Industrial and systems engineering hires Huntsville-based professor of practice
Published: December 08, 2022
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The Auburn University Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, or ISE, is proud to welcome Susan Askew as the department’s professor of practice. Askew, whose position will be based at the new Auburn University Research and Innovation Campus in Huntsville, has been a systems engineering instructor for the department since January. Her role as professor of practice was effective in early November.Askew earned a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from Auburn University in 1987 and a Master of Science in management from Troy University in 2004. She began her career as an electronics engineer in the U.S. Air Force. She has also served as a systems engineer in the U.S. Army and the Department of Defense. Most recently, Askew served as a professor of systems engineering at Defense Acquisition University.Askew became aware of the systems engineering, or SE, career field in 2007 when she and her family returned from her husband’s deployment overseas.“After I read about what system engineers do, I realized I had been doing systems engineering for most of my career and began seeking a job specifically in that area,” said Askew. “In 2009, with support and encouragement from my industry employer at the time, I was able to prepare for and take the INCOSE CSEP-Acquisition exam to become a certified SE professional.”What interests Askew most about systems engineering is its application to every process and activity happening in the world today.“In industry, SE is more formal and supports the business case,” she explained. “In life, SE and critical thinking support success in whatever we choose to do – from preparing a Thanksgiving dinner for 20, to designing a new home, or national defense systems, to providing healthcare, or long-term financial planning – because applying systems thinking skills will help bring about successful outcomes.”Askew enjoys sharing her interest in systems engineering and applying systems thinking to business and life. She is also passionate about helping the next generation of engineers see the benefit of systems thinking, no matter what discipline they choose.“The professor of practice position seemed to be an ideal fit for me,” she said. “I can teach systems engineering undergrads and graduate students, help them get to work in the field, and support our government and industry partners to solve their real daily challenges by applying the best practices and emerging technologies systems engineering and model-based systems engineering have to offer.”Industrial and systems engineering Assistant Professor Gregory Purdy chaired the hiring committee to fill the professor of practice position. He said Askew’s background made her an ideal fit.“We were looking for a candidate that had a significant network and work experience in systems engineering,” Purdy said. “We were also looking for someone with a passion for teaching and growing our research efforts, and Susan demonstrates great passion for both. The industry network she has created in Huntsville will also be a great benefit for research and collaboration opportunities for the department and the college of engineering.”Askew’s goals in the position include supporting and helping grow the ISE department, expanding research, growing ISE influence in the workplace and interest among Auburn students, and promoting Auburn University and its mission.“Learning new concepts and skills is fun and putting them to work is what makes the day great,” said Askew. “Being able to do all this for Auburn University makes it even better. I believe in Auburn and love it. War Eagle!”
Submitted by: Carla Nelson
Susan Askew enjoys sharing her interest in systems engineering and applying systems thinking to business and life. She is also passionate about helping the next generation of engineers see the benefit of systems thinking, no matter what discipline they choose.
