Opportunities
Is Dr. Tucker hiring students?
Yes, there is currently one open PhD position in her research group. She may also consider students at other levels 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.
The entire group has a meeting weekly where we discuss research progress, what we've been reading, and areas of professional development. Students regularly meet with Dr. Tucker individually or in their project teams.
What does Dr. Tucker look for in students?
In general, she looks for students who resonate with the core goal of math modeling to make the work a better place.
Students who fit best within the group are teachable, motivated, mathematically inclined, and supportive of one another.
More information and how to apply
PhD students
Dr. Tucker looks for strong students who are aiming to pursue a 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.
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 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 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.
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.
If you are already in the Clemson IE MS or BS program and are interested, please send Dr. Tucker an email with your CV, a brief note about one of her papers that you find interesting, and a few reasons you think her group may be a good fit for you.
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.
High school students
If you are interested in getting involved in research very early, please inquire. Dr. Tucker would love to have a conversation with you about potential opportunities.
Dr. Tucker has previously supervised three high school students over a summer through Clemson SPRI.
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 Coordinator, Casey Fenton (cbfento[at]clemson.edu ).
Undergraduate students at Clemson: please reach out to your academic advisor.
General mentoring/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.