News
March
03/29/2019
Mr. Ismail Abdulrashid has been nominated as one of the COSAM recipients of the 2019 Outstanding International Student Award from the Auburn International Student Organization.
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Ulmer and Harrelson named Outstanding COSAM GTAs
03/29/2019
Ms. Kelsey Ulmer and Mr. Joshua Harrelson win this year's Outstanding COSAM GTA Award.
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Krystyna Kuperberg receives COSAM 2019 Faculty Service/Outreach award
03/29/2019
Dr. Krystyna Kuperberg is the recipient of the COSAM 2019 Faculty Service/Outreach award.Congratulations Krystyna!
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Love of Children Pushes Auburn Native to Pursue Dream of Becoming Pediatrician
03/26/2019
Born and raised in Auburn, Auburn University sophomore Hope Harris said she looked into leaving home to attend college, but never found anywhere she loved as much as Auburn.
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Auburn University Hosts American Mathematical Society Conference
03/26/2019
The most prominent mathematics departments in the Southeast region of the United States were recently represented during the 1,146th Meeting of the American Mathematical Society, held at Auburn University March 15-17, 2019, inside the Mell Classroom Building @ RBD Library.
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Auburn Inspires Faculty with New Leach Science Center – New Spaces Foster Discussions
03/26/2019
Dr. Marcelo A. Kuroda is inspired by the open spaces in the new Leach Science Center Addition.
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Congratulations to the 2019 – 2020 COSAM Leaders
03/26/2019
Eight new students were selected from more than four dozen applicants for the College of Sciences and Mathematics (COSAM) Leaders. COSAM Leaders is a group of 16 juniors and seniors from a variety of COSAM majors who serve as the official student representatives of the college.
“I am proud to have so many excellent students interested in becoming COSAM Leaders,” explained Dr. Jack Feminella, associate dean for academic affairs. “Students who want to participate in extracurricular activities will continue to refine their soft skills, which will help them navigate professional or graduate school and be successful in their future careers.”
The nominees participated in a rigorous interview process where the students were asked about their commitment and desire to represent COSAM at major events, and their ability to work with alumni, prospective students, faculty, staff, and administration.
Incoming COSAM Leader President Wade Jones shared what makes him most excited about his role, “The opportunity this group has to make an enormous impact on our college with the help of these new leaders is tremendous. I can already tell this is a dedicated group and we are all truly excited to serve COSAM in any capacity the rest of this semester and carry that same energy into next year!”
Congratulations to the 2019 – 2020 COSAM Leaders:
• Julia DeCarlo
• Kelly Dorsey
• Mary Braden Hendon
• Lucy Jones
• Wade Jones
• Xavier Kimbrell
• Leann Kopp
• Colin Mallory
• Abby Mashburn
• Nikki Panzica
• Will Pennington
• Ryleigh Randall
• Harrison Reeves
• John G. Smith
• Paul Willis
• Davis Voecks
Learn more about the experiences of the COSAM Leaders and the lifelong memories they make throughout the year.
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First Physics Social Hour Connects Students with Faculty
03/26/2019
“A degree in physics is a gateway that gives you so many opportunities in life,” said Pierce Jackson, vice president of the Society of Physics Students (SPS).
On March 21, students with an interest in physics had an opportunity to connect with faculty, learn about research opportunities and see updates about the New Leach Science Center Addition.
“Student Advisor Katie Cooper created this physics social hour where students can easily talk with faculty from the Department of Physics and network with other students,” said Will Pennington, physics major and SPS member. “It really is a great opportunity for us.”
In addition to speaking with faculty, students could look at renderings of the new facility and see photos from the latest walk-through.
“I am excited the new Leach Science Center Addition is designed for collaboration,” explained Will Bowers, president of SPS. “It will be convenient for students to have a new group study area that also provides us to work together after classes and interact directly with faculty whose offices are right there.”
Valerie Green, a volleyball student athlete is looking forward to taking astronomy classes in 2020 in the new facility.
“I want to be an astrophysicist and the new Leach Science Center Addition will have a telescope terrace with the chance to study the solar system like never before,” Valerie said.
Any student at Auburn University who is interested in physics or astronomy can join SPS.
“SPS is a group that offers friendship, support and encouragement to everyone,” shared Will Burdett, SPS member.
SPS has no GPA requirement and is free to join. Meetings are held every other Tuesday on campus. Members share an interest in physics and enjoy opportunities to talk about their current class projects, research interests and much more.
Students can learn about research opportunities including hands-on experience in labs, annual scholarship opportunities and events for students to participate in educational outreach.
“I enjoy learning the fundamental building blocks of physics,” said Lydia Mitchell.
Lydia, who is a new member of SPS, highly recommends other students to join.
“You can network with other students and have fun with people who have a passion for physics,” Lydia added.
Conner Robinson, treasurer of SPS, is thrilled to have a new meeting room in the facility where students will be able to gather. He enjoys the challenge that physics offers.
“I am a physics major because I enjoy the chance to solve problems and take on more complex material,” Conner said.
Students have options to pursue learning about physics with a double major or minor.
“I am interested in a minor in physics to help me succeed in my medical career,” said Khendra Lucas, a Biomedical Sciences major. “Physics can enhance my degree and help any student who wants to become a physician with a long-term advantage.”
Any student interest in finding out how to earn a double major or minor in physics should contact COSAM Student Advisor Katie Cooper for more information.
Students who would like to be part of SPS can check out the AUInvolve page searching for Society of Physics Students or email sps@auburn.edu.
To watch a live webcam of the Leach Science Center and learn more about the project, view the construction webcam page.
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COSAM Evolutionary Biologist Selected as Gutenberg Chair at Université de Strasbourg
03/26/2019
Dr. F. Stephen Dobson, alumni professor in the College of Sciences and Mathematics (COSAM) Department of Biological Sciences, received a prestigious honor as a 2019 Gutenberg Chair at the Université de Strasbourg (University of Strasbourg) in France.
“It is a genuine honor to have a COSAM faculty recognized as a Gutenberg Chair,” shared Dean Nicholas J. Giordano. “This award showcases Steve Dobson’s contributions as an influential scientist and will allow him to further advance his research for future generations to build upon.”
The Gutenberg Chair showcases international research collaborations and recipients are chosen by the Gutenberg Circle, a panel of prominent scholars. Only eight people were recognized as Gutenberg Chairs in 2019. Awardees who receive this honor are presented with 60,000 euros (more than $68,000) of which 50,000 euros are ear-marked for research.
“This international honor speaks volumes about the quality of education students receive at Auburn University,” explained Department of Biological Sciences Chair Scott Santos. “Students have the opportunity to learn from a professor who has been recognized on an international platform for fostering collaboration for his scientific research.”
As an alumni professor, Dr. Dobson teaches undergraduate and graduate biology courses at Auburn University, including ecology, mammalogy, and data analysis and computation for life sciences. As an evolutionary biologist, his research interests include behavioral, historical, and population ecology; population genetics; mammalogy; seabird behavior and ecology. Dr. Dobson has more than 140 peer-reviewed research articles. He served on the editorial boards of Animal Behaviour, Ecology and Ecological Monographs. Dr. Dobson co-published a book in 2018, Why Penguins Communicate: the Evolution of Visual and Vocal Signals. His current research at the University of Strasbourg focuses on the evolution of stress and ageing in social environments.
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Auburn Soccer Goalkeeper Pursues Passion for Rocks through COSAM
03/19/2019
Auburn University senior Sophie Milich began her Auburn career as a General Science Education student, but soon rediscovered her love for rocks.
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One Month until Third Annual Auburn Azalea Festival
03/19/2019
Just one month until you can celebrate the beauty of our very own Auburn Azaleas! The third annual Auburn Azalea Festival takes place at the Donald E. Davis Arboretum. Enjoy live music, food trucks, artists, local mystery writers and much more. The Auburn Natural History Museum will feature an interactive learning area with reptiles. The all-day event features a native plants sale beginning at 8 a.m. on Saturday, April 20, and all other festivities starting at 10 a.m. Guests of all ages are welcomed to walk around to learn more about this native plant collection and can purchase their very own Auburn Series Azaleas. More than 800 people enjoyed last year’s event showcasing one of the largest and vibrant Azalea collections in the entire country.
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Auburn Inspires Faculty with New Leach Science Center – Technology Transforms Astronomy
03/19/2019
The new Leach Science Center Addition is inspiring faculty in the College of Sciences and Mathematics (COSAM). Dr. Dennis Bodewits, an astrophysicist in the Department of Physics, currently teaches quantum physics and looks forward to teach astronomy classes in the new facility this fall.
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Area Students Showcase Science Projects at GEARSEF
03/19/2019
The Auburn University Student Center Ballroom was recently filled with more than 275 middle school and high school students over two days excited to showcase their projects for the Greater East Alabama Regional Science and Engineering Fair (GEARSEF).
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Students from the Department of Geosciences Receive Grants for Graduate Research
03/19/2019
Three students from the Department of Geosciences in the College of Sciences and Mathematics (COSAM) have received highly competitive grants from the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) Foundation Grants-in-Aid Program.
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Dr. Mark Carpenter awarded grant from Dynetics, Inc.
03/18/2019
Congratulations to Dr. Mark Carpenter who was just awarded a grant for $22,173.00 from Dynetics, Inc. The Project Period is 03/01/2019--2/29/2020, and additional funding is expected.
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COSAM Student Pursues Childhood Dream of Becoming a Biologist
03/12/2019
Growing up with a fascination for “The Crocodile Hunter” Steve Irwin, Auburn University student Kaitlyn Murphy has known she wanted to be a biologist since she was five-years old.
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Biology Students Collaborate and Compete in BioTrivia Contest
03/12/2019
More than 40 students participated in this year’s BioTrivia contest, a collaborative event led by Dr. Mark Liles, Dr. Paul Cobine, Valerie Tisdale, Kat West, and Dr. Robert Boyd. Five student clubs worked together to compete.
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For Two Consecutive Years COSAM Students Hold Miss Auburn Title
03/12/2019
The title of Miss Auburn is awarded to an Auburn woman who embodies the spirit of Auburn University and exemplifies the standards an Auburn woman holds herself to both in word and deed. She is a female ambassador, representing the university internally to the student body and also externally to the outside community, alumni and prospective students. Two women studying in the College of Sciences and Mathematics are the two most recent students to have been awarded the title.
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COSAM Offers NSF Workshop to Help Younger Faculty Excel
03/12/2019
The College of Sciences and Mathematics (COSAM) offered an opportunity for newer faculty to hear from seasoned members who have received National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER awards.
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VEX State Championships Recently Held in Auburn for First Time
03/12/2019
For the first time ever, the city of Auburn recently held the 2019 VEX IQ Challenge and Robotics Alabama State Championships. Hosted by Auburn University, the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation, and the Southeastern Center of Robotics Education (S.C.O.R.E.), the event took place at Auburn High School March 1-3.
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03/12/2019
Dr. Ming Liao, a professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics in the College of Sciences and Mathematics (COSAM), teaches mathematics to both undergraduate and graduate students at Auburn University. After completing his doctorate degree at Stanford University, he has spent the last three decades pursuing his passion. In addition to being a professor, his research interest involves probability theory including stochastic processes in Lie groups and manifolds.
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Learn about Two COSAM Researchers on International Women’s Day
03/08/2019
International Women’s Day is an annual campaign to strive for gender balance across the world. The day is celebrated on March 8 each year and this year’s campaign theme is #BalanceforBetter.
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Issa accepts position with University of San Francisco Data Institute
03/05/2019
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COSAM Student Plans to Serve Small Communities through Health Care
03/05/2019
Auburn University student Carly Westmoreland is hoping through her studies in the Rural Medicine Program, she can provide needed family healthcare to small communities like the one in which she was raised.
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The Lasting Impact of Meaningful COSAM Relationships: Audra Wallace, Biomedical Sciences ’12
03/05/2019
Audra Wallace, Biomedical Sciences ’12, currently resides in Boston, Massachusetts, but has always held close the tremendous impact the Auburn University College of Sciences and Mathematics (COSAM) has made on her life.
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Kosolapoff Award Lecture Series Builds Legacy of Chemistry Community at Auburn University
03/05/2019
Since 1986, the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry has brought together past and future generations of chemistry professionals through an annual lecture series, the Auburn – G.M. Kosolapoff Award Lecture, which is sponsored by the American Chemical Society, Auburn Section.
Speakers from prestigious universities including Harvard, Purdue, Stanford, Columbia, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have shared their research at Auburn University for this event over the past three decades. The 2019 recipient of this award is Dr. Sharon Hammes-Schiffer from Yale University.
Dr. Hammes-Schiffer spoke on February 13 on the topic Enzymes: The Engines of Biology. She shared insight about chemical reactions in condensed phases. The three areas of her research includes proton-coupled electron transfer reactions, enzymatic processes, and non-Born-Oppenheimer electronic structure methods.
After her presentation, she was presented with the Kosolapoff medal for her scientific achievement. Dr. Hammes-Schiffer is the John Gamble Kirkwood Professor of Chemistry at Yale University. She is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, the International Academy of Quantum Molecular Science and the Basic Energy Sciences Advisory Committee. She has published more than 240 peer-reviewed scientific articles and has been invited to more than 370 lectures.
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NPR Interviews COSAM Faculty about Tornadoes in Lee County
03/05/2019
Dr. Philip Chaney is an associate professor of Geography at Auburn University. For 21 years he has taught students about natural disasters and directly worked on research projects for Lee County Emergency Management Agency. Dr. Chaney worked with victims of previous tornadoes to understand their preparedness and how they responded during the storm. Recently, he researched potential sites for community tornado shelters including in the Smiths Station area where a tornado just devastated the local community.
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Message from Dean Giordano – March 2019
03/05/2019
Our mission of the College of Sciences and Mathematics (COSAM) is to support premier research in the fundamental sciences and mathematics. This work spans a very wide variety of topics, and has grown rapidly in both quality and quantity in recent years. One particular research area is now the focus of a campus-wide effort. This health science initiative aligns strongly with Auburn University’s role as a land-grant university and has the potential for major impact in Alabama and well beyond. In support of this university mission, COSAM is collaborating to align a team of faculty to provide a foundation for this comprehensive research effort.
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