Over the course of more than two decades, Susan O. Schall, PhD, has exercised her professional expertise in engineering and consulting. Currently, Dr. Schall works as the founder and lead consultant of SOS Consulting LLC. Through her work with SOS, Dr. Schall plays an integral role in helping transform small U.S. manufacturing workplaces into healthier and more productive operations. Her numerous clients include organizations in the chemical, food and beverage, automotive, industrial supply, education, and printing industries.
Dr. Schall attended the State University of New York at Fredonia, receiving a Bachelor of Science in mathematics in 1981. She went on to matriculate at Pennsylvania State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in industrial engineering in 1982, a Master of Science in industrial engineering in 1986, and a Doctor of Philosophy in industrial engineering in 1988.
Dr. Schall became involved in her profession because she always enjoyed studying mathematics and science. With encouragement from her father, a vocal advocate for science, she chose to study engineering. Her grandfather, a carpenter, helped her to develop a love of design as well. As a high school student, she sought to become a patent lawyer, but after visiting a string of universities and learning about their pre-law programs, she decided not to pursue the field. Once she began her engineering program, she never considered law again. Now, Dr. Schall pays it forward by mentoring young women in engineering.
Through her current work with SOS Consulting, Dr. Schall helps small businesses flourish. By collaborating with these young, vibrant, and ambitious companies, Dr. Schall is able to put her immense expertise and experience into practice by fostering organizational health at a steady and sustainable pace. Through her background and credentials, she has demonstrated exceptional capability in inspiring teamwork among individual workers, significantly contributing to the health of these companies and their leadership.
Since she first started her career, Dr. Schall has observed changes in small manufacturers. She has witnessed senior leadership demonstrate a willingness to critically assess their strategies and approaches, embracing new perspectives and methods. It has become evident that many manufacturers are more open to embracing vulnerability in their leadership, showing a greater willingness to explore new approaches. Their leadership style has evolved, becoming more adaptable and receptive.
To attest to her success, Dr. Schall was honored with Engineering Excellence Bronze and Silver Awards from DuPont Engineering in 1990 and 1992, respectively, and the Medallion Award from the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers in 2018. The Institute also elected her a fellow in 2020. Additionally, she has earned numerous alumni awards from Pennsylvania State University, further solidifying her reputation as a distinguished leader in the engineering field.
Civically engaged, Dr. Schall is a former Industrial and Professional Advisory Council member in the Harold and Inge Marcus Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering at her alma mater, Pennsylvania State University. She is also the past president, vice president, and board member of the Penn State Engineering Society.. Dr. Schall has contributed many articles to professional journals, most recently “The Essential Leader” in Industrial Management’s September/October 2022 issue.
About Marquis Who’s Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who’s Who in America®, Marquis Who’s Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion, and entertainment. Who’s Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians, and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who’s Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.
