On The Cover

The ruby-throated hummingbird was photographed by biological sciences professor Geoffrey Hill as it passed through Auburn on a southbound migration in September 2012. Hill is the curator of the bird collection at Auburn University’s Museum of Natural History, and part of his research involves the study of feather coloration. See page 16 for a full story about the Museum of Natural History.

Journey Features

Former Interim Dean’s Message

Dean’s Message

Faculty and Staff Highlights

COSAM Leaders

Dean’s Medalists

Associate Dean for Academic Affairs’ Message

Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs’ Message

COSAM at Harvard

A New Home for the Museum of Natural History

Associate Dean for Research’s Message

Department of Biological Sciences Highlight

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Highlight
and Research Update

Department of Geology and Geography Highlight
and Research Update

Department of Mathematics and Statistics Highlight
and Research Update

Department of Physics Highlight
and Research Update

Alumni Updates

Development Highlights

Los Alamos National Laboratory

Director of COSAM Outreach’s Message

Outreach Highlight

Arboretum Highlight

In Memoriam

COSAM
Mission Statement

The mission of the Auburn University College of Sciences and Mathematics is three-fold: to teach by providing an environment that ensures excellence in the biological, physical, and mathematical sciences for the purpose of preserving, interpreting, and conveying existing knowledge; to research by creating, integrating, and applying new knowledge; and to reach out to others by fostering educational exchange within the university, the Alabama community, and society as a whole. The Auburn University College of Sciences and Mathematics is committed to providing opportunities of inclusion for its faculty, staff and students.

For more information on the Auburn University College of Sciences and Mathematics, visit www.auburn.edu/cosam.
Journey is published by the Auburn University College of Sciences and Mathematics. Issues are printed annually and are distributed to alumni and friends of COSAM. Inquiries, suggestions and news items concerning Journey should be directed to:
Candis Hacker Birchfield
228 Sciences Center Classrooms Bldg.
315 Roosevelt Concourse
Auburn, AL 36849
or
ceh0012@auburn.edu
Journey is paid for by alumni and friends of the College of Sciences and Mathematics.

Dean
Nicholas Giordano

Former Interim Dean and Professor of Geology
Charles E. Savrda

Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
Vince Cammarata

Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies
Chris Rodger

Director of Outreach
Mary Lou Ewald ’89

Minority Programs Coordinator
Bianca D. Evans

Manager of Development
Tammy Beck Hartwell ’81

Development Officer
Sherri Rowton ’90

Development Officer
Brent Percival ’07

Development Coordinator
Brook Moates ’03

Development Coordinator
Kim Couvrette McCurdy ’82

Editor
Candis Hacker Birchfield ’97

Graphic Designer
Jennie C. Hill ’03

Photographers
Candis Hacker Birchfield ’97
Jeff Etheridge
Melissa Humble
The Museum of Natural History