Introducing Shirmenia “Nina” Nunes, our newest Operations Manager. With a master's degree in public administration from Kennesaw State University and a wealth of experience in higher education, Nina brings a passion for supporting international students and a keen interest in utilizing data analytics for operational efficiency to our team at ISyE. 

Q: Where did you study, or specialize in?  

A: I pursued my master's degree in Public Administration with a specialization in Higher Education and Program Evaluation at Kennesaw State University.  

Q: What is your previous experience in the field?  

A: I have been working in the field of higher education since 2014. Initially, I assisted international students in finding summer internships. Following that, I worked at Kennesaw State, where I oversaw the Global Village and advised the international student association. I then transitioned to the University of Arizona, where I worked with online and international students enrolled in both admissions, reporting and retention for undergraduate and graduate programs. My role then evolved to becoming the Manager for online programs at the Robinson College of Business at Georgia State.   

Roles/Workplace: Program Coordinator, Coordinator, Manager.  

Organizations: Kennesaw State, University of Arizona, Georgia State 

Q: What sparked your interest in engineering (and your research), and how did you decide to pursue it as a career? 

A: While I don't have a STEM background, my curiosity about data and a strong desire to advocate for international students in my previous institution led me to explore avenues where data could play a pivotal role. The research in operations research captures my attention. The prospect of contributing to projects that involve the application of advanced analytical techniques, such as optimization algorithms and machine learning, to solve real-world problems is both intellectually stimulating and practically impactful. 

Q: Outside of work, what hobbies or activities do you enjoy that might influence or complement your approach to life? 

A: I find great joy in exploring diverse cultures and languages. During my leisure hours, I actively participate in Zumba and occasionally attend Yoga classes, allowing me to stay present and prioritize self-focus. Throughout my time at UArizona, I delved into statistics courses and acquired basic coding skills. I take pleasure in utilizing Power BI to contribute to my department by crafting insightful dashboards and engag