Virginia Tech doctoral graduate joins ISE faculty

The Auburn University Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE) is proud to welcome recent Virginia Tech doctoral graduate Rongxuan (Raphael) Wang to the department as an assistant professor.

Wang, whose research focus is in advanced manufacturing systems, earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Purdue University in 2015, a master’s degree in industrial and systems engineering from Virginia Tech in 2019, and a doctoral degree in industrial and systems engineering from Virginia Tech in May 2023.

After completing his bachelor’s degree, Wang said he knew he needed to expand his knowledge beyond the physics, mechanism and design of machines.

“That’s why I decided to pursue a degree in industrial and systems engineering, which would give me a broader understanding at the system level,” Wang said. “Currently, my research focuses on advanced sensing, instrumentation, data analytics, and control in advanced manufacturing.”

Wang’s research has received recognitions that include the IISE Manufacturing and Design Division Best Student Paper Award (2023), Best Track Paper Award (2022), winning the IISE Data Analytics and Information Systems Division Mobile/Web App Competition (2023), and Robert J. Lyman Award from Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (2022), which recognizes the work which offers the most significant contribution to the advancement of general constructions. He has also been awarded several prestigious scholarships, such as the Gilbreth Memorial Fellowship from IISE and Alpha Pi Mu National Scholarships.

Wang will work closely with the Auburn University Interdisciplinary Center for Advanced Manufacturing Systems (ICAMS).

“I’m excited about Auburn’s strong research facilities, such as ICAMS,” Wang said. “I’m also impressed with the diverse expertise and backgrounds that Auburn ISE has. I’m fascinated by the beautiful campus as well.”

Greg Harris, ISE department chair and director of ICAMS, said Wang will be a great benefit to ICAMS and the department as a whole.

“I am very happy that Raphael has accepted our offer to join the Auburn University ISE team,” Harris said. “He is a great addition to the faculty.”

As an interdisciplinary researcher, Wang said he looks forward to positioning himself as a catalyst and bridge for interdisciplinary research collaborations.

“Upon joining, I commit myself to the research and education advancement in the manufacturing area at Auburn,” he said. “I'm also eager to dedicate myself to extending the success of ICAMS.”