Five Auburn Engineering researchers have been recognized for their research that could impact the economy of the state and region. The Office of the Vice President for Research and Economic Development recently presented the researchers with funding from LAUNCH: The Fund for Research and Innovation to help move their research to the marketplace.

Associate professor Robert Ashurst and Alumni Professor Virginia Davis, both from the Department of Chemical Engineering, are commercially developing cellulose nanocrystal microelectromechanical systems, or MEMS, devices to deliver low cost, high sensitivity bio-sensing.

Professor David Beale, professor emeritus Roy Broughton and doctoral candidate Austin Gurley, all in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, are using shape memory alloy servo actuators to improve mobility in robots.

“Researchers in the College of Engineering are conducting pioneering research that goes beyond the theoretical; it has a tangible impact by improving our quality of life and fostering increased economic competitiveness,” said Christopher B. Roberts, dean of engineering. “Our enterprising faculty and students are a major reason why Auburn Engineering is a national leader in engineering education and research.”