COSAM graduate student Emily Churchman is first at Auburn University to be awarded a prestigious USDA NIFA predoctoral fellowship for $180,000

Emily Churchman, a graduate student in the Department of Biological Sciences in the College of Sciences and Mathematics (COSAM), is the first graduate student at Auburn University to receive a $180,000 predoctoral fellowship from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). Emily’s research focuses on microbiology and immunology in the context of fish health.

The award is for a research a project titled Evaluation of a recombinant Flavobacterium covae vaccine in conjunction with a dietary probiotic in channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus). The project has the potential to be a direct economic impact on the catfish industry in preventing columnaris disease and potential animal losses due to disease outbreaks.

“This research provides a better approach to prevention,” said Churchman. “Using vaccines and probiotics can help catfish farms keep their fish safe and reduce unnecessary losses in their stock.”

SCORE Spotlight: VEX GO Robots - Working together to learn and build new skills during the summer

During the second week of Southeastern Center of Robotics Education’s (SCORE) summer camps, participants were challenged to work together so they could compete with their robots. Entering second and third grade students built VEX GO robots and applied the engineering design process as well as math and science skills needed for continuous improvement of their design.

“I really enjoy seeing the kids persevere without giving up,” said Tina Williams from Yarbrough Elementary School. “They are building VEX GO robots and learning how to work as a team.”

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