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At APEX EXPO 2026, the next generation of industry leadership was on full display with the introduction of Aubrey Smith, the Global Electronics Association’s newest Student Board Member. She’s a third-year electrical and electronics engineering student at the University of Georgia and a first-year participant in the Emerging Engineer Program. Aubrey represents the curiosity, initiative, and openness that define tomorrow’s innovators.
In this interview, she shares her path into engineering, her interest in PCB design, and her excitement for the opportunities ahead.
Marcy LaRont: Aubrey, congratulations on becoming the new Student Board Member. How did you get connected with the Global Electronics Association?
Aubrey Smith: I found out about the Emerging Engineering Program by coincidence. My mentor during my internship emphasized the importance of using IPC standards in product development, which prompted me to look into standards organizations. That is how I found the Association and this program.
LaRont: It's impressive that you found the program on your own. Who is your mentor for the Emerging Engineer Program?
Smith: My mentor is Christina Rutherford. She works for Honeywell, and APEX EXPO is my first event with the Emerging Engineers.
LaRont: Have you seen anything that's surprised you so far, or that you have found particularly interesting?
Smith: What is interesting is getting a better understanding of the Global Electronics Association. I had learned some things on the website and talked with Charlene Gunter, senior director of the Electronics Foundation. But coming to APEX EXPO, sitting in the committee meetings, and meeting so many people gives you a much better understanding of what the Association is and all the ways it's helpful.
LaRont: Yes, attending an APEX EXPO for the first time is illuminating about our industry across the board. What first sparked your interest in electronics or engineering?
Smith: My dad is an engineer, although not an electrical engineer, but he does things on the side in addition to his core discipline. Most engineers don't just stay in their lane. When I was younger, it frustrated me not being able to understand what he was doing. I figured, you know what, I can do this, I can figure it out. Now I am studying at UGA. It wasn't just the frustration that drove my interest. When I watched movies, I always thought it would be really neat to be the person operating and fixing the spaceship,
LaRont: I think there's a specific kind of brain that just has to solve problems, and we want those brains in engineering, so that's great to hear. What technologies excite you right now?
Smith: I'm very early on in my journey so it's hard to narrow it down. An engineer I met here told me not to limit myself too early. You don't want to count something out based on a first impression of a field that you haven't yet immersed yourself in. But so far, my preliminary interest is in PCB design. That's what I did in my internship.
LaRont: That's excellent. We certainly need new designers coming into the field. What are you most looking forward to about this next year?
Smith: I am looking forward to the whole opportunity with the board. I get to meet new people, travel to new places, and see certain processes that I wouldn’t normally get to see. I get to step into a new world, and I think that stepping into new experiences is helpful because it lets you discover new parts of yourself. Of course, I am excited about going on the board trip.
LaRont: Some travel is definitely a perk. I wish you much luck and a great experience on the board this year. I will look forward to talking to you again later in your journey.
Smith: Thank you. It was nice to meet you.
