Opportunities

Is Dr. Tucker recruiting students?

Yes, Dr. Tucker is recruiting 1-2 PhD students to join her group in Fall 2026 to study quantum optimization for resilient systems. She may consider a student for another of the group's research areas if they are a particularly good fit.

What does development look like in the Tucker Research Group?

Through their time in the group, students will develop their skills (at a level appropriate to the degree stage) in the following areas: technical skills in operations research methods and programming; research skills in publishing, project development, and project management; and soft skills in management, mentoring, collaboration, and communication. 

Students regularly meet with Dr. Tucker individually and in project teams. The entire group meets occasionally to discuss research progress, the field, and areas of technical and professional development. 

What does Dr. Tucker look for in students?

In general, she looks for students who enjoy operations research and resonate with the vision of improving access to social good in systems under strain. Students who fit best within the group are mathematically inclined, teachable, motivated, and supportive of one another.

More information and how to apply

PhD students

• • Dr. Tucker looks for strong students who are aim to pursue an operations research PhD in the Clemson IE department. PhD students who graduate from her group will be well-prepared for careers in academia, government, and industry.

  • Please apply via the Clemson IE PhD application, and note in your research statement that you are interested in working with her. 

  • Feel free to contact her via email before you apply; in the email, please include your CV, note one of her papers that you find interesting, and a few reasons you think her group may be a good fit for you. 

    • Note: please do not use GenAI to write the inquiry email. These emails look polished, but the generated text tends to be far too generic to evaluate your fit.

  • Strong applicants will have demonstrated an ability to be successful in the PhD program (e.g., through research experience, coursework, and/or professional experience)

  • She will consider strong applicants directly from undergrad.

Masters students

• • Dr. Tucker occasionally supervises thesis-based masters students. Students who graduate from the group with an MS thesis will be well-prepared to begin PhD programs in IE-related disciplines and/or to make a difference in industry.

  • Please apply via the Clemson IE MS application, and note in one of the statements that you are interested in working with her for an MS thesis.

  • If you are already in the Clemson IE MS or BS program and are interested, please send Dr. Tucker an email with your CV, why you are interested in an MS thesis generally, and why you are interested in her research group specifically. Check out one or two of the group's papers (listed on the Publications page). Note: please do not use GenAI to write the inquiry email.

Undergraduates

• Dr. Tucker has supervised a number of undergraduate students who are interested in getting involved in research. 

• Please reach out via email to inquire.

• Generally, undergraduates will be involved in existing projects and may be co-supervised by a PhD student in the group.

If you have further questions

• Potential graduate students: you can reach out to the Graduate Program Director, Dr. Kapil Chalil Madathil (kmadath[at]clemson.edu) or the Graduate Student Services Coordinator, Casey Fenton (cbfento[at]clemson.edu).

• Undergraduate students at Clemson: please reach out to your academic advisor.

General mentoring and advice

Clemson students

• • Dr. Tucker would be delighted to schedule some time to discuss your career path and offer any advice that may be helpful. Please reach out via email.

Folks not affiliated with Clemson:

• • Though her priority is Clemson students, if Dr. Tucker has time, she would also be happy to chat with y'all as well. Please reach out via email. In the email, provide a bit of context on your background (e.g., educational and/or work history) and what you are interested in discussing.