization theory (dynamic, large-scale), computational engineering, Signals and Systems, Engineering Economics, and Systems Thinking. While specific grant details aren't documented, his Duke Medical Center appointment and publication record indicate active research collaboration. The absence of lab/team descriptions suggests primary individual research focus within the departmental structure.