Debbie Folkerts, assistant professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, has been selected as a recipient of the 2014 Gerald and Emily Leischuck Endowed Presidential Awards for Excellence in Teaching. Folkerts began teaching at Auburn in 1986 and has since taught 18 different courses at freshman, senior and graduate levels. Her small research program allows graduate students to study the biology and conservation of pitcher plants and their interactions with insects and other arthropods.

“Teaching has been the emphasis of my career, so naturally the Leischuck Award is a crowning glory for me,” said Folkerts. “More importantly, this award tells me that Auburn University is an institution that values quality teaching.”

While in Mobile Bay on a turtle survey, David Steen, a research fellow with the Alabama Natural Heritage Program at Auburn University, gave mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to a turtle. Steen saved the life of an adult female Florida cooter submerged in a trap. To read the story and watch the video, visit the website. 

Vince Ortiz, professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, has been selected as the 2014 Stanley C. Israel Award winner for the Southeast Region of the American Chemical Society. The award recognizes individuals who have advanced diversity in chemical sciences and significantly stimulated or fostered activities that promote inclusiveness within the region and provides a $1,000 honorarium to the recipient. Ortiz will be presented the award at the October 2014 meeting of the Southeast Region of the American Chemical Society.