COSAM News Articles 2022 March Katharine Lightfoot: 2022 Comer Medal for Excellence in Physical Sciences (Chemistry and Biochemistry) and Dean’s Medal (Chemistry and Biochemistry)

Katharine Lightfoot: 2022 Comer Medal for Excellence in Physical Sciences (Chemistry and Biochemistry) and Dean’s Medal (Chemistry and Biochemistry)

Published: 03/18/2022

By: Leslie Leak

Kate Lightfoot will graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry. She has also completed a minor in Spanish which has allowed her to improve her skills in the language.

During her time in COSAM, Kate has worked in the laboratory of Christian Goldsmith where she focused on superoxide dismutase mimicry by synthesizing quinol containing-ligands complexed to Copper and Scandium.

In 2021, Kate was named an Outstanding Junior in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry in COSAM. She has received the Dr. Roger W. and Mrs. Margaret Church Allen Endowed Scholarship, the Samuel H. Nichols, Jr. Memorial Endowed Scholarship, the William R. and Fay Ireland Endowed Scholarship, and the John J. and Lillie R. Beggs Endowed Scholarship. Kate is currently a member of Phi Lambda Upsilon - a Chemical and Chemical Engineering Honor Society, Golden Key International Honor Society, and The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi.

While at Auburn, Kate has served as a Peer Instructor in First Year Experience and Honors College First Year classes, acting as a mentor and guide for students during their first semester at Auburn.

Beyond academics, Kate served as the Vice President for Recruitment for Auburn Panhellenic where she was responsible for planning and executing all recruitment operations throughout the year, including Fall Formal Recruitment with over 8,000 undergraduate women involved. She has also served as an Emerge Team Leader and the Membership Recruitment Director for her social sorority during her time at Auburn.

Reflecting on her college experience, Kate stated, “Auburn has been my dream school for as long as I can remember. The Auburn family has made a large impact on who I am, and I am humbled to be a part of it.” As graduation approaches, she would like to thank her parents and family for being her biggest supporters in pursuing her dreams. She would also like to thank her research professor and mentor, Christian Goldsmith, for all of his help both within research and beyond.

Kate is soaking up all that is Auburn in these final weeks, and she plans to pursue medical school beyond graduation.