Online engineering graduate began program as a 'nod to father,' says he enhanced career along the way

Q: Where do you currently work, and what is your job title?
A: I am a lead medical science liaison at bioMérieux, an in vitro diagnostic (IVD) global biotech company.

Q: Where did you earn your bachelor’s degree and in what area of study?
A: I earned a Bachelor of Science in animal sciences from Auburn University and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Clayton State University. I also have a doctorate in nursing (nurse practitioner) from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and a Healthcare MBA from West Virginia University.

Q: What AU engineering graduate program did you complete?
A: The Master of Engineering (online format) with a focus in health systems engineering. I also completed a fascinating intro course in the new biomedical engineering program.

Q: When did you start and when did you finish your master’s program?  
A: I started fall 2022 and completed my degree May 2024.

Q: What made you decide to pursue this graduate online program?
A: My father was an alumnus of the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering (industrial engineering ‘69) and many of his colleagues were also Auburn Engineering alums. Initially, I wanted to complete a degree as a nod to my father; however, during my first semester I came across an email announcing the newly added health systems and biomedical engineering coursework. I was ecstatic on the timing of the healthcare focus and thrilled that I could tailor my degree to encompass the new coursework.

Q: What was your personal experience with the 100 percent online format?
A: I found the online format aligned well with my busy professional and personal life, and the coursework was both refreshing and challenging. The scholarly activities allowed me to expand my knowledge and skills in healthcare process improvement and product innovation.

Q; Would you have been able to pursue your master’s if not for the fully online format?
A: Due to full-time professional demands, I would have been unable to attend graduate school in person.

Q: How has this graduate degree enhanced your professional life, or how do you expect it will in future? 
I lead a team of physicians, pharmacists, nurse practitioners, and biomedical engineers. Having a multi-professional team who tackle the complexities of healthcare, the coursework and engagement allowed me to understand and support the dynamics and mission of my team, organization, and the patients we serve. In addition, the program expanded my understanding on change management and product innovation with the goal of bettering patient and organizational-level outcomes.

Q: What would you tell someone who was thinking about applying for an Auburn Engineering Online graduate program?
A: I highly recommend the program. The curriculum is well suited for the busy professional. The flexibility of coursework in the Master of Engineering program allowed me to tailor coursework to meet my professional interests. A highlight that I can’t overstate is the program’s culture. As a clinician, leader, and life-long learner, the professors treated me more as a professional peer than just a student. Therefore, I felt like my instructors and course peers were learning from me just as much as I was learning from them. This methodology is such an impactful way to support a professionally experienced adult learner. I hope to give back to the program as much as I took.