STEM Done Differently

COSAM Departments Office of Academic Engagement, Innovation and Opportunity STEM Done Differently

STEM Done Differently is a two-fold platform on which the College of Sciences and Mathematics Office of Inclusion, Equity and Diversity (COSAM OIED) at Auburn University highlights the diversity of people, disciplines, and career pathways within STEM fields. The first of these platforms is an interview series where we explore the career paths of interesting individuals who have established themselves within STEM. The second platform is a newsletter that keeps current and prospective students, alumni, parents, and the community at large updated on upcoming events and other important information related to COSAM and the OIED. So, come check us out and see how STEM is Done Differently!

Our newest edition can be found here! It is a special issue that highlights three important members of the COSAM family. In particular, it tells the stories of Brittany Pomilee, OIED's previous intern who was integral to the 2020 STEM Summer Bridge Program's remote delivery; COSAM and Harrison School of Pharmacy alumna Dr. Ebony Jackson, who currently a lead Clinical Specialty Pharmacist at Cambridge Health Alliance, a Harvard Teaching Hospital; and Dr. Vincent Ortiz, the Ruth W. Molette Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Auburn University, whose specialty is Quantum Chemistry. They all speak on how they got to where they are today and offer salient advice to current students.

Our ninth article can be found here! It showcases Dr. Jamesa Stokes, Materials Research Engineer whose main project at NASA's Glenn Research Center focuses on synthesizing thermal and environmental coatings for gas turbine engines. She grew up in the area around Atlanta, GA before attaining her Bachelor's degree in Physics from Auburn University and her Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from Penn State. She's a mentor, a past recipient of the Fulbright scholarship, and she enjoys making art as a form of self-care.

Our eighth article can be found here! It features Dr. Jayne S. Reuben, Associate Professor in the department of Biomedical Sciences and Director of Instructional Effectiveness at the Texas A&M University College of Dentistry. Born in South Carolina, she earned her Bachelor's degree in Chemistry from Converse College before earning her Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the Florida A&M University. Furthermore, she was a founding faculty member of the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville. In our conversation, we discussed topics such as her history, her role as an educator and facets of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Our seventh article can be found here! It focuses on Rachel Fairbank, a freelance science writer based in Houston, Texas. She was born in New York, earned a Bachelor's degree in Biology from Cornell and began a Ph.D. program in Developmental Biology before she went through a life-changing incident. After this, she decided to change her path and pursue an MFA in writing from the University of Houston. She has been published in Salon, Vice Magazine and the Houston Chronicle, amongst others, and enjoys running and boxing in her free time.

Our sixth article can be found here! It highlights Ria Persad, who is a Presidential National Scholar and the founder of revolutionary weather forecasting company StatWeather. Born in Trinidad, she grew up in the United States and has seen success as a mathematician, musician, mentor and entrepreneur.

Our fifth article can be found here! It tells the story of Dr. Overtoun Jenda, Auburn Assistant Provost for Special Projects & Initiatives and Professor of Mathematics. Born in Malawi, his research focuses on homological algebra, but he has also done great work in the realm of student inclusion and retention. In addition, he is one of the founders of the Masamu Program, which facilitates mathematical research collaboration between Southern African and American institutions.

Our fourth article can be found here! It is a Special Edition honoring Women's History Month that highlights four Auburn University graduate students in various STEM disciplines. Specifically, we heard from Isanka Jayawardhena from Physics, Viktoria Bogantes from Biological Sciences, Jamonica Moore from Chemistry and Biochemistry and Steph Courtney from Geology and Earth Systems Science.

Our third article can be found here! It features Dr. Leslie Farrington, a retired OB-GYN from Jamaica, New York who now focuses on her second career as a healthcare advocate through the Pulse Center for Patient Safety, Education and Advocacy. She also leads the A.S.K. For Your Life campaign, which addresses health disparities and teaches patients applicable skills to take control of their healthcare.

Our second article can be found here! It highlights Darcy Corbitt-Hall, a graduate student at Auburn University who grew up in the Auburn area. After leaving for a few years, she returned to Auburn and is now working to complete her Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Studies. She is a scientist, trans person, advocate and teacher who studies peer relationships, bullying and social media support in relation to suicidality.

Our first article can be found here! It focuses on Dr. William Jackson, who is a Professor Emeritus of UC Davis and renowned Chemistry researcher. Born in Birmingham, AL in 1936, he attended Morehouse College and the Catholic University of America before working for NASA in the 60's and 70's. Furthermore, he is one of the founders of NOBCChE, which is an organization that focuses on diverse inclusion in the STEM fields, and continues to do work today.