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Jack Janik’s time at Auburn University was shaped by curiosity, collaboration and a growing passion for tribology — the study of friction, wear and lubrication. As a graduate of the Honors College and the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering in 2023, Janik credits the university with helping him discover his academic interests and prepare for a career in industry.
Jack is wearing a blue suit with a white dress shirt and a patterned red tie stands outdoors in front of a white building with green shutters. The individual has multiple colorful honor cords draped around the neck and a silver medallion hanging from a ribbon. One hand rests on a black metal railing along a curved walkway bordered by greenery.

Originally from Katy, Texas, Janik said his interest in Auburn began early.

“I grew up hearing great things about Auburn, which sparked my interest early on,” he said. “When I toured the campus, I was immediately drawn to the welcoming atmosphere, the strong sense of community and the beautiful environment.”

Originally focused on the automotive industry, Janik majored in mechanical engineering and completed a co-op with Mercedes-Benz. However, his academic path shifted when he discovered tribology through research opportunities on campus. Through a contracted Honors course, he designed and 3D-printed thrust bearings for tribological testing, his first exposure to hands-on research.

Janik believes that “contracting Honors courses reinforced the knowledge and principles learned in his Tribology minor courses and allowed him to see the material come to life in a practical setting.”

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Finding Community Through Honors

Janik’s Honors experience extended well beyond the classroom. He participated in the Week of Service before his first year, an experience that introduced him to the Auburn-Opelika community and helped him connect with fellow Honors students.

“I saw the impact we had through our service, and it reassured me that I was in the right place,” he said. “I loved the experience so much that I returned as a Week of Service counselor, helping welcome new students and continuing to give back.”

As an Honors Ambassador, Janik spent time in Cater Hall, building relationships with staff and peers. He describes the Honors College professional staff as what “truly felt like family” and credits their support with helping him navigate life far from home. Janik also credits members of the mechanical engineering faculty, specifically his graduate advisor Robert Jackson, for shaping his time at Auburn.

“Dr. Robert Jackson had a significant impact on my academic and professional development,” Janik commented. “He was an excellent mentor who helped me build strong technical research skills and provided valuable guidance as I prepared for a career in industry.”

Jackson echoed that sentiment, reflecting on their collaborative dynamic: “Jack is a very hardworking and brilliant researcher and student. When we worked together on research, he pushed me to go farther and improve — qualities that are invaluable in a working relationship and remarkable in a mentee.”

 

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From Research to Industry

Janik’s graduate work built on that foundation, earning recognition both on campus and nationally, including the Auburn Master's Thesis Award and the National Lubricating Grease Institute’s Author Award for best paper.

After graduation, in 2024, Janik worked as a test engineer at Southwest Research Institute, focusing on driveline systems and lubrication qualification programs. He now serves as a technology solutions professional at ExxonMobil, supporting Mobil-branded lubricating grease products.

“My day often involves working closely with customers and internal teams to troubleshoot issues, improve product performance and identify new opportunities,” he said. “The role is highly collaborative and involves cross-functional work with teams in engineering, operations and commercial groups.”

Janik said the Honors College helped him develop communication and problem-solving skills that continue to guide him professionally.

“Serving as an Honors Ambassador taught me how to communicate confidently with people I had never met, explain new information clearly and respond to questions on the spot,” he said. “Those experiences made me much more comfortable in professional settings where clear and thoughtful communication is essential.”

Advice for Future Honors Students

For current students, Janik recommends building communication skills and pursuing hands-on experiences, such as research, internships or co-ops.

“Learning to work across disciplines and collaborate with others is just as important as acquiring technical knowledge,” he said. “Staying curious and adaptable will prepare you for a wide range of opportunities.”

His advice to Honors students exploring career options is simple: “Be open to trying new things and exploring opportunities that may not fit your original plan. Every experience has something to teach you. Stay curious, keep learning and trust that your path will come together in ways you might not expect.”