Graduation marshal earning degrees in mechanical, electrical engineering

Lydia Ann Mitchell, a graduating senior double majoring in mechanical and electrical engineering from Gordo, Alabama, has been selected to lead Auburn University’s Samuel Ginn College of Engineering class of 2023 at this weekend’s spring commencement exercises on Friday and Saturday.

Mitchell worked at Lockheed Martin for three summers as a vehicle controls intern, a flight test intern and an electrical test engineering intern. At Auburn, she has been involved in various engineering honors societies and space-related organizations, including the Aero and Astro Robotics Club, Auburn University Small Satellite Program, Tau Beta Pi Honors Society, Pi Tau Sigma and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.

"Auburn is a very special place, but the biggest reason for me is the people in it," she said. "Through the many long nights studying together with friends in Broun Hall, the trips to all of the Auburn restaurants, rolling Toomers on gamedays, and the countless students, faculty, and staff that have made an impact on my life, all have shown me that the Auburn family is real, and I am proud and thankful to be a part of it. Being at Auburn has given me the skills and opportunities for real-world experiences that are an invaluable asset to have in my future career and that I am eternally grateful for. All in all, all of my feelings can be summed up into one phrase... 'War Eagle always!'"  

Mitchell performed undergraduate research, designing and testing flexible temperature sensors in harsh conditions in the Department of Mechanical Engineering as well as research involving collecting participant data to monitor changes in participant gait within the School of Kinesiology. After graduation, she plans to work at Lockheed Martin at the company’s Assembly, Test, and Launch Operations division in Denver performing electrical test engineering.

Mitchell said she’s also planning to pursue a master’s degree in space systems engineering at Johns Hopkins University to study space systems engineering.

“As a double-major in mechanical and electrical engineering, Lydia is the personification of the Auburn Creed, particularly where it reads ‘I believe in work, hard work,’” said Steve Taylor, interim dean of engineering. “While she excelled inside the classroom, earning membership into the Tau Beta Pi Honor Society, she has been equally inspiring outside of the classroom as a decorated multi-disciplinary researcher and valued member of several student organizations. Her internship at Lockheed Martin propelled her into a career within the company’s electrical test engineering division. This is what an Auburn Engineering education is all about. We can’t wait to see how she impacts industry, and the world, moving forward.”

The university will kick off its graduation weekend Friday in Neville Arena at 5 p.m. CT, with a commencement address from Auburn Engineering alumna Paula Marino, a two-time Auburn graduate who has provided more than 30 years of leadership to Southern Company. Marino also will speak at the 8 a.m. ceremony on Saturday, May 6, with three-time Olympic Gold Medalist Rowdy Gaines performing the Saturday addresses at the 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. ceremonies in Neville Arena.

Additional information, including updates regarding inclement weather, is available on the commencement website, and information will be posted on the Facebook and Instagram accounts.

All ceremonies will be livestreamed, with recordings available on the commencement website following the weekend festivities, and graduates and their families are encouraged to check the web site regularly for updated information.