COSAM News Articles 2024 02 Black History Month series at Auburn University's Science Café

Black History Month series at Auburn University's Science Café

Published: 02/26/2024

The College of Sciences and Mathematics STEM Outreach office in conjunction with the Office of Inclusion, Equity and Diversity is concluding its Science Café series in honor of Black History Month on Tuesday, Feb. 27. Dean Edward Thomas will discuss charged floating dust and its role in shaping the universe. The discussion will take place at Auburn Oil Co. Booksellers at 6:15 p.m.

Science Café’s four-part series during the month of February highlighted the significant contributions of Black individuals to various scientific and mathematic disciplines.

“Too often, the people we chose to highlight during Black History Month are those we deem as icons, without recognizing the exceptional people that we have access to everyday. We’ve been able to utilize this series to celebrate the ongoing contributions that Black people in our own community are making in STEM," said Kimberly Mulligan, senior assistant dean of strategic initiatives and programs. "Our series aims to not only celebrate accomplishments but also to inspire future generations of diverse scientists, mathematicians, and innovators."

Chris Martin, coordinator of the series for the STEM Outreach office, saw the Science Café as a promising platform to highlight people of color, their amazing accomplishments and improve community engagement.

“I see Science Café as a way to continue learning post being in an academic setting,” said Martin. “It's been incredible to witness the enthusiasm from our community as we celebrate the profound contributions of Black scientists. This series not only honors their achievements but also serves as a catalyst for fostering inclusivity and diversity.”

In addition to Dean Thomas, the Black History Month series at Auburn University's Science Café has featured a lineup of esteemed speakers. Adrienne Duke-Marks spoke about the controversial trend of vaping. Rodney Tollerson, II unraveled the secrets of microbial control over Earth’s climate and Ash Abebe led a discussion on the enigmatic realm of artificial intelligence (AI).

The Black History Month series at Auburn University's Science Café underscores the university's dedication to fostering a culture of diversity and excellence in science education and research. The series serves as a testament to the importance of inclusivity and representation in STEM fields.