ISE chair honored with college research award
Published: Oct 27, 2025 2:35 PM
By Carla Nelson
Auburn University’s Samuel Ginn College of Engineering has named Greg Harris, chair of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering and director of the Interdisciplinary Center for Advanced Manufacturing Systems (ICAMS), as the recipient of the 2025 Senior Faculty Research Award for Excellence.
The honor recognizes faculty members who have demonstrated exceptional research productivity, innovation and impact in advancing engineering knowledge and practice. Harris received the award during last month’s Engineering Research Awards banquet, where ICAMS was also named the college’s 2025 Center of Excellence.
Since joining the Auburn Engineering faculty in 2016, Harris has secured more than $50 million in research funding as principal investigator or co-principal investigator, with a 73 percent proposal success rate. His leadership in establishing ICAMS in 2020 has positioned Auburn as a national leader in the adoption of advanced manufacturing and Industry 4.0 technologies among small and medium-sized manufacturers.
“By celebrating these achievements, the college highlights the excellence, impact and spirit of discovery that define its mission and strengthen its role as a leader in engineering research,” said Allan David, associate dean for research.
Under Harris’ direction, ICAMS operates as a public-private partnership between Auburn University, the city of Auburn and the U.S. Department of Defense. The center focuses on improving the U.S. industrial base by helping manufacturers integrate digital tools such as artificial intelligence, digital twins and robotics.
Harris’ research has produced 33 journal articles, 71 conference papers, 37 invited presentations, 26 technical reports and two U.S. patents. His leadership has also graduated seven doctoral students, served on 12 doctoral committees and has overseen numerous master’s and undergraduate research projects.
Beyond research, Harris is recognized for his commitment to mentorship and workforce development. Through ICAMS programs such as the Mechatronics Scholarship and Internship partnership with Southern Union State Community College, Harris has provided hands-on training and industry certifications for dozens of students preparing for careers in advanced manufacturing.
A Fellow of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), he has also earned national recognition for his research leadership, including the 2023 SME David Dornfeld Manufacturing Vision Award and first place in the National Science Foundation’s Blue Sky Competition for “A Vision of Future Machine Tools.”
“As a senior faculty member, I see mentoring as a responsibility to ensure that what we’ve built continues to thrive,” Harris said. “My goal is to help the next generation of researchers and faculty build networks, develop successful proposals and sustain Auburn’s role in shaping the future of manufacturing.”
Media Contact: , carla@auburn.edu, 334-844-1404
Since joining the Auburn Engineering faculty in 2016, Harris has secured more than $50 million in research funding as principal investigator or co-principal investigator, with a 73 percent proposal success rate.
