Q&A with faculty mentor Michael Clough

Michael Clough is an associate teaching professor of industrial engineering on the Academic and Student Affairs team in the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at Arizona State University. An expert in applied math and statistical analysis, Clough’s interests include revenue management, airline operations engineering, product portfolio analysis, econometrics, linear and non-linear optimization and optimal pricing policies. With years of experience in FURI mentorship, he’s happy to help students explore the world of engineering research.

What made you want to get involved as a FURI, MORE and GCSP research stipend faculty mentor? How long have you been a mentor now?

My students approached me with requests for mentorship knowing my interests and background. As long as I was interested in the topic, or if I was confident the student had genuine interest in research, I would become their mentor. I have been doing the FURI mentorship role off and on for many years now.

What is your favorite part about seeing your students conduct research?

It gives students a firsthand look into how knowledge in their respective fields is advanced, and it gives them an opportunity to gauge if they want to pursue education beyond their undergraduate degrees.

What have you gained from being a mentor? How has the experience been rewarding for you?

The experience has benefitted me primarily with more student contact. I like interacting with my students, and having the opportunity to engage with them outside of the classroom is rewarding.

What advice would you give to students who might be interested in participating in FURI, MORE and the GCSP research stipend program?

As long as your idea can be aligned with the research goals of ASU, I would encourage you to pursue it through these programs. The projects are a great way to ease into research, and they’re a great opportunity for you to begin building skills you might not otherwise gain.

Why should other faculty members become FURI, MORE and GCSP research stipend mentors?

Mentorship gives faculty members an opportunity to interact with their students on a different level.