COSAM News Articles 2024 03 Women’s History Month: Learn who inspired COSAM faculty

Women’s History Month: Learn who inspired COSAM faculty

Published: 03/12/2024

Who are the women that inspired faculty in the College of Sciences and Mathematics (COSAM) to pursue a career in STEM?

Our faculty teach Auburn students and help mold the college for the next generation. But who are the people who encouraged them and shaped their careers?

During Women's History Month, find out the women who helped spark a passion for science and mathematics in these COSAM women.

Melinda Lanius, Assistant Professor, Department of Mathematics and Statistics

Melinda Lanius
Assistant Professor
Department of Mathematics and Statistics

“For me, being a mathematician is not only about my own math practice, but includes shepherding the next generation. While I was a graduate student at UIUC, my dissertation advisor Dr. Pierre Albin guided my research skill development and Dr. Jennifer McNeilly guided my development as a math educator. Jennifer fostered a community of practice, where more experienced instructors advised novices and demonstrated various classroom skills by co-teaching recitation sections. Within the shelter of this community, I made mistakes and received the prompt feedback I needed to grow and progress in my teaching practice. It is because I have skills in both teaching and research that I have found continuing career success. With the growing demands on college and university mathematicians, who must be highly skilled educators as well as productive researchers, programs such as Jennifer’s are vital to the professional preparation of graduate students.”

Min Zhong, Senior Lecturer, Department of Biological Sciences

Min Zhong
Senior Lecturer
Department of Biological Sciences

"When I was an undergraduate studying biology in my home country, a woman professor, Dr. Ying Bao, not only instructed me in plant biology but also motivated me to seek opportunities abroad. She has been a visiting scholar in both the U.S. and Sweden, and she recognized my potential and recommended that I should pursue a PhD in the U.S. which has advanced research in biology. Under her mentorship, I went to graduate school and then pursued studies abroad. She has been a role model to me and has shaped my career path in the field of biology.

In the middle of my career as a biology instructor at Auburn University, Dr. Karen McNeal, a distinguished DBER professor, opened the door to STEM educational research for me through a collaborative project in my classrooms. The way she observed and analyzed the classroom sparked my interest in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning field. This experience was truly eye-opening and has advanced my professional development towards becoming a scholarly instructor."

Adriana Avila-Flores, Associate Professor and Undergraduate Program Officer, Department of Biological Sciences

Adriana Avila-Flores
Associate Professor and Undergraduate Program Officer
Department of Biological Sciences

“Three women in my life have inspired me to become a scientist:

My older sister inspired and encouraged you to pursue science. As the founder and CEO of a genetic diagnostic company, my sister was a source of inspiration for me since my high school junior year. Spending time in her laboratory, witnessing the precision and dedication involved in conducting assays, left a mark on my career decisions.

Elizabeth Schwartz has been an exceptional mentor, offering guidance and support throughout my scientific career at Auburn. Her mentoring approach, characterized by a dedication to taking each task seriously, has been instrumental in helping me navigate the complex and challenging path towards tenure.

Throughout my entire life, my mother has been a consistent source of unwavering support, dedicating herself to facilitating my education since my early years. Her efforts, time, and energy have played a pivotal role in shaping my academic success.”