ISE graduate student recognized as outstanding master’s student

Andrew Kauffman, a graduate student in the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, was recently recognized as one of Auburn University’s outstanding master’s students for 2021-2022.

“Your selection brings credit to the quality of the record you have established at Auburn University and reflects exceptional and positive credibility on your advisor and department,” George T. Flowers, dean of the Auburn University Graduate School wrote in an email to Kauffman. “We are all proud of your accomplishments!”

Kauffman graduated from the US Coast Guard Academy in 2009 with an undergraduate degree in civil engineering. He has worked for the United States Coast Guard (USCG) as a pilot since 2012 and is currently pursuing a Master of Industrial and Systems Engineering as a full-time student. He will graduate in May.

“The main reason I decided to earn a degree in INSY is because of the dedicated safety and occupational health emphasis available at Auburn,” Kauffman said. “I felt that this program would allow me to expand my knowledge in the safety field and better serve the Coast Guard’s safety program after graduation.”

In a recommendation letter for the award, Mark Schall, associate professor in the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, wrote that Kauffman serves as an outstanding example for younger graduate students.

“He has routinely volunteered his time to help teach modules in courses where his experience as a flight safety officer and human factors and Crew Resource Management (CRM) training facilitator provides him unique perspectives,” Schall said. “I have always been thoroughly impressed with his ability to relate to other students and explain concepts in a simple manner. He thoughtfully responds to questions and is always willing to go the extra mile to help a peer.”

To support the Coast Guard, Kauffman’s master’s thesis focused on the categorization of aviation mishap trends following airframe transitions. Through a qualitative analysis, Kauffman identified trends in reported mishap types and frequency following the transitions.

“His research has provided the USCG with a comprehensive aviation mishap analysis to assist with risk mitigation strategies during future USCG airframe transitions,” Jerry Davis, Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering professor emeritus, wrote in a recommendation letter.

Kauffman also went the extra mile while at Auburn and earned Associate Safety Professional (ASP) and Certified Safety Professional (CSP) certifications.

“It’s a mark of professionalism,” Davis said of the certifications. “In the safety and ergonomics field, that’s a distinction that can put you out in front of the crowd because you have gone the extra mile to become certified by an accreditation agency.”

Davis added that he has been impressed by Kauffman’s aptitude and passion for safety.

“He routinely shares military safety practices and work experiences with our younger graduate students to promote professional level safety discussions,” he said. “There is no doubt that Andrew should be awarded the 2022 Auburn University Outstanding Master’s Student Award. He represents the ideal ambassador for Auburn University and the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering.”