Teaching assistant recognized with Lean Engineering award

Carlos Rabat, a graduate student in data engineering, has been honored as the 2024 JT Black Lean Engineering Student of the Year. The prestigious award, named in memory of renowned Lean Manufacturing expert JT Black, was presented by Tom Devall, director of auto manufacturing initiatives in Auburn University’s Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE).

Rabat has served as a graduate teaching assistant for the ISE Manufacturing Systems course since spring 2024 and has worked extensively with students in the department's Tiger Motors Lab, known as the LEGO Lab. His contributions have made a significant impact, according to Devall.

“As a teaching assistant for Lean Systems, Carlos exemplifies leadership through his deep desire to learn, his respect for people, and his commitment to continuous improvement,” Devall said.

Originally from Panamá, Rabat earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial and systems engineering with a minor in computer science from Auburn in 2023.

“I became interested in industrial engineering because I liked the idea of optimizing complex processes and improving their efficiency,” Rabat said. “The more that I explored the field, the more I saw it as a blend of engineering, business and management. It also gives me the opportunity to go into a wide range of industries.”

Rabat’s graduate research focuses on evaluating the performance of large language models, analyzing their strengths and weaknesses, and exploring their potential applications across various industries. He said working in the Lego Lab has been an excellent addition to his graduate experience.

“It has allowed me to dive deeper into Lean Manufacturing ideologies while also developing valuable soft skills, particularly in presenting ideas to different audiences,” he said. “This has included presenting to students and industry professionals, such as those from Honda and Hartzell Aviation, during their visits. I believe that knowledge is only as valuable as your ability to communicate it effectively, and this role is helping me strengthen that skill.”

Rabat’s career goals include merging his knowledge of industrial engineering and data engineering.

“I believe both fields can benefit from each, especially when it comes to applying management and process optimization techniques in the software industry,” he said.

Rabat expressed his gratitude for being named the 2024 JT Black Lean Engineering Student, seeing it as both validation of his hard work and motivation to continue advancing in the field.

“This accomplishment means a great deal to me because it not only validates my hard work but also highlights the significant improvements being made in the Tiger Motors Lab,” he said. “We are working hard to establish it as the benchmark for a Lean Education Lab, and this recognition feels like a step in the right direction.”

The late JT Black was a nationally respected leader in Lean Manufacturing, known for championing the development of ‘Lean’ engineers. After retiring from Auburn in 1998, Black continued to contribute to the ISE department as professor emeritus. He was a Fellow of the Institute of Industrial Engineers, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and the Society of Manufacturing Engineers.