How students relate to scientists impacts student retention: A $1 million NSF funds a study to examine data literacy instruction with direct connection to STEM

“Our previous research shows a demographic mismatch between aspiring undergraduate scientists and those who are presented to our students in curricular materials such as textbooks,” Cissy Ballen, the lead investigator for the award explained. “Now, we are seeking to understand how humanized and diverse scientist role models affects student interest, engagement, and retention in STEM.”

Bonus assignment celebrates Auburn’s longstanding tradition of Hey Day

“I asked my students to write a computer program that asks the user their name and then responds ‘Hey, user!’. It’s a fairly simple program, but it helps them learn while also having fun,” Laurie Stevison explained.

Governor Ivey appoints COSAM’s Mary Lou Ewald as a representative on the new Alabama STEM Council

“Mary Lou has made a tremendous impact in COSAM and in just 2019 led programming for more than 10,000 students, parents, teachers and community members,” explained Dean Nicholas J. Giordano. “I am proud that Governor Ivey has recognized her expertise for this new council.”

Auburn University industry-academic technology commercialization venture sparked by student job search

“Electrochemistry can be used to make very small instruments,” Chris Easley said. “One of our inventions is a generalized assay that can work for small-, medium- or large-sized molecules, giving us the possibility for rapid ‘dip and read’ methods that are attractive for point-of-care settings. However, for some clinically relevant analytes at low concentrations, background interferences can be an issue, so we also invented a modified electrochemical instrument that removes background and increases sensitivity. These unique measurements not only help my laboratory with sensing on microfluidic devices, but they also are well-suited for InnaMed’s realm, clinical readouts in human blood.”

Auburn's fall azalea sale

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COSAM’s Commitment to the Student Experience – COSAM Leaders

“The things I appreciate the most about the COSAM Leaders include their dedication to the group and their enthusiasm for service. I have only heard of one or two instances over the past year where a Leader was late for the 7 a.m. biweekly meetings. That is impressive to me considering they have demanding academic schedules and are often involved in other organizations on-campus as well. Also, at the beginning of this semester in August, some of the Leaders, both returning and continuing, expressed their eagerness to get back to campus and be involved in the transition (whatever that may have looked like due to COVID) into the fall semester,” said Monica Baziotes, the co-advisor for the COSAM Leaders. 

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COSAM Today is published by COSAM's Office of Communications and Marketing. Questions? Send an email to mcg0052@auburn.edu.