2024-2025
CSCR Impact Report
The Penn State Smeal Center for Supply Chain Research (CSCR) is pleased to provide an annual publication of the CSCR Impact Report. These reports are published to provide information about the center’s accomplishments, impacts, and collaborations to supporter audiences.
Message from the Executive Director
Donna Palumbo, Executive Director, Center for Supply Chain Research
As the global supply chain landscape changes, so does the Penn State Smeal Center for Supply Chain Research (CSCR). Our mission remains clear: to bridge academia and industry while continuously enhancing the ways we advance supply chain management. Together, we are driving innovation, developing talent, and sharing insights that shape the future of supply chains. At CSCR, we are proud to build more together!
By the Numbers
40
Community of practice members
342
Supply chain professionals engaged through 24 supply chain academy courses
70
Students participating in 21 research projects, engaging with 10 companies
Smeal has a long, storied history of conducting leading-edge research in logistics and supply chain. Our best-in-class Center for Supply Chain Research has set the standard for fostering impactful collaboration between industry and academia. Under Donna Palumbo's visionary leadership, CSCR is charting a bold path for the future of supply chain by leveraging our corporate relationships to identify, research and offer solutions to the challenges in this critical, evolving field."
Corey Phelps
John and Karen Arnold Dean, Smeal College of Business Penn State University
Our Talent
Career Fairs
The Supply Chain and Information Systems Career Fair connects employers with students seeking career opportunities. Across fall 2024 and spring 2025, 121 companies engaged with 1,000 students, reflecting a 17% increase in student attendance.
Student Spotlights
At Smeal, students turn supply chain and business theory into action through impactful summer internships. Explore spotlights of five students whose hands-on work highlights the talent, curiosity, and readiness that define a Smeal education.
Site Visits & Experiential Learning
Experiential learning is central to CSCR, connecting classroom theory to real-world practice through site visits and tours. In 2025, students explored Boeing, Reckitt, and Penn State's nuclear reactor, gaining firsthand insight across industries.
Our Knowledge
Supply Chain Leadership Academy
The Center for Supply Chain Research's virtual Supply Chain Leadership Academy offers dynamic sprint series that help professionals build and refine critical supply chain skills. Covering topics from risk and agility to logistics and procurement, these short, focused programs deliver practical, high-impact learning designed for today's fast-changing business landscape.
Credly Credentials
Through its partnership with Credly, CSCR awards digital micro-credentials to recognize participants' achievements in the Supply Chain Leadership Academy. In 2025, 342 badges were issued—a 14% increase from 2024—reflecting growing engagement and enthusiasm for showcasing verified supply chain skills and professional accomplishments across networks.
Our Research
Student Research Projects
CSCR research engagement provides students hands-on experience solving real-world challenges while providing companies with actionable insights. In the past year, 70 students collaborated on 21 projects across 10 companies and six student groups.
Engaging with Industry
CSCR engaged the global supply chain community through five international speaking appearances in the U.S., Italy, and Mexico. Executive Director Donna Palumbo serves as CSCMP Board Chair, advancing research and talent development.
CSCR Research Portal
CSCR's Research Portal grew to 400+ publications with 22 new works added this year, attracting 1,100+ visitors. Top topics include influencer marketing, supply chain agility, and unplanned media's impact on demand planning.
Research Examples
Networking Snapshot
7
Learning and engagement sessions on industry-specific topics
74
Experts from 32 different organizations
565
Attendees engaged at in-person supply chain and recruiting events
Our Networking
Supply Chain Leaders Forum
CSCR's biannual Supply Chain Leaders Forums unite industry professionals to explore emerging trends. Fall 2024 focused on Supply Chain Finance, while Spring 2025 emphasized Risk and Resiliency. Expert-led sessions deliver actionable insights that enhance operational strategies, reinforcing CSCR's role in bridging academia and industry.
Supply Chain Modernization & Talent Insights Symposium
In February 2025, CSCR hosted the inaugural Supply Chain Modernization and Talent Insights Symposium in Tysons, Virginia. Over two days, 70+ leaders explored emerging technologies, AI, predictive analytics, and workforce strategies, fostering cross-industry collaboration to advance efficiency, agility, and talent development.
Supporter Engagement
Thank You to Our Community of Practice
The Penn State Smeal Center for Supply Chain Research thanks our community of practice for their partnership in advancing supply chain management. Our advisory board's guidance has shaped strategic priorities, while subcommittees drive financial strategy, brand elevation, and engagement, enabling innovation and impact across the global supply chain community.
Our organization's partnership with Penn State's Center for Supply Chain Research (CSCR) has been an incredibly rewarding experience. The Center provides invaluable opportunities for our team, from participating in insightful professional development programs to mentoring student projects designed not only to stimulate extensive research but also to expose students to real-world supply chain challenges. CSCR's events are unparalleled, creating networking opportunities and providing educational presentations by world-class industry leaders for our overall professional and personal growth."
Paul Delp
President of Lansdale Warehouse Co. - CSCR Corporate Supporter since 2003