Student Spotlight - David Branscomb
Name: David Branscomb
Hometown: Sheffield, Ala.
Year: Doctoral student
Major: Polymer and Fiber Engineering
David Branscomb was attracted to Auburn University because of its reputation for being the top engineering school in the state. He also liked its proximity to his hometown. "Auburn offered the best of both worlds," says David. "It allowed me to be close to my family, while attending a great university."
Auburn Engineering is important to David because of the many educational and research opportunities that it offers. He feels like the programs and faculty members are all committed to ensuring student success. The faculty is world class and excellence is important to them," says David.
Although he completed a master's degree in mechanical engineering, David became interested in polymer and fiber engineering while he was doing research for his thesis. While exploring the performance of composite braiding machines through automation and machine vision diagnostics, David collaborated closely with polymer and fiber engineering faculty who encouraged him to pursue a doctoral degree in the subject. "The polymer and fiber curriculum provided the background required for developing my personal interest of high performance composite materials," he says.
David's best memory at Auburn so far has been working with the Auburn Motorsports Hovercraft team to design and manufacture a hovercraft that was used in competitions. The team won second place in two events during David's tenure on the team.
