Elizabeth Gainey

Elizabeth Gainey, a doctoral student in mechanical engineering from New Orleans, is breaking new ground in her research with drop tests of lead-free electrical components. She also guides new students to the Plains as an ambassador for Auburn’s 1887 Society.

Why Auburn

“My advisor, George Flowers, chair of mechanical engineering, took me on a tour of Auburn and of the engineering school. After seeing everything Auburn had to offer, I knew it was too good a place to pass up. "One thing that stood out to me about Auburn was the campus, which had such a home-like feel to it." I also love walking around downtown Auburn. The atmosphere is fantastic.”

Engineering research

“I did research as an undergraduate in mechanical vibration, similar to the research Flowers is doing. When I came to Auburn to tour, he showed me the project he was working on, and I was interested in being a part of it because I love learning new things.

“The research I’m working on now is testing mechanical shock on lead-free electrical components. I do drop tests on lead-free solder to see how much force will break it. The reason for trying to find efficient lead-free electrical parts is that lead isn’t good for the environment. There’s a lot of lead used in phones, and when those parts fill up landfills, the lead can end up in the groundwater. Once we can find a better replacement for tin lead solder, there are a lot of practical applications for use in phones, computers and other devices.”

1887 Society Ambassador

“I received an email sharing the opportunity, and thought it seemed really cool. I wanted to meet some more grad students, and this seemed like a good way to do it because grad students from all different majors can apply. I’ve gotten to meet a lot of different people across majors, and I’ve given tours to incoming students. For some of them, I go up to the top of Haley Center, which has a great view of the whole campus. Being an ambassador has provided me with a lot of great opportunities that I wouldn’t get as a research assistant. I tell incoming students that everyone here is very friendly and there’s so much you can do as a grad student here in and outside of academics.”

Future Plans

“I’m open to any opportunities that come my way, which is how I ended up at Auburn to begin with. But I’m considering working for an aerospace company back home in New Orleans or going into teaching because I love teaching. I’ve been a teaching assistant and a student lecturer here, and that’s been a lot of fun. Being able to form connections with the students and watch them understand the concepts that I was teaching was a really cool experience.”