KUTZTOWN UNIVERSITY

DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS

 

VITA

 

Francis J. Vasko                                   Kutztown University

510 Ellen Street                                    Mathematics Department

Hellertown, PA   18055                        Lytle 170

(610) 838-7590 home                          Kutztown, PA 19530

(610) 704-5469 cell                             (610) 683-4417                      

 

EDUCATION:

 

1983,   Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering/Operations Research, Lehigh University

            Doctoral Dissertation Topic:"An Efficient Heuristic for Large-Scale Facility

            Location-Type Problems with Applications in the Steel Industry".

 

1978,   M.S. in Industrial Engineering/Operations Research, Lehigh University

            Thesis:"The Applicability of Graph Theory to Large-Scale School and

            Examination Scheduling Problems".

 

1976,   M.S. in Mathematics, Lehigh University

            Thesis:"Duality between Measure and Baire Category".

 

1974,   B.S. in Mathematics Education (graduated with highest honors), Kutztown         University

 

OTHER EDUCATION:

 

Attended numerous technical and professional development seminars over the years.

 

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

 

Francis J. Vasko is a Professor of Mathematics at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania.  Before coming to Kutztown University in September 1986, he worked for more than eight years as an employee in the Research Department at Bethlehem Steel solving a variety of real-world applications in operations research.  He then served as a consultant to Bethlehem Steel Corporation from September 1986 thru March 2003. Since 2003, he has also done consulting work for Graphic Packaging, Enterprise Systems Partners, Inc., and Solo Laboratories Inc.  His current research focuses on using a large variety and combination of combinatorial optimization techniques in order to more accurately model and solve important real-world applications in production planning, strategic planning, and resource allocation.

 

 

RESEARCH INTERESTS AND BACKGROUND:

 

Major areas - Applying Mathematics to solve real-world problems/Operations Research/Management Science/Combinatorial Optimization/Heuristic Methodology and Metaheuristics

 

Minor areas - Real Analysis/Point-Set Topology

 

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS:

 

Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society (Full Member)

Mathematical Programming Society (MPS)

The Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS)

Society of Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM)

The Production and Operations Management Society (POMS)

Operational Research Society (ORS)

Mathematical Association of America (MAA)

European Chapter on Metaheuristics

Special Interest Group on Cutting and Packing (SICUP)

Special Interest Group on Ant colony Optimization

 

HONORS/AWARDS:

 

2010-Who’s Who in the World

 

2010-Who’s Who in America

 

2009 –Finalist for the Operational Research Society’s PRESIDENT’S MEDAL for Outstanding Contribution to the Philosophy, Theory or Practice of Operations Research (for published paper [51]).

 

2009-Who’s Who in America

 

2008-25th Anniversary Edition of Who’s Who in the World

 

2008-Who’s Who in America

 

2007-Who’s Who in America

 

2005-C. R. Chambliss Kutztown University Faculty Research Award

 

2005-Reading Eagle article “Pitching a numerical formula: A Kutztown University professor uses mathematics-a quantitative approach-to help solve Little League problem”, July 15, 2005.

 

2005-Tower: Kutztown University Magazine “Math Comes to the Rescue of Everyday Problems”, Summer 2005.”

 

2005-Reading radio station 830 AM WEEU interview “What is an applied mathematician?” KU football game half-time interview, August 27, 2005.

 

2000 – Operational Research Society’s PRESIDENT’S MEDAL for Outstanding Contribution to the Philosophy, Theory or Practice of Operations Research (for published paper [33]).

 

1999 - ANBAR Electronic Intelligence Citation of Excellence for Outstanding Contribution to the Literature and Body of Knowledge (for published paper [31]).

 

1994 - Big Brother of the Year (Lehigh Valley Chapter Big Brothers/Big Sisters)

 

1988 - Finalist Franz Edelman Award (Franz Edelman Laureate) for Management Science Achievement (for published paper [11]).

 

1984 - Finalist for Corporate Gold Award

 

1983-Bethlehem Globe Times article “Steel Researcher Contradicts Common Notion of a Scientist” one of five articles on “Scientists in the Lehigh Valley”, September 1983.

 

1983 - D. J. Blickwede Research Recognition Award

 

GRANTS:

 

2006-$3554 from Kutztown University Research Committee for “DNA Computing to Solve the Minimum Cardinality Set Covering Problem” with Matthew Junker.

 

1988-$12,000 from Bethlehem Steel Corporation ($10,000) and  SI Handling Corporation ($2,000) to fund the Kutztown University Artificial Intelligence Learning Center

 

 

PROFESSIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS:

 

Published Papers: (Principal author is listed first.)

 

1. F. J. Vasko and D. C. Friedel, ²A Dynamic Programming Model for Determining Continuous-Caster Configurations², IIE Transactions, March 1982.

 

2. F. J. Vasko and G. R. Wilson, ²Using a Facility Location Algorithm To Solve Large Set Covering Problems², Operations Research Letters, 1984.

 

3. F. J. Vasko and G. R. Wilson, ²An Efficient Heuristic For Large Set Covering Problems², Naval Research Logistics Quarterly, 1984.

 

4. F. J. Vasko and G. R. Wilson, ²Hybrid Heuristics for Minimum Cardinality Set Covering Problems², Naval Research Logistics Quarterly, 1986.

 

5. F. J. Vasko, F. E. Wolf, and K. L. Stott, ²Optimal Selection of Ingot Sizes via Set Covering², Operations Research, V 35, N 3, 1987.

 

6. F. J. Vasko and F. E. Wolf, ²Solving Large Set Covering Problems on a Personal Computer², Computers and Operations Research, V 15, N 2, pp. 115-121, 1988.

 

7. F. J. Vasko, F. E. Wolf , and K. L. Stott, ²A Practical Solution to a Fuzzy Cutting Stock Problem², Fuzzy Sets  and Systems, V 29, pp. 259-275, 1989.

 

8. F. J. Vasko, F. E. Wolf, K. L. Stott, and L. R. Woodyatt. ²A Fuzzy Approach to Optimal Metallurgical Grade Assignment², Applications of Fuzzy Set Methodologies in Industrial Engineering, G. W. Evans, W. Karwowski, and M. R. Wilhelm, Editors, Elsevier Science Publishers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 1989.

 

9. F. J. Vasko, F. E. Wolf, and K. L. Stott, ²A Set Covering Approach to Metallurgical Grade Assignment², European Journal of Operational Research, V 38, N 1, 1989.

 

10. F. J. Vasko, ²An Improvement to Wang’s Two-Dimensional Cutting Stock Algorithm², Computers and Industrial Engineering, V 16, N 1, pp. 109-115, 1989.

 

11. F. J. Vasko, F. E. Wolf, K. L. Stott, and J. W. Scheirer, ²Selection of Optimal Ingot Sizes for Bethlehem Steel², Interfaces, V 19, N 1, 1989.

 

12. F. J. Vasko, F. E. Wolf, and J. A. McNamara, ²A Multiple Criteria Approach to Dynamic Cold Ingot Substitution², Journal of the Operational Research Society, V 40, N 4, 1989.

 

13. K. L. Stott and F. J. Vasko, ²Fuzzy Problem Formulation at Bethlehem Steel², Fuzzy Sets and Systems (Bulletin Section), V 33, N 1, 1989.

 

14. F. J. Vasko, M. L. Cregger, L. G. Lutsko, D. D. Newhart, and D. J. Renn, ²A Multiple Attribute-Based Expert Support System for Customer/Order Evaluation², Journal of the Operational Research Society, V 41, 1990.

 

15. F. J. Vasko, F. E. Wolf, and J. A. Pflugrad, ²An Efficient Heuristic for Planning Mother Plate Requirements at Bethlehem Steel², Interfaces, V 21, N 2, 1991.

 

16. F. J. Vasko, K. L. Stott, F. E. Wolf, and L. R. Woodyatt, ²An Application of Fuzzy Metallurgical Grade Selection², proceedings of the May workshop of the North American Fuzzy Information Processing Society (NAFIPS) May, 1991.

 

17. F. J. Vasko, F. E. Wolf, K. L. Stott, and O. Ehrsam, ²Bethlehem Steel Combines Cutting Stock and Set Covering to Enhance Customer Service², Mathematical and Computer Modelling, V 16, N 1, January, 1992.

 

18. L. R. Woodyatt, K. L. Stott, F. E. Wolf, and F. J. Vasko, ²Using Fuzzy Sets to Assign Metallurgical Grades to Steel², Journal of Metals, V 44, N 2, pp. 28-31, February, 1992.

 

19. D. D. Newhart, K. L. Stott, and F. J. Vasko, ²Consolidating Product Sizes to Minimize Inventory Levels for a Multi-stage Production and Distribution System², Journal of the Operational Research Society, July, 1993.

 

20. F. J. Vasko, F. E. Wolf, K. L. Stott, and L. R. Woodyatt, ²Adapting Branch - and - Bound for Real-World Scheduling Problems², Journal of the Operational Research Society, May, 1993.

 

21. L. R. Woodyatt, K. L. Stott, F. E. Wolf, and F. J. Vasko, ²An Application Combining Set Covering and Fuzzy Sets to Optimally Assign Metallurgical Grades to Customer Orders², Fuzzy Sets and Systems, V 53, N 1, pp. 15-26, January, 1993.

 

22. F. J. Vasko, ²A Computational Note on the Martello-Toth Knapsack Algorithm², European Journal of Operational Research, V 73, May, 1994.

 

23. F. J. Vasko, J. A. McNamara, D. D. Newhart, and F. E. Wolf, ²A Practical Solution to a Cargo Loading Problem at Bethlehem Steel², Journal of the Operational Research Society, V45, N 11, pp. 1285-1292, 1994.

 

24. F. J. Vasko, M. L. Creggar, D. D. Newhart, and K. L. Stott, ²A Real-Time One-Dimensional Cutting Stock Algorithm for Balanced Cutting Patterns², Operations Research Letters, V 14, N 5, pp 275-282, 1993.

 

25. F. J. Vasko and F. E. Wolf. ²A Practical Approach for Determining Rectangular Stock Sizes², Journal of the Operational Research Society, V 45, N 3, pp 281-286, 1994.

 

26. F. J. Vasko, M. L. Creggar, K. L. Stott, and L. R. Woodyatt, ²Optimal Assignments of Slabs to Orders: An Example of Appropriate Model Formulation², Computers and Industrial Engineering, V 26, N 4, 1994.

 

27. F. J. Vasko and K. L. Stott, ²Optimizing Continuous Caster Product Dimensions: An Example of a Nonlinear Design Problem in the Steel Industry², SIAM Review, March, 1995.

 

28. F. J. Vasko, D. D. Newhart, K.L. Stott, and F. E. Wolf, ²Using a Facility Location Algorithm to Determine Optimal Bloom Lengths², Journal of the Operational Research Society, V47, N 3, pp. 341-346, 1996

 

29. P. A. Huegler and F. J. Vasko, "A Performance Comparison of Heuristics for the Total Weighted Tardiness Problem", Computers and Industrial Engineering, Vol.32, No.4, pp.753-767, October, 1997.

 

30. D. J. Renn, K. L. Stott, and F. J. Vasko, ²A Penalty Function Sequencing Strategy Implemented Within a Knowledge-Based System², Journal of the Operational Research Society, V50, N 3, pp. 205-210, 1999.

 

31. F. J. Vasko, D. D. Newhart, and K. L. Stott, ²A Hierarchical Approach for One-Dimensional Cutting Stock Problems in the Steel Industry that Maximizes Yield and Minimizes Overgrading², European Journal of Operational Research, Vol.114, No.1, pp.72-82, 1999.

 

32. F. J. Vasko, D. D. Newhart, and K. L. Stott, ² A Hierarchical Approach for Cutting Stock Problems that Maximizes Yield and Minimizes Overgrading², 41st MWSP CONF. PROC., ISS, VOL. XXXVII, pp3-10, 1999.

 

33. F. J. Vasko, H. L. Gilles D. H. Bright, B. Kocatulum, and F. E. Wolf, ²Making Steel Cool: An Intelligent Search Strategy for Optimizing Water Spray Settings on a Continuous Caster², OR Insight, Vol. 12, Issue 4, pp. 2-10, 1999.

 

34. F. J. Vasko, J. A. McNamara, R. N. Parkes, F. E. Wolf, and L. R. Woodyatt, ²A Matching Approach for Replenishing Rectangular Stock Sizes², Journal of the Operational Research Society, Vol. 51, No. 3, pp.253-257, 2000.

 

35. F. J. Vasko, D. D. Newhart, K. L. Stott, and F. E. Wolf, ²Fiddler on the Roof: balancing trim loss and setups², OR Insight, Vol. 13, Issue 3, pp. 9-14, 2000.

 

36. F. J. Vasko and F. E. Wolf, ²A Heuristic Concentration Approach for Weighted Set Covering Problems², Locator: ePublication of Location Analysis, Vol.2, No.1, pp. 1-14, 2001.

 

37. F. J. Vasko, ²My Fair Share: a simple multiple attribute decision making approach to graduate assistantship allocation², OR Insight, Vol. 14, Issue 3, pp. 26-31, 2001.

 

38. F. J. Vasko, R. S. Barbieri, B. Q. Rieksts, K. L. Reitmeyer, and K. L. Stott, ²The Cable Trench Problem: Combining The Shortest Path and Minimum Spanning Tree Problems², Computers and Operations Research, Vol. 29, No. 5, pp. 441-458, 2002.

 

39. F. J. Vasko and D. D. Newhart, “Heads I Win, Tails You Lose”, ORMS Today, Vol.29, No. 3, pp. 23, June 2002.

 

40. F.J. Vasko,“What is the River Width?”, MATH HORIZONS, pp. 31, September 2002.

 

41. F. J. Vasko, D. D. Newhart, K. L. Stott, and F. E. Wolf, ²A Large-Scale Application of The Partial Coverage Uncapacitated Facility Location Problem”, Journal of the Operational Research Society, Vol. 54, No. 1, pp. 11-20, 2003.

 

42. F. J. Vasko and D. D. Newhart, “Does Marilyn Know her Game Theory?,” SIAM NEWS, Vol.36, No. 5, pp. 11-12, June 2003.

 

43. F.J. Vasko, “Play Ball—Equally: Math Programming Lends a Hand to Little League Baseball”, OR Insight, Vol.16, Issue 2, pp. 16-19, April-June 2003.        .

 

44. F.J.Vasko, D.D.Newhart, and A.D.Strauss, “Coal Blending Models for Optimum Cokemaking and Blast Furnace Operation”, Journal of the Operational Research Society,

Vol. 56, No. 3, pp 235-243, March 2005.

 

45. F.J.Vasko, P.J. Knolle, and D. S. Spiegel, “An Empirical Study of Hybrid Genetic Algorithms for the Set Covering Problem”, Journal of the Operational Research Society,

Vol. 56, No. 10, pp 1213-1223, October 2005.

 

46. F. J. Vasko, A. J. Hamm, K. L. Reitmeyer, and L. R. Woodyatt, ²A Hierarchical Approach for the Application of Slabs to Strip Products in the Steel Industry², OR Insight, Vol.18, Issue 3, pp. 24-37, July-September 2005.

 

47. P. A. Huegler and F. J. Vasko, "Metaheuristics for Meltshop Scheduling in the Steel Industry", Journal of the Operational Research Society, Vol. 58, Issue 6, pp. 791-796, June 2007.

 

48. F. J. Vasko and W. J. Peterson, “Can Teachers Trust the World Wide Web for Classroom Lesson Plans?”, TechTrends, Vol. 51, No. 4, pp. 53-54, July-August 2007.

 

49. M. Governale and F.J. Vasko, “Math Programming takes the fun out of SUDOKU Puzzles”, PACISE Spring Conference Proceedings April 4-5, 2008. 

 

50. F. J. Vasko and K. L. Stott, ²Strategic Planning: OR to the Rescue², OR Insight, Vol.21, Issue 3, pp. 26-32, July-September 2008.

 

51. F. J. Vasko,  P. S. Ache, L. K. McGhee and N. A. Snow, ²Optimizing Performance Funding at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania², OR Insight, Vol.22, Issue 1, pp45-53, 2009.

 

52. F. J. Vasko and C. L. Bartkowski, ²Using Wang’s Two-Dimensional Cutting Stock Algorithm to Optimally Solve Difficult Problems², to appear in International Transactions in Operational Research,  2009.

 

 

Seminars/Conferences:

 

1-10.F. J. Vasko gave numerous technical seminars while a full-time employee of Bethlehem Steel’s Research Department (June 1978 - August 1986).

 

11.F. J. Vasko, “An Introduction to the Theory of Computational Complexity”, Mathematics and CIS Department Colloquium, Kutztown University, May, 1987.

 

12.F. J. Vasko, “A Fuzzy Approach to Optimal Metallurgical Grade Assignment”, Research Seminar Series, Bethlehem Steel Research Department, August, 1987.

 

13.F. J. Vasko, W. Jolley, F. E. Wolf, K. L. Stott, and J. W. Scheirer, “A Set Covering Approach to Optimal Ignot Size Selection”, 1988 Edelman Award Finalist, TIMS/ORSA National Conference, Washington, D. C., April 1988.

 

The Edelman Award paper was also presented at the following:

 

            14.Kutztown University chapter of Kappa Mu Epsilon, Kutztown University,

            Kutztown, PA   May, 1988.

 

            15.Research Seminar Series, Bethlehem Steel Research Department, Bethlehem,    PA,  June, 1988.

 

            16.IBM Metals Industry Workshop, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, June,        1988.

 

            17.Lehigh University Industrial Engineering Seminar Series, Lehigh University,

            Bethlehem, PA, October, 1988.

 

            18.Kutztown University Colloquium Series, Kutztown University, Kutztown, PA,

            March, 1989.

 

            19.New Jersey Chapter TIMS/ORSA, Busch Campus, Rutgers University, New

            Jersey, November, 1989.

 

20.F. J. Vasko, F. E. Wolf, K. L. Stott, and L. R. Woodyatt, “A Fuzzy Approach to Optimal Metallurgical Grade Assignment”, Lehigh University Industrial Engineering Seminar Series, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, May, 1989.

 

21.F. J. Vasko, “1990 Overview: Interior Point Methods for Linear Programming”, PACISE/SSHE-MA Joint Meeting, Kutztown University, March 23-24, 1990.

 

22.F. J. Vasko, J. A. McNamara, D. D. Newhart, and F. E. Wolf, “A Practical Solution to a Non-Linear Integer Programming Cargo Loading Problem in the Steel Industry”, ORSA/TIMS Joint National Meeting, Philadelphia, PA, October 29-31, 1990.

 

23.D. D. Newhart, K. L. Stott, and F. J. Vasko, “A Distribution and Inventory Analysis for a New Facility Location Study”, ORSA/TIMS Joint National Meeting, Pheladelphia, PA, October 29-31, 1990.

 

24.F. J. Vasko, “Applied Combinatorial Optimization at Bethlehem Steel”, DIMACS (An NSF institute) Seminar, Busch Campus, Rutgers University, New Jersey, February, 1991.

 

25.F. J. Vasko, “A Practical Solution to a Cargo Loading Problem at Bethlehem Steel”, Research Seminar Series, Bethlehem Steel Research Department, Bethlehem, PA, May, 1991.

 

26.F. J. Vasko, “Mathematical Modeling for Successful Implementation in the Real World”, Dinner Speaker, Kappa Mu Epsilon, Mathematics Honor Society, April 16, 1993.

 

27.F. J. Vasko, “Mathematical Modeling for Successful Implementation in the Real World”, Annual SSHE-Mathematics Association Conference, May 25, 1993.

 

28.F. J. Vasko, K. L. Stott, F. L. Wolf, and L. R. Woodyatt, "An Optimization-based Approach for Scheduling Continuous Casters", invited talk, 14th Triennial Conference of The International Federation of Operational Research Societies (IFORS), Vancouver, B.C., Canada, July 8-12, 1996.

 

29.F. J. Vasko, D. D. Newhart, K. L. Stott, and F. E. Wolf, "Using a Facility Location Algorithm to Determine Optimum Cast Bloom Lengths", invited talk, 14th Triennial Confertence of The International Federation of Operational Research Societies (IFORS), Vancouver, B.C., Canada, July 8-12, 1996.

 

30.L. R. Woodyatt and F. J. Vasko, "Optimum Selection of Semi-Finished Steel Slabs from Inventory for Producing Plate Products", invited talk, 14th Triennial Conference of The International Federation of Operational Research Societies (IFORS), Vancouver, B.C., Canada, July 8-12, 1996.

 

31.L. R. Woodyatt and F. J. Vasko, "Combining Fuzzy Sets and Set Covering to Optimally Assign Metallurgical Grades to Customer Orders", invited talk, 14th Triennial Conference of The International Federation of Operational Research Societies (IFORS), Vancouver, B.C., Canada, July 8-12, 1996.

 

32.F. J. Vasko, D. D. Newhart, and K. L. Stott, ²A Hierarchical Approach for Cutting Stock problems that maximizes Yield and minimizes Overgrading², INFORMS FALL 1999 Meeting, Philadelphia, PA, November 7-10, 1999.

 

33.D. D. Newhart, K. L. Stott, F. E. Wolf, and F. J. Vasko,  ²A Practical Approach for Determining Optimal Solutions to a One-Dimensional Cutting Stock Problem², INFORMS FALL 1999 Meeting, Philadelphia, PA, November 7-10, 1999.

 

34.D. J. Renn, K. L. Stott, and F. J. Vasko, ²A Penalty_based Sequencing Strategy Implemented within a Knowledge-Based System², INFORMS FALL 1999 Meeting, Philadelphia, PA, November 7-10, 1999.

 

35.F. J. Vasko, “Formulation and Solution of Several Cutting Stock Applications in the Steel Industry”, invited lecture, RUTCOR (Rutgers Center for Operations Research), Busch Campus, Rutgers University, New Jersey, March 20, 2000.

 

36.F. J. Vasko, “Math Lends a Hand to Little League Baseball”, SSHE-MA 2002 Annual Conference, Kutztown University, April 19-20, 2002.

 

37.F.J. Vasko and P.A. Huegler, “Using a Genetic Algorithm Approach to Schedule a Meltshop in the Steel Industry”, Seminar Series in Chemical Process Modeling, Dynamics and Control, Center for Chemical Process Modeling and Control, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, January 28, 2003.

 

38.F.J. Vasko and P.A. Huegler, “Using a Genetic Algorithm Approach to Schedule a Meltshop in the Steel Industry”, Optimization Seminar Series, Industrial and Systems Engineering Department, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, January 30, 2003.

 

39.F.J. Vasko, “Should You Ask Marilyn Math Questions?”, Department of Physics Colloquium, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, October 23, 2003.

 

40.F. J. Vasko, “Does Marilyn Know Her Game Theory?”, SSHE-MA 2004 Annual Conference, East Stroudsburg University, March 26-27, 2004.

 

41.F. J. Vasko, "Coal Blending Models for Optimum Cokemaking and Blast Furnace Operation", invited talk, 17th Triennial Conference of The International Federation of Operational Research Societies (IFORS), Honolulu, Hawaii, July 10-15, 2005.

 

42.F. J. Vasko and P.A. Huegler, "Using a Genetic Algorithm Approach to Schedule a Meltshop in the Steel Industry", invited talk, 17th Triennial Conference of The International Federation of Operational Research Societies (IFORS), Honolulu, Hawaii, July 10-15, 2005.

 

43.F. J. Vasko, P.J. Knolle and D. S. Spiegel, "An Empirical Study of Hybrid Genetic Algorithms for the Set Covering Problem", 17th Triennial Conference of The International Federation of Operational Research Societies (IFORS), Honolulu, Hawaii, July 10-15, 2005.

 

44.D. S Spiegel and F. J. Vasko, ²A Panmictic Evolutionary Approach to the Set Covering Problem², INFORMS FALL 2005 Meeting, San Francisco, CA, November 13-16, 2005.

 

45.J. Keffer, D. Rieksts and F.J. Vasko, “Ant Colony Optimization: How Many Ants are Enough?”, 17th Annual St. Joseph’s Sigma Xi Student Research Symposium, St. Joseph’s University, Philadelphia, PA, April 22, 2006.

 

46.J. Keffer, D. Rieksts and F.J. Vasko, “Ant Colony Optimization: How Many Ants are Enough?”, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Conference 2006, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, November 4, 2006.

 

47.F.J.Vasko, “Metaheuristics: What are they and what are they used for?”, C. R. Chambliss Kutztown University Faculty Research Award Lecture, Kutztown University, Kutztown, PA, November 14, 2006.

 

48.J. Keffer, D. Rieksts and F.J. Vasko, “Ant Colony Optimization: How Many Ants are Enough?”, Moravian College Mathematics Conference, Moravian College, Bethlehem, PA, February 17, 2007.

 

49.F.J.Vasko, “Combining Statistics and Mathematical Programming to Develop Coal Blends for Optimum Cokemaking and Blast Furnace Operation”, Kutztown University Mathematics Department Colloquium, Kutztown University, Kutztown, PA, March 1, 2007.

 

50.M. Governale and F.J. Vasko, “Math Programming takes the fun out of SUDOKU Puzzles”, Moravian College Mathematics Conference, Moravian College, Bethlehem, PA, February 16, 2008.

 

51.M. Governale and F.J. Vasko, “Math Programming takes the fun out of SUDOKU Puzzles”, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Conference 2008, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, November 15, 2008.

 

52. F. J. Vasko and K. L. Stott, ²Strategic Planning: OR to the Rescue², The Modeling and Optimization: Theory and Applications (MOPTA 2009) conference, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, August 19-21, 2009.

 

 

JOURNAL REFEREE:

European Journal of Operational Research

Annals of Operations Research

Interfaces

Operations Research

Computers & Mathematics with Applications

Mathematical and Computer Modelling

Operations Research Letters

Computer and Industrial Engineering

Computers and Operations Research

IEEE Expert

IIE Transactions

International Journal of Production Economics

Journal of the Operational Research Society

Journal of Intelligent and Fuzzy Systems

Omega

International Transactions of Operational Research

Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research

RAIRO-OPERATIONS RESEARCH (French journal)

(more than 100 papers reviewed).

 

 

BOOK REVIEW:

Reviewed (May 2001), at publisher’s request, S.Tan’s Finite Mathematics for the Managerial, Life, and Social Sciences (6th edition).

Reviewed (2006), at publisher’s request, Kenneth H. Rosen’s Discrete Mathematics and Its Applications (6th edition).

Reviewed (2008), at publisher’s request, Anton’s et. al. Calculus:Early Transcendentals (9th edition).

Reviewed (June 2009), at publisher’s request, S.Tan’s Finite Mathematics for the Managerial, Life, and Social Sciences (9th edition).

 

 

 

 

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY:

 

2005-Present               Professor

                                    Mathematics Department

                                    Kutztown University

                                    Kutztown, PA   19530

 

1991-2005                   Professor

                                    Mathematics and CIS Department

                                    Kutztown University

                                    Kutztown, PA   19530

 

2006-Present               Consultant in applied mathematics

                                    Solo Laboratories

                                    Kutztown, PA   19530

 

1986-1991                   Associate Professor

                                    Mathematics and CIS Department

                                    Kutztown University

                                    Kutztown, PA   19530

 

1986-2003                   Consultant in applied mathematics

                                    Research Department

                                    Bethlehem Steel Corporation

                                    Bethlehem, PA   18016

 

1986                            Adjunct Professor of management science

                                    Graduate School

                                    Wilkes College - Allentown Branch Campus

                                    Wilkes-Barre, PA   18034

 

 

1985                            Adjunct Professor of mathematics and management science

                                    Allentown College of St. Francis De Sales

                                    Center Valley, PA   18034

 

1986                            Senior Scientist

 

1983 - 1986                 Research Engineer

 

1981 - 1983                 Assistant Research Engineer

 

1978 - 1981                 Engineer

                                    Systems Analysis Group

                                    Research Department

                                    Bethlehem Steel Corporation

                                    Bethlehem, PA   18016

 

1977 - 1978                 Teaching Assistant

                                    Department of Industrial Engineering

                                    Lehigh University

                                    Bethlehem, PA   18015

 

1976                            Adjunct Professor

                                    Department of Mathematics

                                    Northampton County Area Community College

                                    Bethlehem, PA   18017

 

1975 - 1977                 Junior High Mathematics Teacher

                                    Northampton Area School District

                                    Northampton, PA   18067

 

1974 - 1975                 Teaching Assistant

                                    Department of Mathematics

                                    Lehigh University

                                    Bethlehem, PA   18015

 

SERVICE HISTORY:

Math Search Committee (2006-2007)-two positions

Math Search Committee (2005-2006)-two positions

Chair, Math Search Committee (2001-2002)-two positions

Graduate Council (university) 1991-present

Event Scheduling Committee (university)

Industrial Advisory Board (department)

Long Range Planning Committee (department)

MS in CIS Committee (department)

Mathematics Undergraduate Review Committee (department)

Mathematics Graduate Review Committee (department)

Member, Carlos A.Valenzuela Ph.D. Committee, Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering Department, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA (1986-1988)

Big Brother (Big Brothers/Big Sisters Organization) 1986-1994

Hellertown Union Cemetery Board of Trustees 2009-present

Hellertown Area Library Board of Trustees 1995-1998

Saucon Valley School District Strategic Planning Committee (2003-2004)

Saucon Valley School District Strategic Planning Review Committee (2005)

Saucon Valley High School Strategic Planning Committee (2004-2005)

Member, Peter A.Huegler (KU MA in math 1995) Ph.D. Committee, Industrial and  Systems Engineering Department, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA (1999-2003)

Supervised at least six masters’ theses in both math and computer science

Nominated three graduates of the Math & CIS Department for Outstanding Young Alumni Awards (all three received the award)

Published 10 research journal papers with KU graduates (R.Barbieri, C.Bartkowski, M.Creggar, M.Governale, P.Huegler, P.Knolle, K.Reitmeyer, B. Rieksts)