Office of Global Studies Southern Roots Symposium and Career Fair to spotlight breast cancer research, care and careers March 24

In the spirit of improving quality of life around the world and ensuring Auburn students are globally aware and socially engaged, the College of Human Sciences Office of Global Studies is set to host the Southern Roots Symposium and Career Fair on Tuesday, March 24, helping connect Auburn students to global health leaders while focusing on breast cancer research, care and treatment.

Amber Lawson-Boothby

Peggy Howland

Caroline Abi-Khattar

Mitch Marczewski

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Set to be held at the Melton Student Center Ballroom, the 2026 event is centered around breast cancer and the Southern Roots Cancer Initiative aimed at improving quality of life by connecting and highlighting leaders across the spectrum of cancer research, treatment and care. This symposium and career fair will provide an avenue for Auburn students interested in these fields of work to connect with industry leaders and recruiters from the vast array of careers in this space as well as local volunteer opportunities for students.

The Southern Roots event was the brainchild of Nicole Schiegg, an Auburn alumna and global health superstar. As part of her legacy, she endowed a fund with the College of Human Sciences to not only put on this event, but to also send students to global health events all around the world. Schiegg passed away after a courageous battle with colon cancer at the age of 45.

“Our team is thrilled with the panelists and organizations participating this year,” said Kate Thornton, director of Global Studies. “They include Mitch Marczewski, of the Nightbirde Foundation whose sister Jane won Simon Cowell’s golden buzzer on America’s Got Talent. Her legacy brings funding and gifts of hope to women battling cancer. We are also bringing Caroline Abi-Khattar who is a survivor, attorney and patient advocate, Amber Lawson-Boothby who is in her ninth year of living with metastatic breast cancer and Peggy Howland, a two-time HDFS alumna who runs a survivorship group at the Spencer Cancer Center here in Auburn. The College of Human Sciences’ own Dawn Michaelson is also participating and sharing her research on post mastectomy bra design.”

Howland said she is eager to participate in the Southern Roots Symposium and the full circle moment for her personally.

“Breast cancer has had a major impact on me, both personally and professionally, and so has the College of Human Sciences,” said Howland. “It’s a full circle moment for me for these two influential areas to intersect. My undergraduate FCD/HDFS internship at Baptist Hospital in Montgomery was working with cancer patients, and today, many years later, caring for those touched by cancer continues to be my primary personal and professional focus.”

The Southern Roots Symposium and Career Fair will begin at 2 p.m. starting with the symposium featuring a panel and Q&A discussion and is free and open to anyone who would like to attend.

The second half of the event will feature a job fair beginning at 3:30 p.m. with opportunities for networking, job fair open booths, volunteer opportunities and more.