COSAM News Articles 2019 April Auburn Inspires Faculty with New Leach Science Center – Elevating Research through Common Goals

Auburn Inspires Faculty with New Leach Science Center – Elevating Research through Common Goals

Published: 04/08/2019

By: Maria Gebhardt

The new Leach Science Center Addition will open this summer. The design of this building is inspiring faculty in the Department of Physics to think about how the layout will add to the team’s collaboration and increase opportunities ultimately elevating teaching and research.

“One strength of the Department of Physics at Auburn University that truly stands out is the collaborative nature of our research, teaching and service,” shared Dr. Allen Landers, the Howard Earl and Carolyn Taylor Carr Professor.

“Research within the Department is based on groups that are organized into subfields. For example, my work on experimental molecular dynamics is part of the atomic, molecular, and optical physics group. In addition, our faculty teach at all levels, including service courses for non-majors, undergraduate and graduate courses. Both of these organizational principles enhance our ability to easily work together on overall research and teaching goals,” he added. “Even our service and public engagement is a team effort.”

Dr. Landers is looking forward to being able to work with both faculty and students in the new Addition. “The new Leach facility will certainly enhance this culture, through its bright open spaces and multiple ‘collaboration areas’ that include group tables and glass boards,” he explained. “I envision walking through the new building and seeing my colleagues and our students working together to jointly meet challenges in both research and education, allowing us to better serve the College, University and community.”