Archeet Shah
Major: Computer Engineering
Minor: Supply Chain Engineering Technology
Expected Date of Graduation: May 2028
Why did you pursue supply chain as a minor?
Supply chains are the backbone of the global economy — they power our world silently in the background, yet without them, we wouldn’t have many of the things we enjoy today. Considering this immense global significance, pursuing a supply chain minor seemed like an effective way for me to gain fundamental organizational knowledge alongside my studies in computer engineering.
Additionally, my family back home in India is part of a global shipping and logistics business, in which every day brings them new supply chain challenges. Finally, as someone from a STEM background, I am acutely aware that supply chains have huge untapped potential for potential technological disruptions, which can negatively impact global economies. Since the field still operates in many traditional ways, my education and insights as a computer engineer can facilitate driving future innovations and modernizations within those fragile organizational supply chains.
Why do you think that knowledge of supply chains is important for engineers in organizations today?
We live in an interconnected world — what happens in the U.S. doesn’t just affect the American economy, but can also impact a small business owner sitting in India. In today’s global landscape, engineers need to upskill and understand multiple aspects of businesses, rather than focusing only on traditional engineering functions like research and development.
Creating something new is only one part of an organization’s challenge. Understanding the entire product life cycle — from sourcing raw materials to manufacturing and delivering products to the end consumer — is equally important. When designing new solutions, engineers can’t overlook the bigger picture: Can the raw materials be sourced, produced, and transported efficiently and affordably? If yes, then the solution is viable. If not, even the best idea may fail to sustain a business.
What are some of your favorite memories as a student in your Industrial Engineering Technology (IET) classes?
Since this was my first time studying supply chains, I was fortunate to have Professor Jim Tanoos (IET 21400) as my first instructor for the minor. Under his guidance, I developed a strong interest in automotive manufacturing and their interconnected global supply chains. One of my favorite parts of the class was the discussion board posts — learning about real global supply chain breakdowns since the pandemic, expressing my own ideas and insight, and then engaging with others’ perspectives, which helped me connect supply chain-related textbook theory to real-world challenges.
As someone who’s always loved cars, learning about the global web of suppliers, factories, and logistics networks that make them possible completely changed how I view the industry. It wasn’t just about the machines anymore — it was about the systems and people behind them.
What is your advice for future students?
The best part about this minor is that it encourages you to think critically rather than to simply memorize. The coursework isn’t overly difficult, but it becomes especially meaningful when you treat it as more than just a class. I’d encourage future students to stay curious and participate actively in class discussions — especially the weekly discussion board posts, which connect relevant, applicable, real-world supply chain news to the theory that you learn in the textbook.
Each topic gives you a chance to see how engineering decisions tie into global business realities. So, treat it as an opportunity to develop your professional mindset — learning to think like both an engineer and a problem-solver who understands how the world moves. Under the guidance of Professor Tanoos, you also gain an appreciation for how academic concepts tie directly to the real world, as he constantly encourages students to think beyond the classroom and connect theory with practice.
What are your future goals and endeavours?
I aim to work in the technology industry, where Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning are transforming how global businesses operate. I’m particularly interested in how these technologies can predict disruptions, automate routing, and optimize logistics in complex supply chains.
My family back home in India is part of a global shipping and logistics business, which has given me a close view of the challenges and opportunities that shape global trade. Growing up around that dynamic environment allowed me appreciate how technology and logistics can work hand in hand to make operations more efficient. Combining that exposure with my engineering education gives me the chance to design technologies that bridge physical operations and digital intelligence. My long-term goal is to build solutions that make global trade smarter, faster, and more sustainable.
