Our Work

The Auburn University Applied Research Institute (AUARI) exists to prepare the next generation of engineers and scientists by solving real-world challenges for the U.S. government and industry.  

At AUARI, our students work alongside research professionals to rapidly design, build, test, deploy and scale advanced technologies to expand what's possible. Auburn grads won’t need years of training; they will be ready to work in aerospace, defense and biotechnology on day one. 

Explore Our Capabilities

Our Leadership Team

Jonathan Pettus
Jonathan Pettus
Assistant Vice President, Research, and Executive Director
Dr. Derek Tournear
Dr. Derek Tournear

Director of Space Innovation
Larry Leopard
Larry Leopard

Chief Engineer
Melanie Baker
Melanie Baker

National Security Space and Missile Defense Programs
Vicki Kretzschmar
Vicki Kretzschmar

Business Operations
Scott Thomas
Scott Thomas

Systems Integration Lead
Justin Harrison
Justin Harrison

Autonomous Systems Lead
Dr. Luke Boyer
Dr. Luke Boyer

Advanced Manufacturing Lead
Our Why
Our work advances all three pillars of Auburn University’s mission:

Instruction - We train engineers and scientists by connecting faculty to National Security and Space problem

Research - We push boundaries and solve problems in advanced manufacturing, autonomy, radiation effects, digital engineering, rapid prototyping and space systems.

Extension - We put Auburn’s land-grant mission into action, serving as a modern extension arm that applies university research to strengthen national security. 

 

Our Facilities

We have two locations in Huntsville’s Cummings Research Park to be near Redstone Arsenal, NASA Marshall, FBI, Missile Defense Agency, Space Command and defense contractors. This strategic placement is crucial in partnering with the Department of War and others to develop capabilities that bring our warfighters home and make the world safer. 
Applied Research Institute