Empowering Innovation: One BCoE graduate’s journey in engineering

With a heart full of ambition and a mind driven by curiosity, recent Ph.D. graduate Aulora Williams has carved a career that reflects both her personal experiences and professional aspirations.

The Biloxi native immersed herself in the world of mechanical engineering early on at Mississippi State University’s Engineering on the Coast campus, where her passion for understanding how things work was met with a commitment to making a difference in people's lives, fostered by her professors Shane Brauer and Aaron Smith. From the very beginning, Williams’s journey has been fueled by personal connection and curiosity. She said that growing up, her family had always pushed her to do her best, which reinforced her curiosity and love of learning.

My grandmother, Gail Stopson, always believed in me and told me that I could do anything I set my mind to, and that is exactly what I set out to do,” she said. “I like to know the why and how things work,” she said.

This interest started when she was younger, taking on a deeper meaning when she faced her father's health struggles. A genetic bone condition, tumors on his bones, had shattered his femur, leading to multiple complications, including the use of prosthetics.

“He had a metal bone for a lot of his life, but he kept getting MRSA, so now he just has a spacer, Williams said. “He's had that for years now because they're hesitant to put in the metal prosthesis in case he gets an infection again. That’s what drew me to want to create something in prosthetics that would help people achieve better outcomes.”

It was clear early on that she wanted to create better solutions to improve the quality of life for people facing similar challenges, and at Bagley’s Engineering on the Coast campus, she found a nurturing environment that allowed her to explore her interests while honing her skills. With a major in mechanical engineering and a minor in industrial engineering, she embraced every opportunity that came her way joining Engineers Without Borders where she went to Central America to build a bridge for a community, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and the Computer Science and Engineering Club.

She also thrived in courses that allowed her to apply theories to real-world problems, especially in additive manufacturing and materials science. Her undergraduate research experience with Shane Brauer led her to the doctoral program at Mississippi State’s main campus in Starkville, where she discovered new areas of research that aligned with her long-term career goals.

A pivotal experience for Williams was her work at the Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems (CAVS) under the guidance of Hongjoo Rhee. During her time there, she had the opportunity to engage in both experimental and modeling work, and also learned from Shiraz Mujahid and Yubraj Paudel.

“Working at CAVS was amazing. The amount you learn, experience, and the friends and relationships you make is incredible and helped prepare me for future opportunities,” she said.

During her time at CAVS, she earned an Editor’s Choice Award for one of her journal articles. She had the opportunity to engage with cutting-edge research, providing her with a glimpse into the future of engineering. Her involvement allowed her to connect her academic pursuits with real-world applications, deepening her understanding and appreciation for the field. It was during her time at MSU and CAVS that she developed a passion for community building. She became a volunteer firefighter for Lowndes County, further fostering community growth. Her enthusiasm for maintaining those connections shows her commitment to collaboration and innovation within her field.

“During my time at CAVS, I’ve learned a lot about additive manufacturing and 3D printing. I think those hold the key to creating affordable and accessible prosthetic solutions. Additive manufacturing could be the game-changer we need.”

Her time at CAVS led her to the next step of her journey, which is to work with Los Alamos National Labs in New Mexico, providing a unique opportunity to showcase the ability MSU and CAVS to foster opportunities and growth.

By Camille Carskadon