Why Auburn: Jude Smith

Jude Smith, a sophomore from Enterprise, Alabama, enjoys solving problems whether through undergraduate research or creative projects on campus. A double major in applied mathematics and industrial and systems engineering, Smith is also developing plans for a new art space at Auburn with his “The Living Studio” project.

Why Auburn

“Growing up in Enterprise, Auburn always felt close to home — not just geographically, but because my mom’s side of the family was all Auburn fans. I grew up around it, so I was always drawn here.”

Why engineering

“When I first came to Auburn, I wanted to study something that I loved — math — but I also wanted to build things. I’ve always loved inventing and coming up with new ideas, and engineering gave me a way to do that. I’m drawn to understanding systems and how to fix them, so industrial and systems pairs really well with applied mathematics.”

The Living Studio project

“I wanted to create a place on campus where students could express themselves artistically, particularly students like me who appreciate art but study something completely different. During my freshman year, I found a space on the back side of Foy Hall that felt overlooked. It had some water damage and was mostly just a blank wall that needed some Auburn spirit. At the time I was taking a class on the art of architecture, and it got me thinking: what can I do as a student and engineer to improve it?

“I started sketching ideas and using the engineering skills I was learning to develop a plan. I took measurements of the space and began designing an art-themed gathering space where students could spend time and display their work. I’m now in the early stages of moving the project forward, meeting with people from the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art and Auburn’s Student Government Association to build support.”

Finding opportunities

“I’m doing undergraduate research in mathematics, studying ways to monitor how diseases spread. In one of my introductory classes, a professor gave a guest lecture on her research. Afterward, I talked to her about it, and that conversation eventually led to me working under her. Opportunities like that often start with something simple — just reaching out and asking questions. That’s been a big part of how I’ve developed here at Auburn. Anyone can do it; it’s just about taking that step.”