Senior industrial engineering student Erik Tanjuakio has been named the first-place recipient of the 2026 James W. Barany Award for Excellence from the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers.
The international award recognizes undergraduate students who, since the start of their junior year, have distinguished themselves through academic excellence and campus leadership. Each year, no more than three students worldwide receive the honor, which recognizes students who have brought distinction to industrial engineering at their institutions.
At Cal Poly, Tanjuakio has built a strong record of leadership and service. As president of the university’s IISE chapter, he has helped shape the organizations direction while expanding professional development opportunities, strengthening ties with industry partners and fostering a culture of mentorship and engagement among students. He is also involved in Alpha Pi Mu, the industrial engineering honor society, and the Systems Optimizations Club.
Tanjuakio will be recognized at the IISE Annual Conference & Expo 2026 in Arlington, Texas, where he will receive the award in person.
