Norwich University officials announced Professor Michael Armstrong of Brock University in Ontario, Canada, will be this year’s visiting research chair and Fulbright scholar in the Studies in War and Peace department beginning January 2014.
Armstrong will be using his mathematical modeling skills to collaborate with Norwich professors and students on the study of military conflicts. This interdisciplinary research seeks to understand why past battles turned out the way they did, and explore how future combat might unfold.
“We welcome Professor Armstrong into the college, and are grateful for the opportunity for such rich interdisciplinary exploration,” said Andrea Talentino, dean of the College of Liberal Arts.
Armstrong teaches courses on quality and operations management, with an emphasis on process improvement. He is an occasional commentator on quality-related news stories, and has published op-eds in the Globe & Mail, Toronto Star, and Buffalo News. His research involves the mathematical modeling of systems containing risk or uncertainty, with the goal of improving their performance. He is also exploring how better feedback might improve the student learning process.
Armstrong is an associate professor in the Goodman School of Business at Brock University near Niagara Falls, Ontario. He holds a PhD in operations research, an MBA, and a BSc, as well as professional certifications from the American Society for Quality. His past awards include a Chancellor's Chair for Teaching Excellence, a Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching, and a Research Achievement Award. Before becoming a professor, he was an engineering officer in the Canadian Air Force.
The Fulbright Visiting Research Chair at Norwich University is focused on research pertaining to military and diplomatic affairs. The position was created in conjunction with Fulbright Canada, a partnership with the Foundation for Educational Exchange between Canada and the U.S.
The mandate of Fulbright Canada is to enhance mutual understanding between the people of Canada and the people of the United States of America by providing support to outstanding individuals. These individuals conduct research, lecture, or enroll in formal academic programs in the other country. In doing so, Fulbright Canada aims to grow intellectual capacity, increase productivity, and assist in the shaping of future leaders.
