Rumena Begum

Rumena Begum spends a lot of time in factories that don’t really exist.

They’re virtual reality environments where she studies how people and intelligent technologies work together, helping engineers design safer, smarter manufacturing systems while creating better ways to train the next generation of engineers. Her research combines artificial intelligence, human factors and systems engineering to better understand how people learn, make decisions and collaborate in increasingly technology-driven workplaces.

Begum joins the School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence, part of the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at Arizona State University, as an assistant teaching professor in industrial engineering after earning her doctorate in industrial and systems engineering from the University of Louisville. During her doctoral studies, she led multiple research projects supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation, published award-winning research and earned numerous honors recognizing both her scholarship and teaching potential, including the Outstanding Doctoral Researcher Award and multiple Best Student Paper awards.

But the accomplishment she’s most proud of isn’t an award.

“Completing my PhD is the achievement I am most proud of, not because of the degree itself, but because of how it transformed me as an engineer and problem solver,” Begum says. “The journey taught me to embrace uncertainty, think critically and approach complex challenges with curiosity, resilience and persistence.”

That philosophy shapes the way she approaches teaching.

Begum hopes her students leave her classroom with more than technical knowledge. She wants them to develop the confidence to tackle unfamiliar problems, ask thoughtful questions and continue learning long after graduation.

“Engineering is constantly evolving, so I want students to develop a problem-solving mindset rather than simply memorize methods,” she says. “Through both my teaching and mentorship, I strive to create a supportive learning environment where students feel encouraged to ask questions, explore new ideas and learn from mistakes.”

ASU’s emphasis on innovation, accessibility and real-world impact made it an easy choice.

“ASU’s vision of becoming a knowledge enterprise aligns closely with my belief that higher education should be accessible to a diverse range of learners and generate meaningful real-world impact,” she says.

Outside the classroom, Begum enjoys cooking, exploring new cuisines, traveling and photographing natural landscapes. Whether she’s designing virtual factories or helping students navigate tough challenges, her goal is to create environments where people can learn, grow and succeed.

Written by Kelly deVos