What brought you to Auburn and your major?
My dad and both of my sisters went to Auburn so I grew up cheering on the Tigers and going to Auburn football games. My dad graduated in engineering and I knew I wanted to do the same. However, I originally wanted to look at other schools because I wanted to do something “different” than the rest of my family. I visited a few other schools but when I took a campus tour at Auburn as a junior in high school, I knew that Auburn was the place for me. As much as I wanted to do something different than everyone else, there was no question that Auburn felt like a second home and had a great engineering program. I was drawn to Industrial and Systems Engineering because it’s about understanding the entire system to improve operations, which exposes you to many parts of the business.
What has your path since graduation been?
When I graduated in 2017, I moved to Dallas, TX to work for Toyota Motor North America in their Operations Management Development Division (OMDD). This was the same division I completed three co-op terms with during college. This division leads productivity improvement activities and develops Toyota Production System principles on the shop floor. Towards the end of 2018, I moved to Asheville, NC to work for General Electric Power in their Lean Division. I facilitated the installation of single piece flow machining lines and establishing lean principles for manufacturing gas turbines. I have since returned to Toyota Motor North America as a senior manager in OMDD supporting Toyota’s new joint venture with Mazda in Huntsville, AL.
How did your Auburn engineering education prepare you for what you are doing now?
Auburn engineering taught me the fundamental skills of problem solving and critical thinking. The curriculum is designed to give you time in the labs and classroom to understand the concepts but also gives you opportunities to apply those concepts in real world situations through projects, such as senior design. These experiences prepared me for tackling projects strategically but also how to work successfully in a team.
What advice would you give current students at Auburn?
Join student organizations that interest you – there is something for everyone! Not only will you meet some great people that might become some of your closest friends, but these organizations help develop soft skills that will make you successful as you enter the professional world. Also, it is a great way to take a break from your studies and dive into something that you really enjoy. Someone once told me that your strengths are not only what you’re good at but they are what energizes you- so find your strength that energizes you!
What is your favorite Auburn memory or War Eagle moment?
My favorite Auburn memory was witnessing the Kick Six and the Miracle in Jordan-Hare! The energy in the stadium for those games is something I’ll always remember.