As an industrial engineer focusing on economics, Heather Nachtmann focuses on building better tools for business.

One area of her research involves developing a method to more accurately trace indirect overhead costs, like salaries, rent and utilities. Traditionally, estimates for indirect costs were based on a "best guess." Nachtmann applies a method called "fuzzy set theory" in her research. "Basically, it's using uncertainty analysis methods to handle the inherent uncertainty surrounding the estimates. By using triangular fuzzy numbers, you can get a more sophisticated outcome and more accurately trace overhead or indirect costs."

A triangular fuzzy number is a special type of fuzzy number defined by three parameters: the smallest possible value, the most promising value and the largest possible value. She chose to use triangular fuzzy numbers in this analysis because they're easy to implement, potentially more intuitive and they represent the rational basis for quantifying vague knowledge about most decision problems.

Doing research as an undergraduate student inspired Nachtmann to consider a career in academia. Working as a teaching assistant during graduate school reinforced her decision. "I found that I really love interacting with the students," she said. "I like trying to teach a new group of students about a subject that's important to me."

Nachtmann also works a great deal with the Mack-Blackwell Transportation Center, with one prominent study measuring the impact of Arkansas' 1,000 miles of navigable waterways on the state's economy. "Arkansas has a direct link to Mexico and South America," she said. "We couldn't be in a better location."

And she feels as though she's in a great location at the College of Engineering. "I came here because there were so many opportunities," she said. "We're definitely a college on the rise."