Ph.D. Student Found Just the Right Spot at Auburn

But Umer’s canine is a “Spot” robot, manufactured by Boston Dynamics and a major part of Dr. Eric Wetzel‘s Construction, Automation, Robotics and Visualization (CARV) Lab.

A native of Karachi, Pakistan, Umer has attended Auburn as a Presidential Graduate Research Fellow. In addition to his work in the CARV Lab, he has served as a First-Year Experience Mentor for the Graduate Student Council and a judge for the Junior Division of the Alabama Science and Engineering Fair.

A member of the Sigma Lambda Chi International Construction Honor Society, he received the College of Architecture, Design and Construction’s (CADC) award for Poster Presentation at the Auburn Research Symposium in both 2023 and 2024.

Umer has also earned a certification in Engaged Teaching from Auburn’s Biggio Center for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning and completed its Distinguished Future Faculty program. In addition, he has worked at the University Writing as a graduate program assistant—the first student from BSCI’s doctoral program to hold such a position.

Along with frequently assisting Wetzel with demonstrations of robotics technology for groups ranging from school children to government officials, Umer’s primary research interests have been in the areas of automation and robotics, particularly leveraging RFID-based recursive algorithms and machine learning-based custom object detection to automate inventory management on construction worksites. 

Umer plans on completing his doctorate in summer 2025, then pursuing an academic career. He is quick to point out that his desire to teach has gained a new urgency and focus as a result of his experiences with several members of the BSCI faculty.

“Undoubtably, Dr. Wetzel has been a mentor and guide, and he has often shared how to be a great academician and researcher,” Umer said, speaking of those professors who have had a major impact on his Auburn experience. “I have learned so much from him that when I move into a similar faculty role in the future, I am certain that my students will benefit immensely from my training under him. I am immensely grateful for his support, guidance and mentorship.”

He also is quick to thank other faculty members—not only for the inspiration they have provided academically—but also for the personal interest they have shown in him and his family.

“Dr. Wesley Collins instilled a love of exploration,” Umer said. “He has always shown me a fresh perspective on all things, whether academic, personal or professional. Dr. Salman Azhar has been another mentor and guide. Through his vast experience, he has always advised me in the best possible way.

“Finally, Dr. Ben Farrow has made invaluable contributions to my Auburn journey,” he added. “I just do not have words to express how much I respect him. He has been there whenever I needed him; he has listened, given his time to address my problems and has always supported me so I can excel.”

Umer says his Auburn BSCI experience has far exceeded anything he could have expected.

“In short, my time here has been transformational,” he concluded. “The warmth, courtesy and inclusiveness my family and I have enjoyed has been the best part of our lives. It has reshaped how we see the world, and my family and I are grateful to each and every individual that has been a part of our Auburn journey. War Eagle!!”