Dr. Jingwen Yang is an Assistant Professor of Operations Management. She has extensive work experience in operations across the pharmaceutical and food industries and holds a PhD in Supply Chain Management from the UMN Carlson School of Management. Her background informs her research focus on pharmaceutical supply chains and healthcare policies.

What do you hope your students take away from the classes that you teach?

I teach Operations Management offered by the MIB Department at Lee Business School. I hope my students leave this course with a clear understanding that operations is not just about tools and numbers, but about how different functions in organizations actually work. My goal is for them to develop the ability to think systematically and strategically, including breaking down complex problems, evaluating trade-offs in critical decision-making, analyzing data, identifying bottlenecks, and designing practical solutions to address operational challenges. Ultimately, I want them to walk away feeling confident in their ability to apply the concepts from this class to understand the operations of an organization, communicate professionally, and make better, more informed operational decisions.

As a faculty member what does UNLV mean to you?

UNLV is a community dedicated to advancing knowledge and creating meaningful impact. It is a place where I can contribute to students’ growth, collaborate with colleagues, and engage in research that addresses real-world challenges. It’s an environment where teaching, research, and service come together.

What is something that the MIB department offers that you believe is key to the success of UNLV grads?

I think one of the valuable aspects of the MIB Department is its emphasis on applied learning. Through hands-on projects and real-world case studies, students gain experience that goes beyond textbooks. This practical exposure helps them learn how to navigate ambiguity, work collaboratively, and solve complex problems.

Any parting words of wisdom or advice you’d like to pass onto your students?

I believe it’s essential for all of us to embrace challenges. Real personal growth happens at the edge of our comfort zone. Life is a lot like operations management. There will always be bottlenecks, uncertainties, unexpected disruptions, and countless trade-offs. The key is to keep learning, stay curious, improve the process, and pay attention to the quality of our decisions. And through it all, trust that you’re capable of far more than you think, and don’t forget to enjoy the journey.