Recent graduates passing on ISE knowledge to students

Two recent doctoral graduates are using the knowledge they gained through the Auburn University Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering to teach college students. Duha Ali and Ana Wooley have recently begun their careers as assistant professors of industrial and systems engineering at California Polytechnic State University and the University of Alabama in Huntsville.

Duha Ali, summer 2023 doctoral graduate and recipient of a graduate certificate in Human Factors, Safety and Ergonomics, is as an assistant professor at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly).

Ali pursued her undergraduate degree at Jordan University of Science and Technology, specializing in electrical engineering.

Auburn’s inviting charm drew Ali to choose Auburn for her doctoral degree.

“My decision to enroll at Auburn University for my doctoral studies was influenced by the institution's well-known reputation for a warm and inclusive academic environment, which I became acquainted with through personal endorsements from friends who had resided in the area,” she said.

Ali currently instructs courses in Human Factors and Ergonomics and researches Human-Robot Interaction (HRI).

Her time at Auburn broadened her academic and teaching knowledge to prepare her for teaching.

“I had the opportunity to refine my pedagogical skills through teaching and mentoring students,” Ali said. “Furthermore, my time at Auburn afforded me the privilege of participating in diverse research opportunities that significantly broadened my perspective on human factors and ergonomics.”

Under the guidance of her professors at Auburn during her doctoral studies, Ali made a plan for her future, developing skills for both academia and industry work.

“Ultimately, my passion for teaching was ignited during my experience instructing the Introduction to Industrial and Systems Engineering course, leading me to choose an academic career path,” she said.

Ali’s position at Cal Poly has been fulfilling in all areas.

“The students exhibit a remarkable level of dedication and competitiveness, making my role as an educator all the more gratifying,” Ali said. “Additionally, my colleagues are both exceptional and collaborative, fostering an environment of enthusiasm and collegiality.”

Ana Wooley, also a summer 2023 doctoral, is as an assistant professor in the Industrial and Systems Engineering and Engineering Management (ISEEM) Department at the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH).

Wooley was an undergraduate exchange student for a year and a half at Auburn in 2014 and returned to Brazil to finish her undergrad in industrial engineering from the Federal University of Itajuba in Brazil.

“I took industrial and systems engineering courses back then as an undergrad and I just loved the university,” she said. “I had to go back to Brazil to finish my undergrad there, but I've always wanted to come back to the states, especially to Auburn.”

Wooley teaches Introduction to Simulation for undergraduate and graduate students and conducts research involving digital twins. In the future, she will teach Statistic Quality Control, Manufacturing Systems and Special Topics on Digital Engineering.

Working as a teaching assistant during her time at Auburn helped Wooley develop communication skills to work with students.

“I had great mentors that guided me throughout my Ph.D. journey, and that definitely helped me feel more prepared to do my job as a researcher and professor now,” she said.

Working at UAH has been a challenging, yet rewarding experience for Wooley, and she is enjoying the supportive community there.

“Everybody at UAH is just so welcoming, supportive and genuinely invested in my success,” Wooley said.

Earning her doctorate or becoming a professor was never something Wooley imagined, but now she knows she has found the right profession.

“Initially, I had a strong inclination toward an industry career, and that was my focus throughout my doctoral studies until the very last year when I shifted gears towards academia,” Wooley said, “Now that I am a professor, I really think I found my place, and I am really enjoying it.”