#GINNing Podcast

Have you ever been to one of our alumni events and wondered “How did the college pull off an amazing event like this”? The answer: Wade Welch. Welch, who serves as the college’s director of engagement and donor relations, has been stewarding and connecting our alumni for years. While she’s been a main point of contact for those who give their time, talent and treasure to Auburn Engineering, this week we just need you to lend us your ears as we take you into the wide world of Wade Welch. 

How many MRI’s have you had this year? Well, Joshita Majumdar, a graduate student in electrical and computer engineering, she’s had 107… and counting. No, Joshita isn’t sick or injured, she’s just researching the effects of a nightly sleep on a person’s performance the next day by utilizing the Auburn University Neuroimaging Center’s one-of-a-kind 7T MRI scanner. So, no need for ear plugs as you enter this MRI, as Joshita already has you covered.

Joseph Rusk is the breadwinner. The rising senior in electrical and computer engineering has won more than $80,000 for his start-up, The BreadBoard Company, and he’s not done yet. Soon, his product will begin shipping and helping teach people of all ages how to use the electrical engineering circuit board. So, I guess you could say, he’ll be making that bread.

There’s a buzz around town about Dylan Heard, a rising senior in mechanical engineering. Heard has spent many hours of his time as an undergraduate student working with the Auburn University Bee Center making that honey, and come next year after graduation he’s going to be making that money.

Mark Schall is a man of many hats. He’s served as associate chair of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, as the Daniel F. and Josephine Breeden Professor and as director of the Human Systems Integration Center. But come Aug. 1, he’ll have a new title: department chair. So, pull up your chair as we chat with the chair on this episode of the #GINNing podcast.

Lynnae Stypulkowski was born to be an engineer. She was also born to teach. The lecturer in civil and environmental engineering is passionate about geotechnical engineering, stormwater research and teaching. So, what better place to be than Auburn University?

It’s been a busy month for Missie Smith, assistant professor of industrial and systems engineering. First, she was named as one of Business Alabama’s Women in Tech for 2026. Then, she was awarded an NSF CAREER Award for her work in augmented reality. Now, she’s the next guest on the #GINNing Podcast. Just imagine how far her career is going after this…

Looking to further your engineering education or acquire new skills through professional development? Alicia Harkless has you covered. The director of Auburn Engineering’s Office of Online and Continuing Education loves learning, both on campus and online. She holds two bachelor’s degrees, two master’s degrees and a Ph.D. And because of her, you too can add a degree to your portfolio from the comfort of your office or home.

When you were a student, did you make the dean’s list every semester? Didn’t think so. But you know who did? India Warren did. In addition, this week’s guest has accomplished a lot in the past month. She was named as the Outstanding Civil and Environmental Engineering Student of the Year, graduated summa cum laude and has begun graduate school. And that was just in her spare time.

Last week, we heard from Roland Walker of the famed Walkers of Orange Beach. This week, hear the other side of the story, as brother Bill sets the record straight on what Roland got wrong. Bill’s blood runs Auburn colors, from Orange Beach to the Navy. This commander was forged by the sea, and now he’s full speed ahead.