The results are in on Deepwater Horizon oil spill research conducted by an Auburn University postdoctoral researcher, and her study indicates microscopic animals at the base of the food web that were harmed during the 2010 oil spill have recovered.

COSAM recently announced the establishment of the Charles E. “Chuck” Savrda Outstanding Graduate Student Award in the College of Sciences and Mathematics Department of Geology and Geography. The endowment was created by COSAM alumni and friends in honor of Savrda to recognize him for his leadership in COSAM. 

For more than a quarter of a century, Savrda has served Auburn University and COSAM in a variety of positions, ranging from department chair and graduate program officer to interim dean.  Regardless of the role, Savrda’s true passions have remained constant—his love of the land and a desire to share this knowledge with his students. His efforts are easily measured in the subsequent successes of those who have been fortunate enough to study with him. Because of his selfless service to Auburn University and COSAM and his devotion to his students, the award was established and announced during the fall COSAM Dean’s Leadership Council in November.

“I was invited to attend the Dean’s presentation, and I was told I was to be recognized for my past service as COSAM Interim Dean. I expected a certificate, a plaque, or something of the sort … really, anything would have been a well-received but unnecessary gesture. However, I was taken by complete surprise when the true intent of my invite was revealed; the announcement that an Outstanding Graduate Student Award had been established in my name,” said Savrda. “This is an honor I am humbled by and extremely grateful for, knowing that in some way my efforts have resulted in a permanent mechanism to annually recognize the hard work and contributions of our students. It was particularly special to have in attendance family members, including daughter and alumnus Amanda, and other contributors to this endowed award. Despite the loss to Texas A&M later in the afternoon, it was a joyful day. From me, and on behalf of all future student recipients, I thank everyone who helped in various ways to establish the award. Hopefully, recipients of the award will be able to pronounce its name. Maybe it will become known colloquially as the “Chuck” Award.”

The award will be given in perpetuity to a student enrolled in a graduate program in the field of geology who demonstrates outstanding achievements in the classroom or in research as determined by the department. The award may be used by the recipient to offset the cost of attending class, pay for research or seminar travel, or purchase research materials or supplies.

For more information, contact the COSAM Office of Development at 334.844.2931.

Journey magazine, COSAM’s yearly print publication, is now available to read online. The 2014 edition includes information on COSAM’s new “Engaged in Active Learning” classroom, departmental highlights, faculty, staff and student accomplishments, and alumni highlights. To read the magazine, click here.