College of Sciences and Mathematics at Auburn University unveils proposed Centers and Institutes in Development

On Monday, March 11, the College of Sciences and Mathematics (COSAM) held an event to announce the Centers and Institutes in Development (CIDs) at the Auburn University Alumni Center.

“I cannot tell you how absolutely excited to see this many COSAM faculty here today,” said Edward E. Thomas, Jr., dean of the college. “These new endeavors will help connect faculty in our college and with other colleges at Auburn to seamlessly collaborate on bigger and bolder research projects.”

The alumni center was packed with faculty from all of COSAM’s five departments.

“Today, we are here to learn more about these proposed centers and institutes and help them achieve their mission towards world-class research at Auburn University,” said Mark Liles, associate dean for research and graduate studies. “Next, you will get to hear from each proposed center leader and learn more about how they plan to turn their vision into reality.”

Brian Counterman, associate professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, presented information about the Auburn University Biodiversity Institute. “Auburn University is a world leader in biological research,” Counterman said. “We are in a special place – the State of Alabama is in a world biodiversity hotspot, and with the incredible resources at Auburn we are well-prepared to lead in the preservation and study this diversity of life. This Biodiversity Institute will bring together so many faculty and students across the university.”

Bill Hames, professor in the Department of Geosciences, shared information about the proposed Center for Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (C3USA).  “Auburn University can make a significant contribution by making carbon capture a reality,” explained Hames. “Not only is Alabama directly adjacent to massive oil and gas production in the Gulf of Mexico, but two-thirds of the estimated US capacity to store CO₂ in the deep crust lies beneath the Coastal Plain from Louisiana to South Carolina. Through this proposed center, we can truly ‘Put It Back’ in our Earth!”

Evert Duin, professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, spoke about the proposed Center for Methane Activation and Utilization. “We are excited to develop and speed up the implementation of processes that could help to reduce the overall amount of methane and carbon dioxide released into our environment and even absorb methane from the atmosphere,” said Duin. “By collaborating and working together we can move ahead with ideas to take natural catalysts and engineered microorganism as quick and cheap methods to convert methane in valuable industrial feedstock and biofuels.”

Evangelos Miliordos, the James E. Land Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and Marcelo Kuroda, the Thomas and Jean Walter Associate Professor in the Department of Physics, talked about the proposed Center for Multiscale Modeling of Materials and Molecules. “We are excited to further develop our research, teaching and outreach activities centered around computational design of materials and molecular structures,” said Miliordos. “We are looking forward to offering more educational opportunities to undergraduate and graduate students in computational modeling.” The proposed center has already been working on collaborations within Auburn. “We have partnered with faculty in the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering,” said Kuroda. “We want to enhance the ability of faculty and students to share their work, foster collaborations, and promote the use of state-of-the-art computations in research.”

Nedret Billor, holding the roles of both professor and director of the Statistics and Data Science Programs in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, discussed the proposed Integrated Data Science Innovations Center. “In 2019, we collaborated with computer science and engineering to start a master’s program, then an accelerated bachelor’s and graduate certificate in data science. All of these initiatives indicate our strong commitment to advancing data science education in this rapidly evolving field. ” said Billor. “Given these developments, we believe that establishing the Integrated Data Science Innovations Center (IDSI) is a strategic move to broaden these efforts university-wide, making sure our students and faculty are ready for future challenges.”

Mary Lou Ewald, director of COSAM STEM Outreach, and Virginia Davis, the Daniel F. and Josephine Breeden Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering, represented the proposed Informal STEM Center (iSTEM Center). “Our vision is for the i- STEM Center to support Auburn University’s land grant mission by creating synergy among informal STEM education, outreach, and research initiatives that excite the future workforce. The “i” in i-STEM refers to informal STEM, which means STEM initiatives that take place out of the traditional classroom setting. Our aim is to support and strengthen what already exists at AU by building an infrastructure that better connects Auburn’s expertise with the broader public through informal STEM initiatives.”

David Maurer, the Stewart W. Schneller Endowed Chair in the Department of Physics, gave insight about the proposed Plasma Science Center. “The Department of Physics has spent more than four decades as a leader in the field of plasma research,” shared Maurer. “This proposed center will unite these activities together and provide Auburn University with national and international recognition.”

Rita Graze, associate professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, discussed the proposed Synthesizing Training, Research, and Education in Stress Science (STRESS) Center. “We see the role of our center as promoting cross disciplinary research in Stress biology and also catalyzing efforts in undergraduate and graduate training in order to support innovative and highly productive research groups,” said Graze. “We will bring together stakeholders across the university to build new collaborations focused on Stress biology, contributing to our education, training and research missions.”

After the presentations, Liles announced three winners for logo creation for the proposed centers.

First place went to Brian Counterman for the Auburn University Biodiversity Institute logo, second place to Rita Graze for the STRESS Center logo and third place to Evert Duin for the Center for Methane Activation and Utilization logo.