Journey
2012
On The Cover:
Larry Wit, associate dean for academic affairs in COSAM, is planning to retire in
September 2012, marking the end of a nearly 37-year career at Auburn University.
Journey Features:
Dean’s Message 3
President’s Message 5
COSAM Leaders 6
Dean’s Medalists 6
Student Highlights 7
Faculty Highlights 8-9
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs’ Message
10
Larry Wit: An Auburn Icon Retires
12-15
Associate Dean for Research’s Message
Biological Sciences Department
Highlights and Research Update
Chemistry and Biochemistry Department
Highlights and Research Update
Geology and Geography Department
Highlights and Research Update
Mathematics and Statistics Department
Highlights and Research Update
Physics Department
Highlights and Research Update
Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs’ Message
11
16-17
18-19
20-21
22-23
24-25
26
Alumni Updates 27-29
COSAM Prepares 30-33
COSAM
Mission Statement
The mission of the Auburn University College of
Sciences and Mathematics is three-fold: to teach by
providing an environment that ensures excellence in
the biological, physical, and mathematical sciences for
the purpose of preserving, interpreting, and conveying
existing knowledge; to research by creating, integrating,
and applying new knowledge; and to reach out to
others by fostering educational exchange within the
university, the Alabama community, and society as a
whole. The Auburn University College of Sciences and
Mathematics is committed to providing opportunities
of inclusion for its faculty, staff and students. For
more information on the Auburn University College
of Sciences and Mathematics, visit www.auburn.edu/
cosam. Journey is published by the Auburn University
College of Sciences and Mathemati