COSAM Outreach

08/26/2026

Exciting research with an important outreach mission!
Dr. Chris Grieco’s lab is exploring conducting polymers that could help shape the future of flexible electronics including potential biomedical and electrochromic applications. And the lab is bringing that science to the next generation through Science and Math Outreach programs like Summer Science Institute and Destination STEM, giving Alabama students hands-on opportunities to explore chemistry and see themselves in STEM from an early age.
Read the full story: https://wire.auburn.edu/content/cosam/2026/07/140000-grieco-career-award.php

Dr. Chris Grieco’s lab is studying conducting polymers that could help shape the future of wearable biomedical devices, smart windows and other flexible technologies.

08/20/2026

Some experiences stay with us for a lifetime.
For Emily Antoniak, childhood adventures outdoors sparked a lifelong passion for science and education. Years later, Science Matters continues to be part of her journey — as a teacher, parent and former counselor.
Read about this wonderful Science Matters instructor’s full-circle story: aub.ie/antoniak

08/17/2026

Last week, a member of the COSAM Outreach team, Olivia Ray, got to speak to the 9th and 10th graders who are in the STEM Program at her old high school, Whitewater High School in Fayetteville, GA.

She shared her own science fair experience, from 7th grade all the way to her senior year of high school, when she attended the 2023 Regeneron ISEF in Dallas, TX.

She shared lessons learned, how science fair brought her to engineering, and what she does now as part of her work with ASEF at Auburn through COSAM Outreach.

Thank you Mrs. Shelley Kozlowski for having Olivia, and we look forward to seeing the work that your students do in STEM!

Olivia Ray WHS STEM Program

08/12/2026

With school back in session, we’re reminiscing on an AMAZING summer of Science Matters!
Our campers spent their summer exploring, experimenting and soaking up STEM in a fun, hands-on and informal learning environment. From fascinating creatures to robotics and everything in between, it was a wonderful summer!
Ready for a little summer STEM nostalgia? Read more about our 2026 Science Matters camps!
https://wire.auburn.edu/content/cosam/2026/08/101200-science-matters-camps-2026.php

08/07/2026

08/06/2026

✨In June, COSAM Outreach hosted another great week of Summer Science Institute! ✨

16 outstanding scholars explored science beyond the classroom through hands-on experiences led by Auburn and VCOM faculty and students. SSI Scholars participated in several modules, including searching for amphibians in Tuskegee National Forest, synthesizing color-changing polymers, completing Stop the Bleed Training, measuring avian antioxidant activity, exploring dynamic earth systems, and so much more!

Thank you to our COSAM faculty, staff, and counselors for making this week such a success. A special thanks to our partners at VCOM-Auburn for including our SSI Scholars in STEMM activities and more on their campus.

Congratulations to our 16 scholars! We can’t wait to see where your curiosity takes you next. 🧡💙

To read more about the program follow this link: https://wire.auburn.edu/content/cosam/2026/08/051300-summer-science-institute-2026.php

07/22/2026

The Anatomy and Medical Microbiology week at Science Matters had campers exploring the incredible systems of the human body through hands-on activities, experiments, and interactive lessons. They discovered how the body’s organs, muscles, bones, and other systems work together to keep us healthy and functioning every day.
Medical Microbiology campers explored the fascinating world of microorganisms. Through hands-on laboratory activities and STEM investigations, they learned how microbes grow and spread, how the immune system helps protect the body from disease, and how scientists use microbiology to improve human health.
We had special visits from VCOM Auburn where future doctors shared information about pediatric well visits, intubation and CPR techniques. Campers also visited an anatomy lab and met “Pearl” a SynDaver.
VCOM-Auburn

07/16/2026

During our fifth week of Science Matters campers had a blast diving into beloved stories for our Storybook STEM camp week.
This week campers used stories to design, build, and test STEM topics. From building their own theme parks, learning about the science behind lemons, and exploring math in soccer students had a ball creating and learning. They even had a visit from everyone’s favorite character, Aubie!

07/11/2026

Thank you to Dr. Potnis and her lab for hosting a wonderful plant-themed field trip for our Science Matters campers!

Dr. Potnis and her lab members Kylie, Ashley, and Zoe are hosted an outreach event on campus. The students learn about the parts of a flower, stomates, making plants healthy, and used microscopes to view and draw these structures, as well as yeast, mold, and Penicillium. College of Agriculture at Auburn University The American Phytopathological Society "Bravery is being the only one who knows you're afraid".

07/06/2026

Our most recent Science Matters camps had students learning al about plants, insects, and biology!

Our youngest scientists in Biology Buddies explored the amazing world of living things through hands-on experiments, building models, and investigating plants, animals, habitats, life cycles, and adaptations.

Our Bugs & Blossoms: Junior Entomologists & Botanists campers took an even closer look at nature by studying insects, plants, and the connections between living organisms. Through investigations, research, models, and discussions, they explored food chains, habitats, adaptations, and how changes in the environment affect the world around us.

Campers also had the opportunity to learn from experts through exciting field trips and special visitors. They explored the fascinating world of butterflies and insects with the Auburn University Museum of Natural History, met with an Auburn entomology professor, visited the Bio Dome, explored agricultural science with the College of Agriculture, and discovered native plants and water ecosystems during a visit to the Davis Arboretum with Alabama Water Watch.
From tiny insects to towering trees, campers experienced science firsthand and discovered just how connected the natural world really is.

AU Museum Of Natural History Auburn College of Agriculture Alabama Water Watch