TSL Dissertation Abstracts: 2004 Transportation Science and Logistics Section Dissertation Prize Competition

The Transportation Science and Logistics (TSL) Section Dissertation Prize Competition is the oldest and most prestigious competition for doctoral dissertations in the transportation science and logistics area. The 2004 TSL dissertation prize committee consisted of Professor Ravi Ahuja (University of Florida), Professor Amy Cohn (Michigan University), Professor Randy Hall (University of Southern California), Professor Mark Hickman (Arizona University), and Professor Patrick Jaillet (Massachusetts Institute of Technology). Eligible doctoral dissertations were those completed and submitted between June 1, 2003, and May 31, 2004, in the general area of transportation science and logistics. To be considered, a dissertation had to be nominated by the thesis supervisor. This year we received 16 nominations. In addition to the large number of submissions, the quality of the theses was outstanding. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the committee members for the time, effort, and professionalism they devoted to the difficult task of judging these entries. The awards were announced at the 2004 INFORMS Meeting in Denver. It is important to remember that submissions to the TSL Dissertation Prize Competition are already distinguished by the fact that they have been nominated for the award. Each makes a unique and valuable contribution to transportation science and logistics, and all entrants and their advisors deserve warmest congratulations.