College of EngineeringDepartment of Industrial and Systems EngineeringResearch

Research

Auburn University has three principal missions: instruction, research and outreach. The primary focus of our research is directed to the solution of problems and the development of knowledge and technology important to the state and nation and to the quality of life of Alabama citizens. Our research programs make important contributions to instructional programs through the involvement of graduate and undergraduate students and the renewal of the faculty. Outreach is the application of academic expertise beyond the traditional campus setting to the benefit of external constituents. Auburn’s outreach mission is defined by its historical designation as a land-grant university. Faculty engagement in outreach improves the quality of life in Alabama and beyond, and also provides them valuable experience and insights that can inform their teaching and research.

Here are some facts about our program:

- 20 highly talented faculty members

- $2.5 million in research expenditures

- 152 graduate students enrolled (73 in the doctoral program)

- 456 undergraduate students enrolled

Key Research Focus Areas:

  • Advanced manufacturing
  • Statistical quality control
  • Occupational safety and ergonomics
  • Warehouse optimization
  • Operations research
  • Engineering economics
  • Electric power modeling and economics

Grants which support our Research and Outreach:

Faculty research is supported by grants from the National Science Foundation, U.S. Department of Defense, NIOSH, NASA, and other personal and private funding agencies, institutions, and for profit companies. Our faculty collaborates at Auburn and with domestic and international universities and industry leaders to accomplish their research initiatives.

Recent Research News


Gregory Purdy, assistant professor in the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering stands next to Gregory Harris, director of ICAMS and ISE chair, for a photo on Auburn University’s campus.
ICAMS receives $9.2M to further Model-Based Systems Engineering
ICAMS has received a $9.2 million DOD project to address the need for more adoption of enhanced digital capabilities in the defense industry.
3/13/24 1:00 PM
Nearly 1,000 transportation professionals gathered in Birmingham on February 6-7 to explore cutting-edge technologies to enhance the transportation industry. Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey gave a speech about the importance of top-notch infrastructure being integral to the state’s success.
Auburn hosts 67th annual Alabama Transportation Conference
The two-day Alabama Transportation Conference (ATC) had a significant Auburn Family feel to it. Not only did the Auburn University Transportation Research Institute (AUTRI) host the conference, but Auburn faculty opened the conference, presided over the luncheons, gave presentations and closed the program.
2/20/24 9:00 AM
Entrants must record a video presentation using animation, simulation, diagrams, pictures, or even demonstrations explaining an overview of their respective study, but at a level where general audiences can understand. Each video must not exceed 60 seconds.
Registration under way for AUSome Science in 60 Seconds
Last spring’s AUsome Science in 60 Seconds research pitch competition was so successful, Auburn Engineering is hosting it again.
1/19/24 2:30 PM
Shivaprasad Nageswaran
Recent ISE doctoral graduate wins national three minute thesis competition
Shivaprasad Nageswaran, director of the ARC Program at the AU RFID Lab and a spring 2023 doctoral graduate from the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, was recently named the winner of the National Three Minute Thesis Competition, hosted annually by the Council of Graduate Schools.
12/12/23 9:40 AM
Stanford researchers examined a database of more than 180,000 scholars worldwide.
38 Auburn Engineering scholars ranked among the world's most cited
The annual Stanford University analysis stems from a database of worldwide scholars crediting all-time citations through September 2022.
12/5/23 8:00 AM