Research with real-world relevance

Supply chains are everywhere, even if we don't always see them.

Every day, these complex networks move raw materials, components and finished products around the world. From your morning cup of coffee to the smartphone in your hand, physical and digital supply chains are the lifelines behind nearly everything we use, eat, interact with and wear.

"In many ways, supply chains are unsung heroes of modern life," said David Cantor, professor and Ruan Chair of supply chain management and a 2025 recipient of the ISU Award for Outstanding Achievement in Research. "They're what keep our store shelves stocked, our hospitals and factories running, and even our favorite apps functioning. Without them, the global economy would come to a halt."

Research scholars, it could be said, also are among the unsung heroes of today -- and tomorrow.

A prolific researcher throughout his career, Cantor has published 48 peer-reviewed articles in leading supply chain management (SCM) journals and ranks among the top 5% of scholars in his discipline in research productivity. His mission to explore the behavioral, environmental and strategic dimensions of supply chain management is amplified by his commitment to providing classroom teaching with real-world relevance.

"Dr. Cantor's research output directly contributes to our department's outstanding research rankings and Iowa State University's reputation as a leading SCM research institution in the world," said Haozhe Chen, Walker Professor in logistics and supply chain management and department chair. "We are also fortunate to have Dr. Cantor as a colleague who values collaboration, mentorship and supporting the supply chain of shared knowledge."

Iowa State is the only university in Iowa with a nationally ranked supply chain management program, and this fall the Ivy College of Business launched a new master of science in supply chain management (MS SCM) program that's delivered fully online and designed to meet the needs of working professionals.

Cantor's dedication to creating a greater awareness, understanding and study of supply chain management reaches beyond Iowa State, too.

One example, Chen said, is Cantor's recent work with the "International Journal of Physical Distribution and Logistics Management" to create an early-career editorial review board designed to provide guidance to SCM doctoral students and assistant professors around the globe. The purpose of the mentorship program is to support the growth and development of early-career research scholars.

"He saw a need for more mentorship opportunities for young SCM scholars," Chen said, "and then took the initiative to help create a platform that offers that additional support for early career faculty here at Iowa State and throughout the world."

Reducing waste, gaining efficiency

Cantor is recognized globally for his SCM research in transportation (motor carrier safety), environmental management and behavioral operations management, and has served as co-editor-in-chief, senior editor and associate editor -- often concurrently -- at four of the top supply chain management journals.

Dr. Cantor's research output directly contributes to our department's outstanding research rankings and Iowa State University's reputation as a leading SCM research institution in the world. 

-- Haozhe Chen, Walker Professor in logistics and supply chain management and department chair

In his nomination of Cantor for the Outstanding Achievement in Research award, Chen noted Cantor's reputation as a peer reviewer and scholar who makes it a priority to provide thoughtful and timely feedback to authors.

"Dr. Cantor applies the same level of rigor he uses in his own research to his collaboration and work with others," Chen wrote.

Cantor said having good mentors helped him explore his career options as a college student and discover his path in supply chain management. It inspires him to collaborate with and help prepare future industry leaders and educators.

"I started as an information systems student and, like many other professionals now working in the field, supply chain management wasn't necessarily on my radar," said Cantor, who earned bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees from the University of Maryland. "But as I was introduced to SCM and began to understand its impact on the world, I wasn't only willing to learn more, I was excited to learn more."

A career in supply chain management, Cantor said, is like stepping into the control room of the global economy, where decisions ripple across industries, borders and lives.

"Every company that makes or moves products needs supply chain professionals," Cantor said. "Industries such as tech, health care, retail and manufacturing rely on SCM experts, and students can choose to develop expertise in a wide range of roles, from procurement, logistics and inventory management to operations, analytics, sustainability and cybersecurity."

SCM professionals reduce waste, improve efficiency and ensure products reach people on time, Cantor said, and during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain experts play a critical role in delivering needed products, including medical supplies and food.

"The solutions SCM professionals develop and create can make a real impact," he said.

Never stop learning

In 2010, the Ivy Business college launched its Ph.D. program in business and technology, with specializations such as marketing, supply chain management and management of information systems.

Jing Dai, who serves as Chair Professor, Sustainable Operations and Technology Management, at the Nottingham University Business School China, Ningbo, was the first graduate of the doctoral program in supply chain management in 2012, and credits Cantor with playing a pivotal role in her success, both as a student and in the years following her graduation.

"Dr. Cantor's impact on my education and growth was profound and multi-faceted," Dai said. "Primarily, I'd say he was a master at balancing autonomy with guidance. Dr. Cantor gave me the intellectual freedom to explore, to make mistakes and to find my own research voice. He created an environment where I never felt afraid to bring a half-baked idea to our meetings, knowing he would help me refine it rather than dismiss it."

Dai said Cantor's expertise is demonstrated by the quality of his research output, including his work being widely cited and built upon by other researchers. But she said Cantor's positive impact on young students and scholars also is significant.

"Dr. Cantor invests a great deal of time in guiding his students, offering detailed feedback on research and providing supportive career advice," said Dai, who co-authored a research paper with Cantor earlier this year. "His mentorship has been directly responsible for the success of many young professionals and scholars in the field of supply chain management -- including me."

Cantor, who is dad to two teenagers, said his best advice for students -- at every age and stage -- is to never stop learning. Keep asking questions, stay curious and try to look at roadblocks as opportunities for further research.

"Research is a powerful part of learning because it's not just something you do in a lab or a library. It's a mindset that deepens understanding, sharpens thinking and builds lifelong skills," Cantor said. "Research shapes the world we live in."