Auburn biology education leads NSF grant to determine what makes an effective scientific role model

Scientific role models increase student success in their science courses as well as inspire students to pursue science careers. The Ballen Lab at Auburn University has completed significant research demonstrating that role models with diverse identities are lacking in undergraduate biology classrooms. Students with identities that are not represented in their undergraduate science courses do not have many opportunities to see themselves in science careers and as scientific leaders.

“I am excited to collaborate with researchers at Michigan State University to identify factors that improve equity and success in undergraduate STEM education. Our research will investigate how and why role models are critically important for students,” said Cissy Ballen, associate professor in the Department of Biological Sciences.

The team, led by Ballen, was awarded $1.5 million from the National Science Foundation’s Division of Undergraduate Education. Auburn's portion of the grant, which begins April 1, is $942,952.

Alumni Spotlight: Beth Beason-Abmayr receives first endowed chair for teaching at Rice University

Beth Beason-Abmayr ’90, an Auburn alumna with a bachelor’s degree in microbiology, has been selected as the inaugural Kathleen and Randall Matthews Chair in Biosciences at Rice University. She has taught at Rice for 26 years. 

“I am tremendously excited to be the first and only endowed chair at Rice University for teaching,” said Beason-Abmayr.

This honor is made possible through Kathy Matthews, Rice University’s Stewart Memorial Professor Emeritus of Biosciences.

“Kathy and her husband Randy established this endowed chair specifically for teaching and service,” she said.

And at Auburn University, Beason-Abmayr found incredible inspiration to teach from Dr. Larry Wit.

“Dr. Wit is a huge reason I am where I am today,” she said.

An emeritus professor, Dr. Wit is known throughout campus for his love of science and teaching.

“As an undergraduate student, I majored in microbiology,” she added. “Then, I took a course with Dr. Wit and his teaching style truly inspired me.”

Auburn University Hosts S.C.O.R.E. Robotics Events

The Southeastern Center for Robotics Education (S.C.O.R.E.) hosted three major robotics competitions in February, bringing 2,500 robotics lovers to Auburn University.

The competitions featured teams of students who spent months designing, building and programming robots on the VEX platform to navigate through a series of complex tasks. These tasks encourage students to apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills in a competitive environment, providing a hands-on learning experience.

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