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COSAM Celebrates Academic Excellence and Community at 2025 Honors Convocation

The College of Sciences and Mathematics (COSAM) at Auburn University gathered on Saturday, April 26, 2025, to celebrate its brightest scholars, dedicated faculty, and the lasting impact of a beloved leader during its annual Honors Convocation.

The ceremony opened with a warm welcome from Maggie Han, Ph.D., COSAM Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, who underscored the significance of recognizing both student success and faculty contributions.

Edward Thomas, Jr., Ph.D., Dean of the College of Sciences and Mathematics, delivered a heartfelt tribute to the late Stewart Schneller, Ph.D., former COSAM Dean and professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry, who passed away in April 2024. Schneller, who led the college from 1994 to 2010, was praised for his vision and humanity.

Schneller’s legacy includes not only institutional advancements but also personal mentorship and two endowed scholarships supporting students in COSAM and Chemistry and Biochemistry.

The ceremony continued with the presentation of the Dean’s Medal, awarded to top students across the college. Honorees included:

  • Chelsea Cochran and Ashley DeSilva, Biological Sciences
  • Campbell Farr, Maiya Felder, and Bennett Shrimpf, Biomedical Sciences
  • Ben Basta, Chemistry and Biochemistry
  • Melanie Newman, Mathematics and Statistics
  • Benjamin Lightfoot, Physics

“These students represent the highest caliber of achievement in COSAM,” said Han. “They not only excel academically but also give back through leadership and service.”

Hans-Werner Van Wyk, Ph.D., Associate Professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, presented the Dean’s Award for Academic Excellence to graduating seniors who maintained a perfect grade point average throughout their time at Auburn. “This is the largest number of students we've recognized in recent years,” he noted. “It’s a reflection of COSAM students’ remarkable dedication.”

Eric Hall, Director of COSAM Student and Career Services, introduced the Outstanding Junior Awards, given to students for academic performance, leadership, and community service. Honorees included:

  • Miranda Correia and Ada Forester, Biological Sciences
  • Amy Hudson, Emma Hines, and Parker Ensminger, Biomedical Sciences
  • Jada Conner, Chemistry and Biochemistry
  • Kyleigh Podjuban, Geosciences
  • Gabriel Quijano, Mathematics and Statistics
  • Charlotte Brown, Physics

Graduate students were also honored. Chris Easley, Ph.D., Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, recognized Riaz Uddin (Department of Geosciences) with the Outstanding International Student Award, and the Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant Awards were presented to Owen Henderschedt (Department of Mathematics and Statistics), Laura Oldfather (Department of Biological Sciences), and Samantha VanDenburgh (Department of Geosciences).

Kimberly Mulligan, Ph.D., Senior Assistant Dean for Strategic Initiatives and Projects in COSAM, presented faculty awards. Daniel Merrill, Ph.D., (Department of Physics) received the Outstanding Faculty Undergraduate Teacher Award, and Laura Bilenker, Ph.D., (Department of Geosciences) was named Outstanding Faculty Undergraduate Mentor.

The Student Choice Award, based on nominations by students, was awarded to Michael Seibenhener, Ph.D., Assistant Research Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences. “Students don’t just talk about his classes—they talk about how much he supports them and how great of an instructor he is,” Mulligan shared.

“Getting a STEM degree is not easy,” said Mulligan. “But you all make it look effortless. We are so proud of you and can’t wait to see what you’ll do next.”

The ceremony not only celebrated individual achievements, but also reaffirmed COSAM’s commitment to excellence, mentorship, and community.

 View photos from the event on Flickr: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCc9Y9