Auburn University has three principal missions: instruction, research and outreach. The primary focus of our research is directed to the solution of problems and the development of knowledge and technology important to the state and nation and to the quality of life of Alabama citizens. Our research programs make important contributions to instructional programs through the involvement of graduate and undergraduate students and the renewal of the faculty. Outreach is the application of academic expertise beyond the traditional campus setting to the benefit of external constituents. Auburn’s outreach mission is defined by its historical designation as a land-grant university. Faculty engagement in outreach improves the quality of life in Alabama and beyond, and also provides them valuable experience and insights that can inform their teaching and research.
Here are some facts about our program:
- 22 highly talented faculty members
- $8.9 million in research expenditures
Key Research Focus Areas:
- Advanced manufacturing
- Statistical quality control
- Occupational safety and ergonomics
- Warehouse optimization
- Operations research
- Engineering economics
- Electric power modeling and economics
Grants which support our Research and Outreach:
Faculty research is supported by grants from the National Science Foundation, U.S. Department of Defense, NIOSH, NASA, and other personal and private funding agencies, institutions, and for profit companies. Our faculty collaborates at Auburn and with domestic and international universities and industry leaders to accomplish their research initiatives.
Recent Research News
Rising manufacturing researcher recognized for excellence
10/28/25 10:10 AM
Rongxuan Wang, assistant professor in Auburn University’s Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, has been named a 2025 recipient of the Junior Faculty Research Award for Excellence from the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering.
ICAMS honored with Center of Excellence Award
10/27/25 1:45 PM
Auburn University’s Interdisciplinary Center for Advanced Manufacturing Systems (ICAMS) has been named the 2025 recipient of the Center of Excellence Award by the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering. The award recognizes a research center that exemplifies excellence in research, engagement and impact, honoring contributions that advance knowledge, collaboration, and strengthen the college’s role as a leader in engineering innovation.
New faculty role supports ISE’s growth in systems engineering education
10/6/25 1:00 PM
The Auburn University Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE) recently welcomed Christian Zamiela as an assistant professor, following a successful year serving as a research professor in the department.
Auburn engineering seniors win nationwide summer internship competition
9/18/25 12:00 AM
Auburn engineering seniors designed a retrofit kit to make older military drones autonomous, winning Booz Allen’s national internship contest and earning job offers.
Faculty, staff recognized at Engineering Research Awards banquet
9/12/25 9:15 AM
The awards recognize outstanding contributions that exemplify innovation, collaboration and real-world impact
ISE professor awarded Toyota grant for vehicle interface study
9/11/25 10:10 AM
Missie Smith, assistant professor in Auburn University’s Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering and the Center for Occupational Safety, Ergonomics, and Injury Prevention, has been awarded a nearly $100K research grant from Toyota’s Collaborative Safety Research Center (CSRC) to study the attentional demands of in-vehicle interfaces.