Teaching
Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
Assistant Professor
4344 Elings Hall
515-294-4898
schopra@iastate.edu
www.abe.iastate.edu
Education
Ph.D. Technology Leadership and Innovation
Purdue University, 2014
M.S. Material Science and Engineering
Rochester Institute of Technology, 2009
B.E. Polymer Engineering
Pune University, India, 2005
Honors and Awards
 Participant of Clinton Global Initiative
University, (March 2014)
 Graduate Research and Poster Award,
Association of Technology, Management, and
Applied Engineering (2013)
 Research Foundation Dissertation Fellowship,
Purdue University,
(August 2013- May 2014)
 Bilsland Strategic Initiative Fellowship, Purdue
University, (August 2011-July 2012)
 Dr.Clois Kicklighter Doctoral Student
Scholarship, (Fall 2011)
 College of Education Outstanding Graduate
Student Teaching Award (CETA) award for
teaching at Purdue University, (Spring 2011)
Recent Publications
 Rajan, P., Chopra, S., Somasekhar, A., & Laux,
C., 2014. Designing for food security: the
expansion of capabilities through the COREPDS
in Chhattisgarh, India, Academy of
management Conference Proceeding.
 Chopra,S. Caballero,H., Laux, C., Schmidt, E.,
Yang, H., 2012. Reverse Logistics in the Heavy
Machinery Industry. Proceeding of Biennial
Supply Chain Management Conference.
 Laux, C., & Chopra, S., 2012. Enhancing student
learning experience in lean manufacturing with
industry engagement. Proceeding of the ASEE
Conference for Industry and Education
Collaboration.
 Caballero, H., Chopra, S., and Schmidt, E., 2012.
Project selection and portfolio optimization
using mathematical programming. Proceeding
of Project Management Institute Global
Congress North America.
 Chopra, S., Changfeng, G.E, Santhanam K.S.V.,
2008. “New polypropylene-boron oxide blends
with high tensile strength: A possible method
for the conversion of microcomposite to
nanocomposite,” Material Research Society
Symposium Proceeding, Vol. 1056, MRS, 2008
Dr. Chopra has taught subjects ranging from
advanced instrumentation, introductory
chemistry, to introduction to lean manufacturing
courses and has been recognized for her
outstanding teaching as a graduate teaching
assistant while at Purdue University. She is
bringing that same commitment to teaching
excellence to her duties in ABE. Currently, she is
teaching TSM 440 (cellular lean manufacturing)
where she is emphasizing lean thinking and
competency development through a variety of
teaching methods. She is committed to the
scholarship of teaching and learning, and is
particularly interested in exploring ways to bring
her cross-cutting research on food security into
the classroom.
Research
Dr. Chopra’s research agenda addresses three major areas as follows:
Addressing Challenges of Food Supply Chain through Information and
Communication Technology
Dr. Chopra’s research focuses on the role of information and communication
technology (ICT) in ensuring food security. Her research employs quality
management system approach to evaluate performance of food supply chain. She
studies ways in which technology is utilized to manage and create transparency in
the food supply chain consequently reducing corruption, empowering beneficiaries,
and enhancing distribution. This approach can ensure food security in United States
and developing countries.
Lean Principle and Quality Management System Implementation for Process
Improvement
Dr. Chopra’s research addresses the implementation of lean principles and quality
management systems for process improvement of various organizations such as
hospitals, small and medium manufacturing operations. Dr. Chopra used a lean
facility design approach to (i) ensure smooth flow of raw material and finished goods;
(ii) reduce transportation, motion and inventory waste; and (iii) create ergonomically
safe work environments. She is currently working with a regional healthcare
organization on the development of standard operating practices for increased
patient safety and satisfaction.
Identifying Effective Teaching Methods to Enhance Learning Outcomes
Dr. Chopra is also exploring the identification and adaptation of methods to enhance
classroom learning. She emphasizes in employing active learning practices such as
project based learning, case study analysis, and plant tour for enhancing students
learning outcomes. Ultimately the goal is to help students be more immersed in the
field of study, gain hands on experience addressing real-world challenges, and assist
in a smooth transition from undergraduate study to productive members of the
workforce. She is also interested in investigating opportunities to increase
recruitment and retention of female and under-represented minorities students
groups in STEM education.
Professional Interests
Dr. Chopra has been active member of several professional associations, including
American Society for Quality (ASQ), American Society for Engineering Education
(ASEE), Epsilon Pi Tau (EPT), Academy of Management, and the Association of
Technology, Management (ATMAE). Since 2014, she has served as a reviewer for
ASEE.
Advanced Machinery Engineering and Manufacturing Systems