TWO STAND-OUT
COSAM ALUMNI
RECOGNIZED WITH AWARDS
Goldstein Named Young Alumni
Achievement Award Winner
Veterinarian and COSAM alumnus Dr. Juli
Goldstein was named a 2013 Young Alumni
Achievement Award Winner by the Auburn
University Alumni Association. She received a
degree in zoology in 1999 and later graduated from
the College of Veterinary Medicine in 2003.
Goldstein complete d extensive training courses
and veterinary externships that focused exclusively
on the husbandry, care, assessment, and medical
treatment of stranded and captive marine mammals.
She also trained at many marine facilities including
the Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, Calif.,
Dolphin Quest Hawaii and Oahu, as well as the
Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. Upon graduation
from Auburn University, Goldstein began a career
focused on marine mammals at the renowned
Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute’s Marine
Mammal Research and Conservation Program,
first as a volunteer, then as a post-doc. By 2008, she
was promoted to chief veterinarian and medical
manager and was soon named associate research
professor at Florida Atlantic University.
For over a decade, she provided rehabilitative
care to sick and injured marine animals, led a
NOAA-funded project to investigate heart disease
in whales, and managed dolphin health and
environmental risk assessments in the Southeast.
Many of her research findings have been published
in noted peer-reviewed journals and help guide and
evaluate environmental management strategies.
Currently, she is an attending veterinarian for
both Florida’s Smithsonian Field Station and the
new Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute in Port
St. Lucie, all while continuing to practice small
animal medicine. Goldstein travels internationally
as a consulting veterinarian for the Born Free
Foundation, along with numerous marine rescue
organizations. Many of her exploits and rescues
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Journey/2014
have been featured on nationally syndicated
television documentaries and feature films. She was
one of the veterinarians for the dolphin, Winter,
featured in the film, Dolphin Tale, and plays herself
in the recenlty released sequel, Dolphin Tale 2.
As the reigning Ms. USA Petite, Goldstein
lectures on issues concerning both human and
animal health. Her goal is to increase awareness
and encourage the public to save our oceans, lakes,
rivers, and wetlands by embracing the concept of
“Going Blue.”
Following the recent death of her beloved golden
retriever, Stryder, Goldstein established a nonprofit foundation to financially and emotionally
support those going through cancer treatment with
their pets. Stryder was her constant companion at
Auburn, where he was diagnosed and first received
treatment. Her goal is to develop a local pet
bereavement group, create a nationwide hotline for
grief counseling, and eventually establish a hospice
care and pain management center associated with
the Stryder Cancer Foundation.
An active member of her community, Goldstein
is a member of the Junior League, the SPCA
International Global Animal Rescue, and the
Humane Society. She enjoys speaking to local Boys
and Girls Clubs and other youth-based ventures
to encourage today’s youth to get an education and
pursue their dreams.
Despite her many commitments, Goldstein
always finds time to run. She began this hobby as
an Auburn student and is still an avid marathon
and ultra marathon runner. She has competed in
the Boston Marathon, numerous 50-mile ultramarathons, and two 100-mile ultra-marathons. In
2011, ABC’s Nightline documented her efforts to
run the 150K Jungle Marathon through the heart
of the Amazon to raise awareness and funds for the
Stryder Cancer Foundation.
Goldstein recognizes Auburn University, the
faculty, and fellow students for providing such a
challenging and rewarding environment.
“From the time I was a little
girl I knew that my calling was
to become a veterinarian,
and from the day I made my
first visit to Auburn I knew
I was home. What I did not
know at such a young age
was the broad reach and
opportunities in the field
of veterinary medicine. My
undergraduate degree with
COSAM in zoology was an
essential foundation for my
understanding of the many
facets of animal biology, and
the entire animal kingdom,”
said Goldstein.
“In addition, the support and guidance I received
from my COSAM mentors and professors, as
well as the entire Auburn Family, was essential to
my success through my years at Auburn and as a
practicing veterinarian.”
For more information on the Stryder Cancer
Foundation, go to: www.wagstrong.org.
Morris Named COSAM
Distinguished Alumna
Nancy Mitchell Morris, a native of Griffin, Ga.,
was named the 2013 COSAM Distinguished
Alumna. Morris received a bachelor’s in chemistry
and education from LaGrange College prior to
earning a master’s in inorganic and analytical
chemistry from Auburn University. Her education
prepared her for a 30-year career with the U.S.
Department of Agriculture.
As a research chemist with the USDA, she used
spectroscopic techniques to study agricultural
products, chemically modified products, and their
interaction with the environment. Morris’ research
has been reported in more than 60 publications and
presented at more than 40 conferences, national
and international.
In 1977, Morris was a member of the Technical
Paper Competition Committee, which won
second place at the American Association of
Textile Chemists and Colorists National Technical
Conference in Atlanta. She received the USDA
Award for Overall Research Performance in
1983, and is a three-time recipient of the USDA
Appreciation Award for Performance. In 1991, she
was presented the Superior Service Award for the
USDA, an award she would receive for the next
six years. Once listed in the Outstanding Young
Women of America, Morris is a member of Iota
Sigma Pi, which is the chemistry honor society
for women, and Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research
Society.
She met her late husband, Cletus, in the chemistry
library at Auburn. As students, they spent many
hours together in Ross Hall where they discovered
a shared love of chemistry research. Each spent
rewarding careers as distinguished researchers at
the USDA Southern Regional Research Center in
New Orleans.
While in New Orleans, Morris organized “Fun
Sciences for Families,” a joint venture of the
American Chemical Society, Jefferson Parish
Schools, and local scientists. She served on several
advisory committees in the Jefferson Parish
School System and headed the fir st “Take Your
Daughter to Work Day” in 1995.
Even in retirement, Morris stays busy as an
integral part of many historical, civic, and
philanthropic organizations. She is a charter
member of COSAM’s Society of Women
in Sciences and Mathematics, and she has
established scholarships in COSAM, including
one in memory of her husband.
Morris is the ninth person to receive the
award that is given out yearly to recognize
outstanding COSAM alumni. To be eligible
for consideration, candidates will have
achieved significant stature in their chosen
field, whether business, academic, military, or
government. In addition, nominees should
have a history of commitment to Auburn
University and COSAM, such as working with
alumni, fundraising endeavors, and/or personal
financial support. Nominations are welcome
from COSAM alumni and the general public
and must be received by May 1. For more
information, contact the COSAM Office of
Development at 334.844.2931.
College of Sciences and Mathematics
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