What sets you apart? What makes you unique? The COSAM Social Media Ambassadors strive to showcase inclusion and diversity within the college in this short video where students display what they feel makes them stand out.

“Along with highlighting the current diversity in the college, we hope the video shows the continual goal of creating an inclusive community within COSAM,” said LouAnn Crosby, a sophomore in biomedical sciences/pre-med and COSAM Social Media Ambassador president.

The project was funded by the COSAM Student Leadership Summit with the help of the COSAM Offices of Student Services, Inclusion, Equity and Diversity, and Communications and Marketing.

Auburn University sophomore Elizabeth Farrar will work this summer on a research project in Germany that focuses on the parasites that cause sleeping sickness, a disease deadly to both humans and animals.

April 23 to 27 is National Medical Laboratory Professionals week, and as such, COSAM is offering a summary of our Clinical Laboratory Sciences program, which is second to none. Our students enjoy unique exposure to a variety of fields, such as hematology, blood bank and parasitology. Additionally, they have a variety of career options and an opportunity to receive a degree and certification. Students also have a chance to gain hands-on experience in Africa.

Auburn University's Office of Development hosted Thank A-You Day last week, which provides a way for students, faculty and staff to show appreciation for donors. During the event, 19 stations were set up across campus where students could stop by and write a thank you note. Whether attending on scholarship, being inspired by great faculty, learning in state-of-the-art buildings, or getting opportunities for hands-on experience, every Auburn student benefits from philanthropy during their time on campus. Thank A-You Day gives the Auburn Family the opportunity to thank donors for their generosity and educate the Auburn community about the importance of philanthropic support. Thanks to the gifts of committed and loyal Auburn donors, we are able to see further and dream bigger!

COSAM Today recently got in touch with alumnus Dr. Cole Sterling who is an internal medicine resident at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. Sterling had a few things to say about his work and the impact COSAM has had on his success.

Alpha Epsilon Delta is the premier honor society for students interested in pursuing careers in the health professions. The Auburn chapter of Alpha Epsilon Delta hosted the 2018 Initiation Ceremony and Reception on April 10. The ceremony featured 61 new initiates, including four honorary members: Dr. Wayne Lee McLaughlin, a retired dentist in Auburn; Dr. Michelle Washburn Reed, a retired radiologist in Auburn; Dr. Jonathan Giles Scammell, assistant dean for admissions, professor and chair in the Department of Comparative Medicine, and professor of pharmacology at the College of Medicine at the University of South Alabama; and Michael Lamar Seibenhener, PhD, a research associate in Auburn’s Department of Biological Sciences. The honorary members are recognized for their selfless service and contributions to Alpha Epsilon Delta and health pre-professional education.

Alpha Epsilon Delta provides an opportunity for students to become educated about the doctoral and allied health professions, from the responsibilities and daily routine of various healthcare providers, to how to become a competitive applicant to professional schools. In addition, Alpha Epsilon Delta strives to promote a service-oriented atmosphere among its members and encourages students to engage in various community service and volunteer activities.

The 2017-2018 Alpha Epsilon Delta officers are: Peyton Camp, president; Jack McDaniel, vice president; Madeline Tucker, secretary; Leah Byerly, treasurer; Michelle Park, historian; and Graham Llivina, scalpel reporter. The faculty advisor is Beverley Childress, director of pre-health professions at Auburn University.

Biological Sciences Professor Robert Boyd was named the 2017-2018 Student Government Association’s Faculty Member of the Year. Boyd was selected for the honor by COSAM leaders in the Student Government Association for his dedication to students and service to Auburn University. The award is given to a faculty member that most demonstrates excellence in teaching, respect for peers and students, concern and availability for students, and involvement inside and outside the classroom.

“I’m excited to be selected!” said Boyd. “It has been both a privilege and a great pleasure to work with COSAM students here at Auburn University. They are an outstanding group and I’m grateful for this recognition.”

He received the award at the Student Government Association Honors Ceremony earlier this month. Congratulations Dr. Boyd!

The Auburn University Office of Special Projects and Initiatives, headed by Overtoun Jenda, assistant provost and professor of mathematics, recently hosted a GEM GRAD Lab and Graduate School Fair for undergraduate students. The event took place on Saturday, April 14, in the Auburn University Student Center. More than 200 students from 10 colleges and universities throughout Alabama participated in the event. Students enjoyed workshops and panel discussions focusing on topics such as why to attend graduate school, how to apply, and how to find funding. The event was sponsored by the Greater Alabama Black Belt Region Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (GABBR LSAMP) and the Making to Advance Knowledge, Excellence, and Recognition in STEM (MAKERS) programs, both funded by the National Science Foundation and housed in the Office of Special Projects and Initiatives. Participants also traveled to Tuskegee University on Sunday, April 15, to attend a joint GABBR LSAMP/MAKERS annual research conference.

Congratulations to COSAM senior Wesley Curles on receiving the prestigious Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award at the annual President’s Luncheon on April 11. The award is given annually to individuals who put service above self and demonstrate nobility of character. A Rhodes Scholar semi-finalist, Curles is a biomedical sciences major from Montgomery who plans to attend medical school. His undergraduate research studying Alzheimer’s disease and Type 2 diabetes in laboratory mice resulted in a potential causal link between insulin sensitivity and cognitive impairment. In addition to his scholarly activities, Curles competes on Auburn’s cross country team and has served as team captain for two years.

The Department of Geosciences will host a two-day event to commemorate Earth Day, a worldwide celebration in support of environmental protection. An Earth Day Symposium will take place on Tuesday, April 24, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the second floor lobby of the Student Center. The symposium will focus on student-led research that provides a look at many environmental issues facing the world today. On Wednesday, April 25, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., on Cater Lawn, the department will have an Earth Day Celebration focused on raising awareness of our environment and encouraging positive change. There will be games, prizes and pizza at the celebration, which is open to the campus community. For more information, contact Chandana Mitra at czm0033@auburn.edu.