The Holzman award is one of the highest honors to be given by IIE and recognizes significant contributions to the profession through research, publication, extension, administration and teaching innovation in the academic environment. The contributions must be of the highest caliber and be nationally or internationally recognized. Only one award is given annually.

In the nomination letter, Shi was noted for exhibiting excellence in classroom teaching and in mentoring, especially in advising graduate students. Shi was also cited for his important contributions to the broad research area of engineering statistics and quality control, demonstrated dedication to continuing education and leadership roles, as well as his significant contributions in community service.

“Professor Shi deserves this award because he instills a set of values in his students that yield this result,” said Susan Albin, professor at Rutgers, Fellow of IIE, Editor-in-Chief of IIE Transactions, and the current President of INFORMS said. “He has trained 23 doctorates. This is a very large number in a relatively short time and each and every student received superb training. The successes of the students are astounding.”

Shi joined the Georgia Tech faculty in 2008. His other IIE awards include three Excellence in Service Awards from IIE Transactions in 2002, 2003 and 2004. He is also an INFORMS Fellow, an ASME Fellow and an IIE Fellow and the recipient of a National Science Foundation CAREER Award.