Biography

Dr. Hayder Zghair is an Associate Professor of Industrial Engineering, the Director of the STEM Center, and Coordinator of the Engineering and Industrial Technology Programs at Southern Arkansas University (SAU). Since joining SAU, he has played a transformative role in expanding engineering education through academic program development, interdisciplinary collaboration, workforce initiatives, and strategic partnerships with industry and professional organizations. He led the development and growth of Industrial Engineering and continued to advance innovative educational opportunities that prepare students for the rapidly evolving engineering profession. Dr. Zghair earned his B.S. and an M.S. from the University of Technology, where he majored in Industrial and Production Engineering. Dr. Zghair earned his second master’s degree in Manufacturing Systems Engineering and Doctor’s Degree in Manufacturing Systems Engineering from Lawrence Technological University, Michigan. Prior to joining Southern Arkansas University, he served as an Assistant Teaching Professor of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering at The Pennsylvania State University in Pennsylvania and as a Lecturer of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering at Kettering University in Michigan.

Dr. Zghair’s research bridges advanced manufacturing, industrial engineering, engineering education, sustainability, and AI to address emerging challenges in today’s industry. His research interests include advanced manufacturing systems, robotics and automation, smart manufacturing, artificial intelligence, Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), digital transformation, simulation and optimization, quality engineering, human factors and ergonomics, engineering education, and sustainable engineering. His work emphasizes translating research into practical solutions that improve manufacturing performance, engineering education, and workforce readiness while fostering strong collaborations between academia and industry. Throughout his career, Dr. Zghair has authored numerous peer-reviewed journal and conference papers and has secured competitive funding from federal agencies, industry, and national organizations. His recent sponsored projects include the National Science Foundation (NSF) EPIIC Capacity Building Award (Cohort III) supporting engineering education innovation and industry partnerships, as well as projects funded through the NASA Arkansas Space Grant Consortium, for Autonomous Vehicle Challenge. Dr. Zghair is an active professional member of numerous professional organizations, including the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE), Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE), Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE), Engineering for One Planet (EOP), Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE International), Industrial Engineering and Operations Management Society (IEOM), American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), Arkansas Science Academy (ASA), and International Honor Society for Professional in Technology Epsilon Pi Tau (EPT).

In addition to the teaching and other scholarly activities at SAU, Dr. Zghair provides academic services across the university through numerous academic appointments. He serves as Senator of the College of Science and Engineering in the Faculty Senate, Chair of the Campus Sustainability Committee, and a member of the university’s Artificial Intelligence workforce. He established the university’s Baja SAE competition team, founded the IEOM Student Chapter and Research Chapter, and actively mentors undergraduate and graduate students from multiple disciplines, including engineering, business, and computer science. He also serves as a co-supervisor for PhD students through collaborative with other institutions, reflecting his commitment to interdisciplinary research and graduate education.

Dr. Zghair is nationally recognized for his leadership in the engineering education and professional service. He currently serves as an ABET Program Evaluator, ATMAE Program Evaluator, President of the Manufacturing Division of ATMAE, and Vice Chair of the ATMAE Board of Certification and Assessment, where he leads national initiatives to develop industry-recognized certifications in advanced manufacturing technologies.

Within the ASEE, he serves as Secretary of the Engineering Economy Division (ECD), Treasurer of the Environmental Engineering and Sustainability (ENVEST) Division, and P–12 Engineering Education Delegate for the Engineering Management Division (EMD). He also serves as Chair of the Academic–Industry Coalition Committee within the EOP Network, where he collaborates with academic institutions, industry leaders, and professional societies to strengthen sustainability education and workforce development across engineering disciplines. Additionally, he serves as an Associate Program Director for IEOM Society International. His previous national service includes serving as Sponsorship Delegate for the ASEE ENVEST Division, Affiliate Researcher with the Penn State Institute of Energy and the Environment, and Operations Director of the IEOM.

Courses Taught

• IS 6023 Research Project
• ITEC 4313 Capstone Project
• ENGR 4901/2/3 Applied Projects
• ENGR 3143 Manufacturing Processes
• ITEC 4043 Advanced Manufacturing Systems
• ITEC 3263 Operations Management I
• ITEC 3363 Operations Management II
• ETEC 2023 Programable Logic Controllers
• ENGR 1023 Introduction to Engineering
• ITEC 3803 Industrial Materials
• ENGR 3073 Engineering Economics
• ITEC 4123 Computer-Aided Manufacturing
• ITEC 4053 Lean Manufacturing
• ITEC 4013 Industrial Simulation
• ENGR 3141 Manufacturing Processes Lab
• PHYS 2101 College Physics Lab
• ENGR 3101 Solid Mechanics Lab
• ENGR 2023 Fundamentals of Manufacturing
• ENGR 4932/1 Baja SAE (Advanced Topic in Engineering)
• ENGR 4933 3D Printing (Honor Topic)
• ENGR 4953 Simulation (Advanced Topic in Engineering)
• ENGR 4931 Workshop Practice (Advanced Topic in Engineering)
• ITEC 4913 Quality Assurance (Independent Study in Industrial Tech)
• ITEC 4953 Industrial Simulation (Advanced Topic in Technology)

Selected Publication

Zghair, H., & Konathala, R. G. (2025). Using AI for Optimizing Packing Design and Reducing Cost in E-Commerce. AI, 6(7), 146. https://doi.org/10.3390/ai6070146 

Alam, M. D., Tarannum, T., & Zghair, H. (2025). Enhancing ERP systems with blockchain for engineering and asset management. In Proceedings of the 2nd World Congress on Industrial Engineering and Operations Management (pp. 890–901). IEOM Society International. https://doi.org/10.46254/WC02.20250278

Zghair, H., Bretz, N. W., & Sumner, J. (2024). Operation conditions empirical optimization for sustainability manufacturing. In 2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition Proceedings. American Society for Engineering Education. https://peer.asee.org/44605

Tarannum, T., & Zghair, H. (2024). Development and implementation of a standardized supplier certification and validation framework for enhanced pricing, lead time, and on-time delivery performance. In Proceedings of the 9th North American Conference on Industrial Engineering and Operations Management (pp. 337–352). IEOM Society International. https://doi.org/10.46254/NA09.20240090

Zghair, H., Lambert, N. A., Odendaal, A. Y., & Kardas, E. P. (2026). Transdisciplinary and creative learning through 3D printing and guitar building. Honors in Practice, Vol.22, pp. 1–8