The journey of Ramayya Krishnan began in India, where his formative years cultivated a strong grounding in engineering, analytical thinking, and problem-solving. He earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras, one of the world’s most competitive and prestigious technical institutions. This rigorous education laid the foundation for his lifelong engagement with systems thinking and optimization.
Seeking deeper engagement with decision sciences, Krishnan moved to the United States to pursue graduate studies at the University of Texas at Austin, where he completed a master’s degree in industrial engineering and operations research, followed by a PhD in management science and information systems. This interdisciplinary training positioned him at the intersection of engineering, management, data, and policy—an intersection that would define his career.
Ramayya Krishnan: A Distinguished Academic Career at Carnegie Mellon University
Ramayya Krishnan joined Carnegie Mellon University in 1988, marking the beginning of a transformative academic tenure spanning more than three decades. His rise within the institution mirrored his growing influence in the global analytics and information systems community.
In 2008, during a pivotal institutional transition, he served as Interim Dean when the Heinz School of Public Policy and Management evolved into the Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy. From 2009 to 2025, Krishnan served three consecutive terms as Dean, providing rare continuity of leadership during a period of rapid technological change.
Under his stewardship, Heinz College emerged as a global leader in analytics-driven public policy, technology governance, and applied data science education.
Transformational Leadership as Dean of Heinz College
As dean, Ramayya Krishnan was not merely an administrator—he was a builder of institutions. He spearheaded the creation of multiple externally funded research centers, collectively raising nearly $100 million, a testament to his ability to align academic excellence with real-world impact.
Among the most notable initiatives he led are:
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Traffic21 and Metro21, advancing smart mobility and smart cities research
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Living Analytics Research Centre, in partnership with Singapore Management University
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Block Center for Technology and Society, examining ethical, social, and policy dimensions of emerging technologies
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AI Measurement Science and Engineering Center (AIMSEC), focused on evaluating AI systems and their societal implications
These centers positioned Heinz College as a hub where analytics, public policy, and technology intersect to solve complex global challenges.
Ramayya Krishnan: A Pioneer in Research and Digital Decision-Making
The research contributions of Ramayya Krishnan are both foundational and forward-looking. His early work focused on decision support systems that help organizations interpret consumer behavior in digital and networked environments. As digital platforms reshaped society, his scholarship evolved to address emerging realities.
More recently, his research has explored:
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Gig economy platforms and algorithmic decision-making
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AI measurement, evaluation, and accountability
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Technology management and information risk
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The future of work in an AI-driven economy
Academic Entrepreneurship and Educational Innovation
A defining trait of Ramayya Krishnan is his role as a serial academic entrepreneur. In 1998, he founded the Master of Information Systems and Management (MISM) program at Carnegie Mellon. What began with a cohort of just 10 students rapidly grew into a globally recognized program with alumni leading innovation at top technology companies worldwide.
The program’s Business Intelligence and Data Analytics (BIDA) track gained national recognition when it was selected by the US Army Futures Command in 2020 as part of its AI Scholars Program.
In 2022, Krishnan helped launch the Decision Analytics and Systems (DAS) undergraduate minor, blending systems thinking, analytics, and experiential learning—preparing students not just for jobs, but for leadership in complex systems.
In recognition of this educational excellence, INFORMS awarded Heinz College the UPS George D. Smith Prize, making it the only institution to have hosted both this honour and the prestigious Von Neumann Theory Prize.
Global Policy Influence and Government Service
Beyond academia, Ramayya Krishnan has played a critical role in shaping technology policy at the highest levels. In April 2022, he was appointed by the Biden administration to a newly created federal artificial intelligence panel, advising on disaster response, cybersecurity, privacy, and national infrastructure.
His leadership in AI governance includes:
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Chairing the AI Futures Committee of the National AI Advisory Committee
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Advising the White House Office of AI Initiatives
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Chairing the Responsible AI Academic Council of the US Department of Defense’s Chief Digital and AI Office
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Serving as an ambassador to the UK Responsible AI Council
He has also advised the World Economic Forum, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the US Government Accountability Office.
Leadership in the Global Analytics Community
In 2019, Ramayya Krishnan served as the 25th President of INFORMS. His presidency emphasised relevance, inclusivity, and the societal impact of analytics—values that continue to shape the field.
He has also served in senior editorial roles across leading journals, including as Department Editor of Management Science, where he has influenced generations of research in information systems and analytics.
Ramayya Krishnan: Awards, Honors, and Global Recognition
The excellence of Ramayya Krishnan has been recognized worldwide through numerous prestigious honors:
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INFORMS Fellow for leadership and innovation
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Nayudamma Award for contributions to sustainable development
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Distinguished Alumnus Awards from IIT Madras and the University of Texas at Austin
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Bright Internet Award for scholarly excellence in information systems
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Fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration
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AAAS Fellow (Section T)