News
February
Future Pediatrician Takes Every Opportunity to Give Back to Community
02/26/2019
Auburn University student Katherine Buchanan believes in taking as many opportunities as possible to give back to one’s community. Katherine, a junior in the College of Sciences and Mathematics (COSAM), spends much of her free time helping others.
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Students Find Research Opportunities through COSAM Fair
02/26/2019
The Office of Student Services in the College of Sciences and Mathematics (COSAM) recently held a Research Opportunities Fair for COSAM students to showcase research opportunities available to them throughout Auburn University.
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COSAM Alumnus Shares True Meaning of the Auburn Family
02/26/2019
The initial feeling of belonging to the Auburn family captivates and motivates people from around the world to become a part of this growing community. Bhaven Sayania, Biomedical Sciences/Pre-Dentistry ’10, experienced this within the Auburn University College of Sciences and Mathematics (COSAM).
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02/26/2019
Hannah E. Correia will travel to Washington, D.C. this March to meet with members of the United States (U.S.) Congress. Correia, a Ph.D. candidate at Auburn University's Department of Biological Sciences, is the recipient of the Katherine S. McCarter Graduate Student Policy Award, which will provide her with an unparalleled opportunity to receive policy and communication training before learning about the legislative process and federal science funding. This insight during the Congressional Visit Day organized and sponsored by the Ecological Society of America, the nation’s largest community of professional ecologists, will allow her to discuss the importance of federal funding for biological and ecological sciences.
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Auburn Students Learn through Intercultural Studies in Peru
02/26/2019
The Auburn University College of Sciences and Mathematics (COSAM) offers students several opportunities each year to broaden their educational experience by studying abroad. This year, for the first time, the college offered students the opportunity to experience Intercultural Studies in Peru.
COSAM Student Advisor Katie Cooper organized the trip, hoping students in any area of study at Auburn would have the opportunity to gain knowledge they could apply to their education.
“The way we set up the syllabus and the assignments is we tailored it to each student’s major,” Cooper said. “We wanted them to really think about how they could apply it to their future career and their current major and find things in the country that spoke to them. I think they all came away with something very meaningful.”
Auburn student Neil Perry Spradley is studying Industrial Engineering and said she decided to participate to learn more about her area of study in a developing country.
“I went into it looking for how I could see engineering designs and efficiencies in other countries and how that works in somewhere like the city of Lima, which is so different than America,” Spradley said. “I was excited to see how they implement designs in everyday life compared to how we do.”
Ten students from an array of majors, along with Cooper and Dr. Kyle Kostelecky from the College of Human Sciences, participated in the trip. From Dec. 27 through Jan. 6, the students toured the city of Lima, where they visited the Government Palace, Archbishop’s Palace, and also took a ceviche cooking class; explored the city of Cuzco and visited the Korikancha Temple, traveled to the Sacred Valley, participated in a Peruvian weaving demonstration, and visited the Maras salt ponds; they traveled by train to Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu and toured Ollantaytambo and Pisac to Cuzco, and much more.
A guide accompanied the group the entire trip, explaining and teaching the students about the Peruvian culture.
“I learned so much,” Spradley said. “It was such an amazing experience.”
Cooper said she thought the group of students from different majors was a good mix on the trip.
“What I loved about this group is they all bounced insights off of each other and taught each other things about what each was studying,” Cooper said. “I thought we all mixed really well and it’s a really good way to mix a lot of different majors.”
Cooper said the trip will take place next year once again and students also have an array of study abroad options through COSAM, such as studying in Spain, the Dominican Republic, London and more.
“I think every Auburn student, whatever their major, whatever their circumstance, should have the opportunity to study abroad,” Cooper said. “It’s great to get them out of their bubbles, to enhance their education in different countries. My goal is to get students out of the states and to apply what they’re learning internationally.”
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Donald E. Davis Arboretum Receives Eagle Award from Auburn Chamber of Commerce
02/26/2019
At the 70th annual Chamber of Commerce meeting on Thursday, February 21, the Donald E. Davis Arboretum was recognized for its outstanding contributions to the Auburn community. Almost 700 people gathered at the Auburn Arena to celebrate the achievements of the business community in Auburn.
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Hard Work Pays Off for COSAM Senior
02/19/2019
Auburn University senior Will Cordell has put in hard work during his time as a student of the College of Sciences and Mathematics (COSAM), and it has paid off. Will was named “Outstanding Freshman,” “Outstanding Sophomore,” and “Outstanding Junior” for COSAM, maintained a 4.0 grade point average, was inducted into the Phi Kappa Phi Honors Society, and was recently accepted into the Auburn University Harrison School of Pharmacy.
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Panel of Professionals Advises Students on ‘Navigating the Real World After Graduate School’
02/19/2019
A room full of graduate students recently gathered to receive real world advice from a group of professionals during a “Navigating the Real World After Graduate School” panel. The panel, hosted by the Auburn University chapter of the Younger Chemists Committee on Jan. 31, addressed students in a casual setting in the College of Sciences and Mathematics’ Sciences Center Classroom building offering insight and advice on the many career options available to those with a higher degree in chemistry.
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The Path Not Taken: How a COSAM Grad is Changing the Perceptions of Medical School
02/19/2019
The typical path to medical school often appears straight and certain, leading everyone along a similar journey. This path is increasingly being challenged as pioneers on the medical school front search for a path less taken.
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COSAM Offers Student Support through PASS Mentoring Program
02/19/2019
The Auburn University College of Sciences and Mathematics (COSAM) works to ensure that all students feel supported and the PASS (Promoting Academic Success in STEM) Mentoring Program is one way the college achieves that goal.
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Support COSAM through Tiger Giving Day
02/19/2019
Tiger Giving Day is an annual event during which the Auburn Family is encouraged to offer support to projects they care about throughout the university. The College of Sciences and Mathematics (COSAM) has several worthy projects this year, and COSAM alumna Audrey Goins Cormier is encouraging others to support one that she considers life-changing for students.
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02/19/2019
Theodor Agapie is the fourth speaker in the Schneller Frontiers Lecture series in the College of Sciences and Mathematics (COSAM) at Auburn University. Dr. Agapie is a professor of chemistry at the California Institute of Technology. Dr. Agapie received his bachelor’s degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2001 and his doctorate degree from the California Institute of Technology in 2007.
Dr. Agapie’s presentation, Conversion of Oxygenated C1 Feedstocks to C2 Products: Mechanism and Electrochemistry with Molecular and Heterogeneous Systems, highlighted information about small molecule gases such as carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, and the importance of developing chemical transformations. He discussed binding and manipulating gases for beneficial purposes including creating renewable energy and helping to move away from synthetic fertilizers that are not environmentally-friendly.
“I am pleased to see that this lecture series is bringing scholars to campus who enhance the research profile of Auburn University,” explained former COSAM Dean and professor of chemistry and biochemistry Dr. Stewart Schneller.
Previous lectures include Melanie Sanford from the University of Michigan, Sarah Reisman from the California Institute of Technology and Shannon Stahl from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
This event is made possible through an endowment by Professor and Mrs. Stewart Schneller. The Schneller Frontiers Lecture series is an opportunity for them to personally give back to the university with high-impact speakers in the field of chemistry and biochemistry.
Watch the entire lecture online from Dr. Theodor Agapie.
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COSAM Student Sets Sights on Future as Physics Professor
02/12/2019
Although Auburn University student Sam Levenson has only been a student of the College of Sciences and Mathematics (COSAM) for one year, he said he believes he has found his future calling as a physics professor.
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COSAM Faculty Focus – Dr. Courtney Leisner
02/12/2019
Eight days after virtually interviewing with the College of Sciences and Mathematics (COSAM), Dr. Courtney Leisner gave birth to her daughter.
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COSAM Math Instructor Talks LEGOs®, Puzzles and Scrabble
02/12/2019
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COSAM’s Katy Crider is Auburn University’s Outstanding New Advisor of the Year
02/12/2019
Katy Crider helps students in the College of Sciences and Mathematics (COSAM) plan their coursework and prepares them to meet their future goals. Crider was honored on February 6, 2019, as Auburn University’s Outstanding New Advisor of the Year.
“I am truly blessed to work with the best students and colleagues out there,” explained Crider.
Auburn University’s Outstanding New Advisor is a competitive process. Crider was selected from a pool of talented advisors throughout the university campus.
“Katy is an exceptional advisor that makes COSAM’s Office of Student Services extremely proud,” said Dr. Beth Yarbrough, director of Student Services.
Crider, an advisor since May 2016, has received outstanding scores on every single question in advising surveys. Her scores showcase students strongly agree with an array of factors in her ratings including knowledge, communication and satisfaction.
“Katy is the personification of what one looks for in a model academic advisor,” shared Dr. Jack Feminella, associate dean for academic affairs. “She is knowledgeable, responsive, and collegial, and is always 100 percent dedicated to student success. Katy is a natural-born advisor and we are extremely fortunate to have her in COSAM Student Services.”
Below are survey comments from COSAM students highlighting their experience with Katy and her role as an advisor:
• Mrs. Crider is such an amazing person to work with because she is so down to earth, genuine, and kind-hearted. No matter how stressed you are, she has a way of calming you down and putting everything into perspective while offering the best support and guidance possible. Whenever I meet with her, I always feel more at ease and confident in my decisions because of her help!
• Since having Mrs. Crider as my advisor she has encouraged me to better myself as a student and scientist. She's always been willing to talk with me about any COSAM questions I have and encouraged me to apply for opportunities like my internships and the research symposium. I appreciate everything she's done for me and that she is an advisor who genuinely cares about her students.
• Please, when I transferred to Auburn, I was lost, I mean I knew the classes I had to take but I never had the right guidance and Mrs. Katy helped me with that. She might be one of the best advisors at COSAM to others but to me she is the best. She reminds her students about registration times and the best path to take. Mrs. Katy went to Auburn therefore she also understands the hurdles of her students. Unlike some advisors that try to convince their students to pursue other majors because of one bad semester, Mrs. Katy encourages her students, being aware that University is hard and frustrating but that doesn't mean it is impossible. Her respect and understanding for her students and steering them the right way in their course of study for the best possible outcome is what I admire the most.
• I have worked closely with Mrs. Crider for only a short amount of time, however within that time, she has been nothing but encouraging and kind. Working with Mrs. Crider has been an absolute pleasure and I have appreciated any new ideas or advice that she presents to me. She truly cares for students immensely and would do anything in her power to advise them as needed.
• Mrs. Crider was more than an advisor to me during my time at Auburn. She was a listener, anytime I needed to talk about something whether it be school related or not, her door was always open and she always made herself available. She was an encourager, when I needed a little push she always genuinely believed in me. She always had my best interests in mind and I know even now after graduation she is still rooting for me!!
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Ms. Brianna Culpepper to receive the 2018 Andrew C. Connor Memorial Award
02/11/2019
Ms. Brianna Culpepper has been selected to receive the 2018 Andrew C. Connor Memorial Award. This award, established in 1984, is given annually to "the most creative undergraduate student enrolled in math classes," as judged by a departmental selection committee. Brianna is majoring in Applied Mathematics, Actuarial Science Option. She maintains a near-perfect grade point average and made the Dean's List multiple times. She is the recipient of a Protective Life Corporation Scholarship and has already passed two of the notoriously challenging professional examinations administered by the Society of Actuaries (required to attain certification as an actuary). Brianna will be recognized at DMS Spring 2019 Awards Banquet.
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More Than 1,700 Students Put the 'A' in COSAM
02/05/2019
The College of Sciences and Mathematics (COSAM) helps students find a successful path for their future careers. In the Fall 2018 semester, 1,785 students earned an 'A' in a COSAM course. The Office of Student Services is celebrating this accomplishment with an “I put the 'A' in COSAM” sticker set.
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Love of Outdoors Leads Alabama Native to Geology Degree
02/05/2019
Growing up, Auburn University student Tristan Orndorff spent a lot of time outdoors, camping with her grandparents. Her grandmother loved to tell her all about the rocks around the property they owned on Lake Jordan. Tristan said this is where her interest in Geology began.
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Dr. Anne E. V. Gorden and Dr. Paul A. Cobine Share Award-Winning Work at New COSAM Lecture Series
02/05/2019
COSAM recently hosted the first event in a series of new lectures to help showcase the work of its faculty.
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Inside COSAM Labs – Joanna Sztuba-Solinska – Elucidating the Mystery of Viral Long Non-Coding RNAs
02/05/2019
Inside the lab for Dr. Joanna Sztuba-Solinska, you will find her and her team busy at work. Made up of one postdoctoral, three Ph.D. students, and five undergraduates, the lab is full of people and laughter, but also serious work.
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Message from Dean Giordano – February 2019
02/05/2019
Being part of the Auburn Family provides faculty, staff, students and alumni with an opportunity to give back to help make our college stronger. Tiger Giving Day is an annual 24-hour fundraising event where donors can support a project of their choice that takes place this year on Thursday, February 21, 2019. The College of Sciences and Mathematics (COSAM) is sponsoring two Tiger Giving Day projects. First, students are traveling to the Dominican Republic to gain in-depth knowledge about water quality research with hands-on activities through STEM Global Learning Immersion for Diverse Experiences (GLIDE). In addition to service-based learning opportunities abroad, students are participating in rigorous coursework in the classroom throughout the semester to ensure a well-rounded experience.
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Former COSAM Student Helps to Lead NFL Team to Today’s Big Game
02/01/2019
A former Auburn University College of Sciences and Mathematics (COSAM) student will travel to Atlanta this weekend as his NFL team the Los Angeles Rams plays in the big game. LA Rams General Manager Les Snead is originally from Eufaula, Alabama, and grew up an Auburn fan.
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