Auburn ISE expands human factors expertise with new faculty addition
Published: Sep 17, 2024 10:30 AM
By Carla Nelson
The Auburn University Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering has welcomed Missie Smith as its newest faculty member. Smith joins the Center for Occupational Safety, Ergonomics, and Injury Prevention (OSEIP) as an assistant professor, continuing her research in human factors.
A native of Mississippi, Smith earned her bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering in 2010 and her master’s degree in 2012, both from Mississippi State University. She completed her doctorate at Virginia Tech in 2018. Prior to joining Auburn, Smith worked as a research scientist at the technology company Meta.
Smith’s interest in industrial engineering began with her older sister, who was also studying the field and encouraged her to pursue it.
“She thought it would be the perfect fit for me, and I hate to admit it, but she was right,” Smith said. “I like the efficiency of industrial engineering and the blend of multiple disciplines with a rigorous engineering approach.”
As an undergraduate, Smith quickly discovered her passion for human factors, particularly the cognitive side of the field. Her research focuses on improving the efficiency of users’ interactions with technology.
Several professors were influential in shaping Smith’s path to academia. After earning her doctorate, she served as an assistant professor at Oakland University in Michigan until 2020. Seeking more research opportunities, she then accepted a position at Meta.
“I was pushing forward some research while also addressing questions related to user health, safety and human factors for advanced devices,” Smith said. “I was conducting research for devices that hadn’t yet hit the market.”
Despite enjoying her work at Meta, Smith missed mentoring students and decided to return to academia.
“The opportunity to join the Center for Occupational Safety, Ergonomics, and Injury Prevention appealed to me because its research overlaps with my core questions about how technology changes people,” she said.
Smith’s research has included studies on novel technology use and, in particular, driving research involving augmented reality displays in vehicles.
“I’m fascinated by how emerging technologies change not only how people interact with technology but also how they shape our interactions with the world,” she said. “I’m focused on understanding how these technologies transform people and how those transformations should influence the way we design them.”
Mark Schall, director of OSEIP, said the team is excited for Smith to join the center.
“With a wealth of experience studying extended reality and transportation systems, Dr. Smith brings invaluable expertise from both academic research and industry practice,” he said. “Her dual perspective will greatly enrich our department, fostering new opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. We look forward to the dynamic contributions she will make to our research and teaching programs.”
Media Contact: , carla@auburn.edu, 334-844-1404
Missie Smith’s research has included studies on novel technology use and, in particular, driving research involving augmented reality displays in vehicles.