#GINNing Podcast: Musically minded mechanical engineering standout to serve as SGCOE graduation marshal

Four years ago, Jack Branham was torn.

"While I was going through college selection, I wasn't planning on being an engineer. I wanted to be a music major," said Branham, a graduating senior and researcher in mechanical engineering from Montgomery who graduated from Saint James School in 2020. "But I had as much passion for engineering as I had for music. Auburn has a great music program, but it's also a great engineering school. Ultimately, I made the decision to switch to engineering."

Judging by his most recent accolade, it was the right one.

Branham will lead Auburn University’s Samuel Ginn College of Engineering class of 2023 at its spring commencement exercises Saturday, May 4.

"Auburn was the best of both worlds because in addition to experiencing great engineering, I also had the opportunity to be a part of what I think is one of the best marching bands in the country," he said.

Branham was a standout with the Auburn University Marching Band at tuba during his time as a student. He also spent the past year engaged in undergraduate research through the GPS and Vehicle Dynamics Laboratory (GAVLAB).

"I have learned so much through the GAVLAB," Branham said. "Learning from Dr. (David) Bevly and Dr. (Scott) Martin has changed my entire engineering perspective."

After graduation, Branham will join GE Aerospace in Lynn, Massachusetts as an Edison Engineer through its Edison Engineer Development Program, a position he applied for while interning this past summer on the reliability team at the company's Huntsville facility. A previous summer internship through water heater manufacturer Rheem focused on heat pump design.

"Being selected as the graduation marshal is something I never expected but I'm really looking forward to. It's a great honor," Branham said. "And I'm also really looking forward to working on the cutting-edge of jet engine technology and to my future with GE Aerospace."

Auburn will begin commencement ceremonies at Neville Arena at 8 a.m.; the College of Engineering is scheduled for 6 p.m. Kirsty Coventry, a 2006 alumna, former Auburn swimmer, and Zimbabwe’s current Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts, and Recreation, will give the commencement address.

Additional information is available on the commencement website. All ceremonies will be livestreamed, with recordings available.

Listen to Branham discuss his Auburn experience on the latest episode of the award-winning #GINNing Podcast below, or on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, iHeartRadio or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts by searching #GINNing.