Letter from the Co-lead Editors

Spring/Summer 2025 Edition of OR/MS Tomorrow

Dear OR/MS Community Members,

It’s summertime, and we’re excited to present an engaging collection of articles for the OR/MS community. This time, instead of jumping on the AI bandwagon and asserting that AI will soon replace jobs, we have focused our efforts on two main areas. The first area explores the current state of the art in OR/MS and highlights some new tools available within the field. The second
area guides aspiring students on how to advance in analytics.

We begin with Justin Dumouchelle’s research at the University of Toronto, where he addresses a major limitation in large-scale AI use cases and discusses how researchers are using machine learning (ML) to tackle this issue. Next, Yiwen Wang’s article highlights the significant limitations of standard statistical techniques, such as time series analysis, and demonstrates how ML can improve electricity demand forecasting. We are also fortunate to feature an invited article from Keivan Tafakkori, who has developed FelooPy, a tool poised to become a staple in every OR scientist’s toolbox. Moving on to our second focus area, Chris Chen shares a brilliant article that draws parallels between music and data, offering valuable soft skills for young OR enthusiasts. Paula then provides a comprehensive guide for newcomers on how to navigate conferences effectively. Finally, the student chapter at North Carolina State shares updates on their local chapter and the challenges they face.

We’re excited to welcome seven new members from around the world. Keep reading – we have exciting things in store including a way you can be featured in the magazine! Once again, we are running our annual Mini-poster Competition for students with submissions due in mid-October. This issue is packed with action and enrichment, offering something for everyone. So don’t forget to apply sunscreen – OR is about to shine bright!

We would also like to acknowledge the following for their photographic contributions to the frontmatter of the issue: Ribhav Agrawal for the cover image, Patrick Tomasso for the Content page image, and Jade Stephens for the Letter from the Co-lead Editors header photo.

Discover more about OR/MS Tomorrow by visiting our website at www.informs.org/Publications/OR-MS-Tomorrow, where you can access individual articles from this issue, explore past editions, and learn more about our editorial team. If interested in contributing an article for our Fall/Winter 2024 issue, email us at [email protected]. Keep up-to-date with all our news, events, and more by following us on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), and LinkedIn! We hope you ﬁnd inspiration and insight in this issue.

Hope you enjoy the issue!

Ronak Tiwari & Kara Combs