Auburn University at Montgomery

Could Alabama Black Belt soil hold clues to better leukemia treatments?

AUM Distinguished Research Professor of Industrial Microbiology Benedict Okeke is leading a National Institutes of Health-funded study to find out.

Supported by a $403,640 NIH R15 Research Grant, Okeke is studying naturally occurring microorganisms from the Alabama Black Belt that may produce enhanced forms of L-asparaginase, an enzyme currently used to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), a type of blood cancer.

His research seeks to identify more effective versions of the enzyme that could improve treatments while reducing side effects for patients. The work may also have applications in food safety and biotechnology.

“The Alabama Black Belt's distinctive soil environment may harbor microorganisms with biological properties that have yet to be explored and could lead to new discoveries with medical and industrial applications,” Okeke said.

Read more about Okeke's study → https://www.aum.edu/aum-researcher-explores-alabama-black-belt-microorganisms-for-improved-leukemia-treatments/

How does the brain power itself? 🧠

AUM Assistant Professor of Chemistry Siva Sakamuri has been awarded a $249,818 National Institutes of Health grant to study how cellular energy production influences overall brain health, along with aging, cancer and neurodegenerative disease.

With funding from the grant, Sakamuri acquired AUM’s first Seahorse XFe24 Metabolic Flux Analyzer (pictured), a sophisticated instrument that measures cellular energy metabolism in real time, to support his research. The analyzer is among only a limited number of similar systems in Alabama, with comparable instruments primarily located at larger research universities in the state.

For Sakamuri, the technology opens the door to new questions about how changes inside cells may contribute to disease progression, particularly in the brain. He is conducting his study with an interdisciplinary team of researchers at AUM and Tuskegee University.

“We are interested in understanding how changes in cellular energy production contribute to aging, neurodegenerative diseases and other pathological conditions,” Sakamuri said. “By studying how cells generate and use energy under both healthy and disease conditions, we hope to better understand what drives dysfunction and identify pathways that could eventually lead to therapeutic intervention.”

Read more about Sakamuri’s study → https://www.aum.edu/aum-researcher-receives-nih-grant-to-study-how-cellular-energy-powers-brain-health/

, Fall Orientation is a great way to get a head start exploring campus & connecting with campus resources!

Join us at our next orientation session ⤵️
🗓️: Saturday, June 13
⌚️: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Register: https://ow.ly/rWgV50Z90iF

🎙️Know a high school student with a talent for telling stories that move, inspire and connect?

Encourage them to register for AUM’s fifth annual Audio-Visual Storytelling Camp, June 8-11.

Open to 24 Montgomery-area high shcool students, the free, four-day camp offers participants the chance to explore podcasting, television, voice acting and news writing while creating media projects they can add to their portfolios.

Register by June 1 to reserve one of the few remaining spots: https://auburn.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8knrIimcmKS73Ui

Learn more: https://ow.ly/n7w250Z5MsZ

The AUM Office of Advancement was honored to recently attend the retirement ceremony of Brigadier General Terrence Adams ’94 and present him with a university proclamation and a WWII P-40E Warhawk Historical Plaque.

Brig. Gen. Adams served as Auburn University at Montgomery’s Student Government Association President and as president of his chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He continues to serve as a proud alumnus, most recently returning to campus as the keynote speaker for Auburn University at Montgomery’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Reflections Breakfast.

After 39 years of exemplary service, Brig. Gen. Adams will retire from his position as the Deputy Principal Cyber Advisor to the Secretary of Defense and Senior Military Advisor for Cyber Policy.

AUM is incredibly proud of Brig. Gen. Adams and looks forward to continuing to work together in support of Auburn University at Montgomery and its students.

🎓We’ve celebrated the aspirations of Warhawks in the Class of 2026 as part of our spring graduate spotlight series.

These graduates reflect the determination of first-generation students and those pursuing service-oriented fields.

1️⃣ Dion DePina of Montgomery earned a degree in special education from AUM’s College of Education. While serving in the U.S. Army National Guard, she also works as a substitute teacher for Montgomery Public Schools.
2️⃣ Aaliyah Dunklin of Leeds, a first-generation college student, earned a business administration degree with a major in human resource management and a minor in management from AUM’s College of Business.
3️⃣Christalynn Lee Tate of Shorter earned a business administration degree with a major in human resource management and aspires to become a chief human resources officer.

This Memorial Day, let us also take a moment to remember those who sacrificed everything for our freedom.

Wishing everyone a safe and meaningful holiday.

AUM’s Army ROTC Mustang Battalion recently celebrated the commissioning of one of its cadets.

Cadet Lateasha Goldsmith, who studied business administration at AUM, was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. She will begin her service as a chemical officer before entering her main branch as an adjutant general officer.

We’re proud to celebrate this milestone and her commitment to service. 🇺🇸

Auburn University at Montgomery Commissioning Ceremony! On 8 May 2026, 1 cadet from the Mustang Battalion commissioned into the United States Army as a second lieutenant! 2LT Goldsmith commissioned into the Active Duty component with a detail as a Chemical officer before entering her main branch as an Adjutant General officer! The Mustang Battalion is so proud of your hard work and commitment throughout your time here. Thank you for being such a great leader and teaching those below you. The Mustang Battalion wishes you the best of luck as your careers as an Army officer! MUSTANGS, mount up!! #usarmy #army #goarmy #armyrotc #rotc cadet auburnmontgomery troyuniversity leadershipexcellence beallyoucanbe mustangbattalion leadershipexcellence comissioningceremony

🎓We’re proud to celebrate these Warhawks from the Class of 2026 and the paths they’re forging since commencement.

This group of reflects the talent, resilience and purpose that defines the Warhawk spirit.

1️⃣ Grace Aragon of Montgomery earned a degree in accounting from AUM’s College of Business. She combined her love for numbers with public service and now works as an accountant for the government.
2️⃣ Bria F. Parker earned her master’s degree in management information systems and currently works for the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services as an assistive technology specialist. She plans to return to school for a second master’s degree as she prepares to transition into a career as a systems engineer.
3️⃣ Anna Christine McKinney earned a degree in psychology with a minor in counseling. She now plans to pursue a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling as she continues preparing for a career helping individuals and families through counseling and mental health services.
4️⃣ Montgomery native Nicholas Drayton earned a degree in communications with a concentration in journalism. He serves as a volunteer broadcaster for WVAS 90.7 FM and as a multimedia journalist for AUM Live.