COSAM Graduation Marshal pursues career teaching science and sparking excitement through community outreach

“As an undergraduate student at Auburn University, I personally saw how my passion for science can inspire others through K-12 outreach,” Grant Wilkinson said.

As the Spring 2021 Graduation Marshal for COSAM, he reflects back on the importance of outreach events.

Chandana Mitra selected for Auburn's Spirit of Sustainability

Chandana Mitra is an associate professor in the Department of Geosciences in the Geography program in COSAM.  All her work as a physical geographer and climatologist is framed through the lens of sustainability.

What do Godzilla, Ethan Hunt and Flash Gordon have in common? These legendary characters were part of an engaging class presentation in the Department of Physics.

In Godzilla vs. Kong, how intense is Godzilla’s atomic breath? In Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation, could Ethan Hunt really hold onto the side of an Airbus A400M as it takes off? In the 1936 Planet of Peril, is it reasonable to say that Emperor Ming could crash his planet Mongo into the Earth in a Flash Gordon serial film?

Students in Ed Thomas Jr.’s undergraduate physics class are finding ways to solve those questions.

At the end of the spring semester, Thomas gave students a challenging opportunity to ask questions from their choice of scenes from famous flicks.

‘Spring into Science’ offers children access to science discovery

Around 70 children in grades first through fifth recently had the opportunity to experience science first-hand at “Spring into Science,” an event hosted by the Auburn chapter of Graduate Women in Science.

Vulcan Materials supports student scholarships

Vulcan Materials Company recently donated $5,000 to COSAM. For more than 20 years, Vulcan has generously donated for an annual academic scholarship for COSAM students in the Department of Geosciences. 

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COSAM Today is published by COSAM's Office of Communications and Marketing. Questions? Send an email to mcg0052@auburn.edu.