Auburn ISE adds research professor to advance systems engineering initiatives
Published: Oct 2, 2024 2:50 PM
By Carla Nelson
The Auburn University Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE) recently welcomed Christian Zamiela as an assistant research professor.
A native of Florida, Zamiela attended Millsaps College in Mississippi, where he played soccer for four years and earned a bachelor’s degree in applied mathematics and business administration in 2019. He later earned a master’s in industrial engineering in 2021 and a doctorate in 2024, both from Mississippi State University.
Zamiela’s prior research focused on AI-enabled quality assurance in additive manufacturing, examining the relationship between process, structural characteristics and material properties. At Auburn, he will help expand the department’s model-based systems engineering initiatives.
“Previously, my focus was on understanding the quality of a single process using machine learning and statistical methods,” Zamiela said. “Now, I’m shifting toward systems design and its implementation for manufacturers.”
Before joining Auburn, Zamiela worked several summers as an intern at the Engineering Research and Development Center in Vicksburg, Mississippi, a research hub for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Though Zamiela didn’t initially plan on a career in academia, his passion for research and teaching blossomed during his time at Mississippi State.
“I became deeply involved in my research and had opportunities to teach,” he said. “I found joy in blending teaching with research and engaging directly with students and their education.”
When seeking a faculty position, Zamiela desired to remain in the South, particularly at a Southeastern Conference (SEC) school. As a graduate student, he participated in the SEC’s Emerging Scholars Program, which helps prepare aspiring academics for careers at SEC institutions.
“I was attracted to Auburn’s size and atmosphere,” he said. “SEC schools have a special energy to them, and Auburn’s atmosphere, both academically and athletically, is truly unmatched. I am excited to be part of it.”
Zamiela also highlighted the ISE department’s welcoming environment as a key reason for joining Auburn.
“There’s a strong sense of community here,” he said. “Everyone seems to genuinely like one another, and it’s clear that they are not only colleagues but also friends. It really reinforces that family atmosphere Auburn is known for.”
Greg Harris, ISE department chair, said Zamiela has already been an impactful addition to the department.
“Christian has made significant strides and contributions since joining the ISE faculty,” he said. “He is working with the rest of the systems engineering team to ensure that the systems engineering program is robust and has the capacity to produce the systems engineering needed in industry and government.”
Media Contact: , carla@auburn.edu, 334-844-1404
Christian Zamiela’s prior research focused on AI-enabled quality assurance in additive manufacturing, examining the relationship between process, structural characteristics and material properties. At Auburn, he will help expand the department’s model-based systems engineering initiatives.
