FACULTY HIGHLIGHTS JAKITA THOMAS
Jakita Thomas, the Philpott-WestPoint Stevens Associate Professor of computer science and software engineering, was included in Cell Mentor’s 2020 list of 1,000 inspiring Black scientists in America. The list was compiled by the Community of Scholars, a group of Persons Excluded because of their Ethnicity or Race (PEER) composed of postdoctoral fellows, earlystage investigators, instructors and consultants. “I am incredibly humbled to be included among this incredible list of brilliant Black scientists who are doing work on the cutting edge of science, technology, engineering and mathematics,” Thomas said. “Black scientists have been involved in most of the scientific breakthroughs and innovations that have occurred throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, from GPS to the development of the first gaming console with interchangeable cartridges to computer-generated imagery. However, their contributions and leadership have often not been a part of the narrative of innovation and scientific advancement. It’s exciting and encouraging to know that, going forward, Black scientists can be recognized and acknowledged for the role they have played and will continue to play in leading innovation here in America and having impact around the world.”
MICHAEL ZABALA
When Michael Zabala, assistant professor of mechanical engineering, started 3D printing highly customized braces for Auburn football players in 2019, the players and athletics trainers loved them and word got out. Now, that favor has turned into a startup business — XO Armor — with a home in Auburn University’s New Venture Accelerator. “It’s very difficult to 3D print strong materials. It’s traditionally been one of the most difficult parts of pursuing 3D printing technology, but that’s something we’ve figured out how to do,” Zabala told the OpelikaAuburn News. “We’re able to give these guys stuff that’s not only perfectly customized to their body shape, but it’s also extremely strong and can withstand all the abuse that it would see during the season.” Athletes can choose their gear, scan their bodies with the XO Armor app and receive customized protective equipment. The company also provides the option of putting 3D printers onsite in athletic training facilities for a faster turnaround time. XO Armor recently signed its first customer outside of Auburn University, another high-profile Division 1 athletics program, with this onsite model. 22
Samuel Ginn College of Engineering
Jakita Thomas (right) working with students in the classroom.
Thomas is director of the CUltuRally & SOcially Relevant (CURSOR) Computing Lab. Her research interests include exploring the development of computational algorithmic thinking, promoting access to health care information and services for under-served populations, improving reasoning using expert cases, scientific reasoning, complex cognitive skills learning and computer-supported collaborative learning. A noted researcher and leader in promoting equity and inclusion in computer science, Thomas helped launch the inaugural Black Women in Computing Conference, which has since morphed into a computer science education and workforce development organization called blackcomputeHER.
The XO Armor team has created customized braces for athletes in sports ranging from football to soccer to lacrosse. And interest in the company continues to grow from other collegiate and even professional athletic programs. XO Armor is uniquely fitted to the contours of an athlete’s body.
“The athletes like the feel and fit of the pads. The custom fit technology allowed the pads to be very inconspicuous under padding or clothing,” said Robbie Stewart, Auburn’s head football athletic trainer. “I believe this technology is something that can be used at every level of athletics for prevention and protection from injury.” Listen to our podcasts with Lauren Beckingham, Robert Jackson, Pradeep Lall, Frances O’Donnell, Nima Shamsaei and Michael Zabala at eng.auburn.edu/ginning
