What We Do

The Office of Undergraduate Research serves as a clearinghouse to provide information about undergraduate research opportunities both on and off the Auburn University campus. The Office of Undergraduate Research functions under the auspices of the Office of Undergraduate Studies and the Office of the Vice President for Research & Economic Development.

Lorenzo Cremaschi

Lorenzo Cremaschi is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Director of Undergraduate Research at Auburn University (Auburn, AL, U.S.). He received his Ph.D. from the University of Maryland (College Park, MD, U.S.) in 2004. In 2001, he was awarded his M.S. and B.S. diploma degrees from the University of Modena (Italy). Before joining Auburn University, Dr. Cremaschi was a post-doctoral research associate at Purdue University’s Herrick laboratories, followed by assistant and associate professor in the School of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering at Oklahoma State University (Stillwater, OK).

Dr. Cremaschi’s interests focus on buildings’ energy efficiency and sustainability, scalable thermal energy systems, water desalination and purification, and the water-energy-food nexus. His current research includes thermodynamics and heat transfer of low Global Warming Potential refrigerants, air dehumidification processes, frost and defrost, and moisture transport in thermal insulation systems. He is the principal investigator of several research projects and the author of over 105 papers. He revised three book chapters and gave several presentations at conferences, meetings, and university seminars. Dr. Cremaschi is the inventor of two international patents.

Dr. Cremaschi served as an associate editor for the Science and Technology for the Built Environment Journal. He has several honors and awards, including the 2022 Research Award for Excellence in the College of Engineering and the 2020 Exceptional Service Award from the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).

Dr. Cremaschi teaches Thermodynamics, Refrigeration, Renewable Energy Systems, and Cryogenics courses. These courses are offered at the undergraduate mechanical engineering curriculum’s second, third, and fourth years and the graduate level. Dr. Cremaschi advised 35 graduate students (14 Ph.D. and 21 M.S. students) and over 50 undergraduate students in academic curriculum and career choice. He also mentored 23 undergraduate students and 9 international visiting exchange scholars during research and scholarly activities. Dr. Cremaschi is the faculty advisor of the Auburn University ASHRAE student organization. He fostered several scholarships and awards for undergraduate students involved with research, including the 2023 Matthews fellowship program, which promotes engagement in undergraduate research by Pell-eligible students.

Dr. Cremaschi is the chair of the American Society of Thermal and Fluids Engineers (ASTFE) Executive Committee and served on the ASHRAE Research and Administration Committee. He is chair of the International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR) U.S. National Committee and the International Energy Agency (IEA) U.S. Heat Pump National team member. He has served on several technical and standard committees for 20 years. Dr. Cremaschi was the technical program chair for two ASTFE conferences in 2019 and 2021. He organized numerous technical sessions, panel forums, and seminars within ASHRAE, ASTFE, IIR, and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).

Lexy Barraza

Lexy Barraza is a third-year graduate student pursuing her Doctorate in Audiology. Lexy graduated from the University of South Florida with a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Science. She is a Graduate Assistant for the Office of Undergraduate Research. She is in charge of the mentor matching program, newsletter and editing for the AUJUS journals. Her research studies the effects of hearing loss on Hispanic cultures in Alabama. Lexy’s other on-campus involvements include being a Student Academy of Audiology member and an Auburn University Rural Health Fellow. In her spare time, she volunteers at the Chambers County Community Health & Wellness Center and spends quality time with her family in Florida.

Madison Russell

Madison Russell is a second-year graduate student pursuing her Doctorate in Audiology. Madison graduated from The University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communicative Disorders. She is in charge of processing and editing AUJUS highlights and articles. Her research studies the overall well-being of those with hearing loss in rural areas. Her previous research included services in rural areas to improve the accessibility of hearing healthcare. Madison is currently involved with the Student Academy of Audiology as the Fundraising Chair. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, spending time with her family, and exploring new cooking and baking recipes.