Michael Wooten and Christine Sundermann of the Department of Biological Sciences, and Leslie Cordie of the College of Education, led a hands-on study abroad experience in Swaziland, South Africa.

Seven Auburn students from a variety of majors, including plant pathology, pre-vet and pre-med, spent 18 days camping while doing fieldwork across Swaziland and experiencing different cultures. The Department of Biological Sciences provided support for two undergraduates from the University of Swaziland to attend the course, allowing an opportunity for cross-cultural learning.

To watch a video documenting the trip, click here.

Photo courtesy of Adam Brasher

Dr. William “Bill” Hansford, pre-med ’64, has received Andalusia High School’s Outstanding Graduate Award, an honor given to graduates whose personal lives, professional accomplishments, and community service exemplify the ideals of Andalusia High School.

Hansford is a longtime COSAM supporter and member of the Dean’s Leadership Council, along with his wife, Gerrie, laboratory technology ’63.

After his time at Auburn, Hansford attended the University of Alabama School of Medicine. From 1970 until his retirement in 2012, Hansford worked as a physician and medical director focusing on underserved communities in Texas, Arizona and Alabama, specifically in his beloved Covington County and the surrounding area. He provided primary care on a Navajo Indian reservation, which he calls a "life changing experience and the highlight of his career."

Since his retirement, Hansford has continued his involvement in various charities, educational organizations, his church community and his writing. He has authored a book, “Andalusia: A Collection of Photographs, Brief Genealogies, Histories and Events Prepared by the Author for the City he Loves and the People he Loves.”

Hansford was presented the Outstanding Graduate Award at a ceremony in his honor held in Andalusia.

At his graduation from Andalusia High School in 1959, he received the school’s Graduating Outstanding Student Award. He is the first in the school’s history to receive both the Graduating Outstanding Student and Outstanding Graduate awards.

The Hansfords reside in Shelby County, and have three children and five grandchildren. 

The College of Sciences and Mathematics’ Office of Outreach has long hosted regional Science Olympiad competitions for K-12 students. This year, for the first time, the COSAM Office of Outreach will host the middle and high school state competitions.

Science Olympiad is a national, academic, competitive science tournament. Participating K-12 schools develop Science Olympiad student teams who are coached and mentored as they practice for regional competitions across the country. Elementary teams compete at the regional level only, and COSAM will host a regional elementary school contest this weekend on February 4.

The state of Alabama middle and high school regional tournaments take place in various locations throughout the school year. Top-performing middle and high school teams at regional competitions will advance to the state tournament at Auburn University on April 1 and have a chance to be selected to compete at the national level.

“Auburn faculty and staff are dedicating their time and resources to running the regional elementary competition, as well as the middle and high school state Science Olympiad events, which will run concurrently,” said Kristen Bond, assistant director of STEM Outreach Programs for the College of Sciences and Mathematics. “During these one-day competitions, we will host more than 1,000 top students from all over the state of Alabama who will participate in events and courses that are interpreted and implemented by Auburn faculty. The events would not be possible without the support of our faculty. We have coordinators representing various departments and units in the college who recruit colleagues to organize five to six events from their disciplines.”

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Longtime COSAM supporter and Dean’s Leadership Council member Dr. T. Lee Baumann, has published a book, “The Drug-Free Restless Legs Syndrome Handbook.”

Baumann, a medical consultant and author, wrote the book after suffering from Restless Legs Syndrome, or RLS, much of his life. In his book, he shares drug-free alternatives to treating the symptoms of RLS.

Baumann holds medical certifications in internal medicine, geriatrics, and medical management, and practiced medicine for more than 20 years.

He is a “quantum spirituality” writer, and his first book, “God at the Speed of Light,” helped inspire the CBS television series, “Joan of Aracadia.”

Baumann has been featured for his writing and theories in television documentaries by Grizzly Adams Productions, Alabama Public Television, and has appeared on the popular radio programs "Coast-to-Coast" and CBC's "Tapestry.”

Although Baumann does not hold a degree from Auburn, he supports the institution both financially and through his role as a member of the COSAM Dean’s Leadership Council. He and his wife, Dr. Brenda Baumann, and five family members, have endowed five scholarships at Auburn. “God at the Speed of Light” is the name he and his wife use to endow the scholarships, and their giving does not stop at Auburn University. He has established a total of 32 "God at the Speed of Light" scholarships at various institutions in America and, most recently, in South Africa, where he was inducted into the University of Cape Town’s Chancellor’s Circle.

Baumann resides in Birmingham.

To order his book, “The Drug-Free Restless Legs Syndrome Handbook,” visit the website.