Experienced teaching assistant awarded department assistantship

Industrial and systems engineering doctoral student Victoria Ballard has been awarded the annual Dr. Saeed Maghsoodloo Assistantship. The assistantship, which is awarded by the department, is accompanied by a monetary award and acknowledges and rewards the valuable role that teaching assistants play in the Auburn University Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering.

Ballard earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Washington in 1997. She then received a Boeing Systems Engineering Research Assistantship to earn a master’s degree in civil and environmental engineering, which she completed in 1998.

For 13 years, Ballard created and instructed online courses as an adjunct faculty member at five college institutions. Desiring more of a connection with students, she shifted from teaching online courses to running a business focused on tutoring high school and college students in science and math. Once her daughters left home for college in 2021, she began working towards a doctoral degree in industrial and systems engineering at Auburn.

Ballard has been working as a graduate teaching assistant in the Tiger Motors Lean Engineering Lab for almost two years and has led the effort to make the lab experience more engaging and interactive for on-campus and online students.

“What I enjoy most about working as a GTA is the opportunity to inspire and guide students in their academic journey,” Ballard said. “Being able to impart knowledge, facilitate discussions, and contribute to their growth and development is incredibly fulfilling. I am passionate about creating a positive and engaging learning environment for my students, and seeing their progress and success is immensely rewarding.”

Ballard said she is humbled and grateful to receive the Maghsoodloo Graduate Teaching Assistant award and that it brings her immense joy and a deep sense of accomplishment.

“This award will greatly support me in achieving my GTA and educational goals,” she said. “It serves as a validation of my efforts and encourages me to continue my commitment to excellence in teaching and mentoring. Moreover, the recognition and support from the faculty and department will motivate me to further enhance my teaching skills, develop innovative teaching methods, and continue my involvement in building a strong academic community.”