Meet Josh Ekandem ’07 ‘09: SIGD Advisory Council Member

As a Design Technologist at Intel, Ekandem led groundbreaking projects that blended design, technology and human understanding to share the future of user experiences. His work spanned patents, publications and talks on creating engaging product interactions in the ever-burgeoning world of the internet. From smart home solutions to in-cabin experiences for autonomous vehicles, Ekandem’s contributions touched lives at home and on the go. He even ventured into artificial intelligence, leading teams in creating tools for the AI developer community.

Ekandem’s journey into design and innovation began at Auburn, where he earned a  Bachelor of Industrial Design in 2007, followed by a Master of Industrial Design in 2009. He would later obtain a Ph.D. in Human-Centered Computing from Clemson University in 2014, where his research focused on automotive user interface design for automakers.

Now, as a member of the SIGD Advisory Council, Ekandem is committing to fostering a sense of community and advancing the school’s goals. One priority is creating opportunities for students to connect with industry professionals and alumni, inspiring pride in their shared Auburn experience. Another is supporting SIGD’s role in Auburn’s R1 research agenda.

“I aim to help recruit personnel and assist in developing long-range plans and program development for the school,” he shared.

Ekandem’s Auburn education shaped him in many ways from his Auburn education, but Summer Op to him is the standout learning experience.

“Summer Op was a bit of a misnomer as it wasn’t optional if you wanted to stay in the program,” he recalled. “The days were long—8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in class with a break for lunch or dinner. Then it was back to the studio until midnight or later to finish the day’s work.”

He credits this rigorous experience with shaping his work ethic.

“Summer Op gave me real-life insight into what’s possible with a dedicated mind, hard work and the right guidance,” he said.

Ekandem’s journey from Auburn to Intel and beyond exemplifies the power of innovation and perseverance. Now, he’s bringing that same energy to help shape the future of the SIGD community.