COSAM News:

COSAM faculty recognized at 2011 awards ceremony
Auburn University held the sixth annual Faculty Awards Celebrating Excellence Ceremony on Oct. 4, at The Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center. Among those receiving awards were COSAM’s Jack W. Feminella (pictured top), professor and chair of the Department of Biological Sciences, and Narendra Govil (pictured bottom), professor and undergraduate program officer for the Department of Mathematics and Statistics.
Feminella was part of an interdisciplinary group that received the President’s Outstanding Collaborative Units Award for work at the Center for Forest Sustainability. The award is presented to Auburn University units whose collaborative efforts result in unique exemplary service or academic excellence within the university and the community. The center has been the focal point for over 65 graduate students and 35 faculty from eight Auburn colleges or schools who have developed interdisciplinary research projects focused on the impacts of urbanization on natural ecosystems. These projects have included socioeconomic, ecological, hydrological and environmental health components.
Govil received the Alumni Professor award. This award recognizes faculty members for research, publishing and teaching by awarding five-year, non-renewable professorships through the Auburn Alumni Association.
“This award recognizes my achievements not only at Auburn but also of my whole life, including my work at the Indian Institute of Technology in New Delhi where I worked for more than 10 years,” said Govil. “And there are many other faculty members in my department and in the university who deserve this award, receiving it makes me all the more committed to work harder, with full vigor and devotion, to justify this recognition.”
For more information, read the news release HERE.

Biological Sciences News:

SCB educates on birds, reptiles and plants
The Society for Conservation Biology, or SCB, a student organization in the Department of Biological Sciences, has been busy this semester. On Oct. 1, Biological Sciences Professor Geoffrey Hill took members of SCB into the field where he demonstrated a technique used to capture wild birds using mist nets (pictured). He then taught the students how to process avian species.
On Tuesday, Oct. 18, SCB gathered to listen to Jim Godwin from the Auburn University Environmental Institute as he discussed the university’s effort to reintroduce the eastern indigo snake in Alabama. Godwin discussed the history of the snake, the background of the reintroduction program, and members of SCB who have been involved in past reintroduction projects.
As a follow-up to Godwin’s presentation, members of SCB were invited to Conecuh National Forest on Oct. 22 and 23, where they were able to see the reintroduced indigo snakes, firsthand. While they were in the forest, the students also visited Splinter Hill Bog where they learned about the plant life that thrives in this unique habitat. For more information on SCB, visit the website at www.auburn.edu/scb.

Chemistry News:

Auburn researchers team up with Tuskegee University on NSF-sponsored Math and Science Education Partnership
Professor Curtis Shannon (pictured top) and Assistant Professor Christopher Easley (pictured bottom), both of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and Associate Professor Virginia Davis of the Department of Chemical Engineering, are part of an NSF-funded math and science education partnership led by Dr. Shaik Jeelani of Tuskegee University titled, “The NanoBio Partnership for Alabama’s Black Belt Region.” The partnership provides professional development to sixth- through eighth-grade science teachers in order to shift their instruction from conventional teaching strategies to the use of an inquiry-centered approach. The Auburn researchers were awarded $550,000 over five years for teacher training and curriculum development that focuses on the interface between nano-science and biology. Other partners in the grant include Alabama State University, the University of Alabama (Birmingham and Tuscaloosa campuses) as well as Central Alabama, Enterprise, Shelton State, Wallace State and Wallace State at Selma community colleges.

NOBCChE Conference coming to Auburn
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry will host the combined Southeast and Southwest regional meetings of the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers, or NOBCChE, on Nov. 11 and 12. Friday, Nov. 11, will feature a teacher workshop and student poster sessions, both at The Auburn University Hotel and Dixon Conference Center. Also on Friday is an open house sponsored by Auburn’s Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and NOBCChE, which will be held in the Chemistry Building and the Sciences Center Lab building on campus from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend the open house, which will feature tours of the chemistry labs and hands-on demonstrations. Also at the open house will be Victor McCrary, Ph.D., president of NOBCChE and Business Executive for Science and Technology at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, one of the largest defense contractors in the nation.
On Saturday, the meeting will take place at the Student Center on campus and will feature oral technical sessions, a science bowl for middle and high school students, professional workshops, interactive panel discussions, and student presentation awards.
The goals of the meeting include fostering communication and scientific interaction between people of diverse backgrounds, and building a community of professional support. A variety of age groups and experience levels will be present at the meeting, from school-age children to retired professionals. Additionally, participants will have an opportunity to interact with representatives of industrial and governmental institutions, as well as explore further educational opportunities. Around 100 participants are currently registered, including many from historically black colleges and universities in the region. For more information on the meeting, visit the following link: www.nobcche.org.

Geology & Geography News: 

Steltenpohl named chair of Geology and Geography
Mark Steltenpohl has been named chair of the Department of Geology and Geography. Steltenpohl received his doctorate in geological sciences from the University of North Carolina. He then worked for Stonewall Gas and Oil Company, Texasgulf Minerals and Metals, and the Geological Survey of Alabama before beginning his career at Auburn University in 1989. In 1999, Steltenpohl was named full professor and in 2010, he assumed the role of interim-chair for the Department of Geology and Geography. Steltenpohl has received numerous awards and honors for his work including: Most Outstanding Faculty Member, College of Sciences and Mathematics, 1993; Most Outstanding Faculty Member, Geology Club & SGE, 1994; COSAM Outstanding Teacher of the Year, 2006-2007; Auburn University Graduate Mentoring Award, 2008-2009; and Auburn University Alumni Professor, 2009-2013. Steltenpohl assumed leadership for the Department of Geology and Geography on Oct. 1.
“I am humbled and honored that Geology and Geography faculty have such confidence in me to select me as their chair,” Steltenpohl said. “I look forward to serving them, COSAM and Auburn over the next four years.”
For more information on Steltenpohl, click HERE.

Physics News:

COSAM hosts international workshop featuring nuclear fusion
From Oct. 6 through 8, COSAM hosted the 2011 Atomic Data and Analysis Structure, or ADAS, workshop at The Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center. This year marked the first time the ADAS workshop was held outside of Europe. The primary focus of the workshop was on using a process called nuclear fusion to make electricity. This process has no greenhouse gases, and it does not carry with it the problems that exist for nuclear fission power when storing nuclear waste. There are several large experiments currently underway worldwide, and some of the presenters at the conference discussed these experiments. The workshop also highlighted some recent astrophysics research. Presenters represented a wide range of countries including United Kingdom, Romania, France, Russia, Italy and the U.S. Notably, in attendance at the conference was Bas Braams of Vienna, Austria. Braams is a representative of the International Atomic Energy Authority and is the head of the Atomic and Molecular Data Unit. His primary responsibility is to support efforts of member states in research into nuclear fusion through the provision of databases of atomic, molecular and plasma-material interaction processes. For more information, visit this link: http://www.adas.ac.uk/workshop2011.php

Student-built satellite launched into space
On Friday, Oct. 28, the student-built satellite, AubieSat-1, launched aboard a Delta II rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base. The satellite was built as part of the Auburn University Student Space Program, which is led by emeritus physics professor J-M Wersinger. To read a full story about AubieSat-1, including video and photos, click HERE.

Alumni Highlights:

 Contact us!
We want to hear from you! Please email news on promotions, research, graduations, honors and awards, new jobs, marriage, children, and anything else that's new in your life to ceh0012@auburn.edu. Please include a photo.

Arboretum News:

Get your 2012 Arboretum calendar
The 2012 Donald E. Davis Arboretum calendars are now available for purchase for e-Journey subscribers. Calendars are $8 and feature winners of the 2011 Arboretum photo contest. Sales will open to the public on Homecoming weekend, Saturday, Nov. 19, at the Auburn University Bookstore. To reserve your calendar now, please contact the Arboretum at 334.844.5770 or send an email to arbinfo@auburn.edu.

Give birds the good life!
On Nov. 12, the Donald E. Davis Arboretum will host “Arboretum Days.” Arboretum Days is an approximately one-hour educational program designed for children age pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. The program begins at 9 a.m. at the Donald E. Davis Arboretum and features a nature-themed learning activity. The November event is titled "Give Birds the Good Life," and will educate participants on how to recognize the many birds that will make Auburn their home throughout the winter. Instructors will also teach participants ways they can help the wintering birds thrive, including instructions on how to make tasty bird treats. There is no fee for Arboretum Days but pre-registration is required. For more information on Arboretum Days or to register call 334-844-5770 or visit the website at the following link: www.auburn.edu/arboretum 

 Development News:

Logans establish endowed chair in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics
Don Logan and his wife Sandy (pictured left) established an endowed chair in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics.
The Logan Chair is designed to support superior faculty of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. To be considered for this distinguished award, the faculty member must possess academic leadership in the pursuit of excellence in teaching (undergraduate and graduate), research, and university and professional service (including outreach activities) within the department with each category weighted equally. Associate dean for research, Chris Rodger, was named Logan Chair. Rodger was selected by a committee appointed by Interim Dean Savrda, and he will hold this distinction for five or more years, or as determined by the dean. As the Logan Chair, Rodger is expected to strengthen and enhance the program of mathematics, and through the quality of his work, serve as a positive role model for students and colleagues. COSAM is grateful for the Logans' generosity.
"I am very honored and feel fortunate to receive this prestigious chair," said Rodger. "I appreciate the support and recognition that Don Logan has provided, and am in complete agreement with him in recognizing the four different aspects of research, teaching, outreach and service that embody a diverse career at Auburn University. I am lucky to actually enjoy contributing to all four areas, each having its own sense of satisfaction, and each feeding off each other to make my work overall better in some way."
Don graduated magna cum laude from Auburn University with a degree in mathematics in 1966. His achievements were recognized in 1997 with an honorary doctorate from Auburn, in 2004 with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Auburn Alumni Association, and in 2005 with COSAM's Distinguished Alumnus Award. He joined Southern Progress Corporation in 1970. Don was named president of Oxmoor House, its book publishing division, in 1978 and became chairman and chief executive officer of Southern Progress in 1986. Southern Progress, the largest regional magazine and book publisher in the country, was acquired by Time Inc. in 1985. Don was appointed chairman of Time Warner’s Media & Communications Group in July 2002 and he retired in 2006.
Sandy is the founder of the Society for Women in Sciences and Mathematics, a COSAM-based organization committed to increasing awareness of the opportunities available for women at all stages of their careers, supporting experiences to enhance the learning environment, and encouraging young women to pursue career paths in sciences and mathematics. She is also a member of the College of Human Sciences Women's Philanthropy Board. She and Don have two sons, Jeff and Stan, who are both graduates of Auburn University.

Byrums establish COSAM scholarship
David and Roberta Byrum  (pictured left) established the R. David and Roberta K. Byrum Endowed Scholarship Award in the College of Sciences and Mathematics.
The couple met while they were students at Auburn University and married in 1976 during their senior year. David graduated with a degree in Laboratory Technology and Roberta with a degree in Accounting. Roberta was a member of the Auburn University Marching Band and has enjoyed returning to campus to play the piccolo in the Alumni Band.
After receiving his Master's of Public Health from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, David worked the bulk of his career with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the Division of STD Prevention. Roberta received her Master's of Business Administration from the University of Central Florida and has spent her career working in accounting and finance in both the corporate and non-profit sectors. They moved around the country balancing two careers and raised two children, Laura and Michael.
David and Roberta appreciate the education they received during their years at Auburn and have also endowed a scholarship in the College of Business, the Roberta K. and R. David Byrum Endowed Scholarship Award in the School of Accountancy. The Byrums hope these endowed scholarships can help create tomorrow’s leaders by making the Auburn experience possible for deserving students.
“Both my wife and I went to Auburn and we thoroughly enjoyed our time there,” said David. “We got a really great education so we wanted to give back to the university and the people going there now. The scholarship will give others a chance to experience what we did, who may otherwise not be able.”
Future generations of Auburn University students will benefit from the Byrums' commitments.

Reception held in honor of interim dean
The Office of Development hosted a reception in honor of newly appointed COSAM Interim Dean Charles Savrda on Thursday, Oct. 27, at the home of Dr. and Mrs. Michael O’Brien.
Prior to serving as interim dean, Savrda served as chair of the Department of Geology and Geography from 2005 to 2010, and also as graduate program officer from 1995-2005. He earned his Bachelor's of Science in Geological Sciences from Rutgers University and his master's and doctorate in Geological Sciences from the University of Southern California.  A faculty member at Auburn since 1986, Savrda was promoted to full professor in 1995.
The reception was attended by friends and alumni of COSAM. To see photos from the reception, like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/aucosam.
Pictured from left: Interim Dean Charles Savrda, Director of Development Tammy Beck Hartwell and Dr. Michael O'Brien. 

Dinner honors young alumnus
In recognition of COSAM alumnus Mark H. Thomas being named a 2011 Young Alumni Achievement Awardee, on Friday, Oct. 28, the college hosted a dinner at The Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center. The award, given by the Office of Alumni Affairs, was established to recognize extraordinary accomplishments by members of the Auburn Family. To be selected for the Young Alumni Achievement Award, nominees must be an Auburn University alumnus, 40 years old or younger at the time of nomination, and have attained prominence in their business, profession or vocational endeavors. Nominees must have performed distinguished community service locally, regionally, nationally and/or globally. The individuals selected must be persons of such integrity, stature and demonstrated ability that the faculty, staff, students and alumni of Auburn University will take pride in, and be inspired by their accomplishments. The selections were made by a committee consisting of the Auburn Alumni Association Board of Directors.
Thomas earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics in 1995 and a master’s in 1998, both from COSAM. When he was offered a position as the lead software engineer in the systems and information technology group of TRW, his plans to earn a doctorate and become a teacher were put on hold. In his first job, Thomas developed software that builds, receives and processes external National Missile Defense, or NMD, messages. Through his success and contacts at TRW, he was recruited to join a start-up business which would become Radiance Technologies. As vice president of Gulf Coast operations for Radiance, he was a part of a company that saw 20 employees grow to almost 300. With the mathematical skills he learned at Auburn, Thomas increased the company’s revenue by millions, won $30 million in new business, and managed a team responsible for international support of corporate products deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan. In 2008, Thomas joined Security and Environmental Solutions, Integration Innovation, Inc. as senior vice president where he helped lead the company from startup to over $15 million in revenue in less than three years. Most recently, he has accepted a position as the director of strategic projects for CareCore National, the nation's leading provider of evidence-based specialty healthcare benefits management.
Active in his local community, Thomas has served on the Mobile Commerce Board of Advisors, the Gulf Coast Technology Council and the Mobile Executive Roundtable. He is an active member of the Mobile Auburn Alumni Club and a Lifetime Member of the Auburn Alumni Association. He and his wife, Kelly, have established a scholarship for future students to study mathematics at Auburn.
“It is an honor to receive one of the first Young Alumni Achievement Awards,” Thomas said. “The experience and education that I received from Auburn, and specifically COSAM, gave me the foundation and confidence to succeed no matter what the world sends my way. I am forever grateful, and I believe in Auburn and love it!”
Pictured is Mark Thomas receiving the award from Kate Asbury Larkin, alumni programs manager.

Diversity News:

COSAM hosts annual Minority High School Visitation Day
The COSAM Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs hosted the annual Minority High School Visitation Day on Thursday, Oct. 20, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the ballroom of the Auburn University Student Center. The event is designed to give high school students, counselors and parents an opportunity to investigate the exceptional educational opportunities, numerous career options and diverse services Auburn University offers its students. Participants met COSAM and Auburn University administrators, faculty, staff and students in a small setting. They also obtained information about the undergraduate admissions process, scholarship opportunities, financial aid options, academic programs, and academic and social support provided by Auburn. Additionally, potential students learned about the sciences and mathematics disciplines, including pre-health programs. Various student organizations were also highlighted, and the day ended with a guided campus tour. For more information, send an email to Bianca Evans, minority programs coordinator, at bde0005@auburn.edu or call 334.844.4642. 

Outreach News:

COSAM and Engineering host BEST robotics competition
On Oct. 8, the Departments of Outreach in COSAM and the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering hosted the War Eagle BEST, or Boosting Engineering Science and Technology, competition at Wetumpka High School. BEST is a robotics program that engages, excites and inspires students to pursue careers in engineering, science and technology through participation in a sports-like, science- and engineering-based robotics competition. Headquartered at Auburn University, it is the nation’s third largest K-12 robotics competition with more than 16,100 students from 860 schools and 6,000 volunteers involved. The War Eagle BEST hub is one of 47 located in 17 states. To learn more, check out the BEST Robotics, South's BEST, and War Eagle BEST websites. To read the story about the War Eagle BEST competition at Wetumpka High School that appeared in the Opelika-Auburn News, click HERE. Photo courtesy of the Opelika-Auburn News.

COSAM offers special Halloween program for elementary students
COSAM hosted a special Halloween edition of the Getting Under the Surface, or GUTS, program on Oct. 27. GUTS is an event for first- through sixth-grade students and parents. Participants take part in a 90-minute, hands-on science activity themed around an engaging science concept or topic in order to develop deeper meaning and understanding. The Halloween program included four course choices: GUTS of Halloween (1st – 3rd graders), GUTS of Blood and Diseases (1st – 3rd graders), Going Batty for Bats (4th – 6th graders) and Edible Science (4th – 6th graders). To see more photos from the Halloween GUTS program, like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/aucosam. For more information on GUTS and other COSAM Outreach programs, visit this link: www.auburn.edu/cosam/outreach. 

Student Services News: 

 COSAM Student Council update
The COSAM Student Council hosted two events in October. On Oct. 12, the group hosted a blood drive from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Roosevelt Concourse on campus. Then, on Oct. 18, the COSAM Student Council hosted a Town Hall Meeting. The meeting presented an opportunity for students to meet Interim Dean Savrda and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Lawrence Wit, and ask questions, voice opinions and offer suggestions on matters concerning COSAM. Among other things, those in attendance learned more about various student organizations, opportunities to study or conduct research abroad, and COSAM majors. For more information on the COSAM Student Council, click HERE.

Associate dean publishes textbook
COSAM’s Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Lawrence C. Wit, along with Matthew L. Goodwin, who received his doctorate from Auburn’s College of Education in 2008, recently published the textbook, "Biomedical Physiology." Wit has taught the renowned Mammalian Physiology course at Auburn University for more than 35 years, educating students on the core principles of medical physiology in a way that has brought critical acclaim to both Auburn’s biomedical sciences students and the university’s premedical program. The book was primarily written and designed for the students enrolled in Mammalian Physiology, as well as for others who are planning to pursue a career in the health professions. Goodwin, who is now a medical student at Cornell University, and Wit felt there was a need for a concise physiology text for students in medical school. The book covers the core principles on a wide range of critical physiological concepts, material that many physicians refer to as a cornerstone for their medical knowledge. The book also aims to help students gain a better understanding of physiology. This higher education textbook was published by Kendall Hunt Publishing Company and is available on Amazon.com. For ordering information, click HERE.