Education and Professional Development Colloquium

The Education and Professional Development Colloquium (EPD) is an annual event designed to bring together students, junior analysts, and senior professionals to provide mentoring and professional development opportunities. The purpose of the EPD is to challenge undergraduate students by presenting them with an opportunity to perform national security operations research work during the Richard E. Rosenthal Student Competition. The competition is a 'quick reaction analysis' which allows students from all participating institutions to work on an OR problem together, demonstrate their skills and learn different ways to approach a problem toward a team solution. Students and young analysts who participate will learn about different formal education expectations of military, government civilians, private industry employees, and academics. Students will also have a chance to share their research in a capstone presentation, and gain invaluable feedback on their work from a diverse group of students and senior professionals in the field. Professionals and faculty who participate will discover new connections within a diverse community of practitioners, educators, and analysts. As a mentor, you will have the opportunity to observe and guide the next generation of analysts. Attend sessions that offer fresh perspectives on current academic issues and how different academic programs are adjusting to our ever-changing OR environment. This year's EPD will bring together speakers, practitioners, and students of operations research for an overdue look at military operations research beyond the military operation.