Array of research topics, high turnout mark 2025 Research Symposium, as nearly 70 projects receive awards for studies on cancer, social media, robotics and more

With projects focused on cancer treatments, social media influence, robotics innovations and more, the 2025 Auburn Research Symposium spotlighted the research and creative scholarship of nearly 500 graduate and undergraduate students from Auburn University and Auburn University at Montgomery. The symposium was held March 26 at the Melton Student Center, and 69 award-winning presenters were honored during an April 2 ceremony.

For the second year running, postdoctoral researchers participated in non-competitive presentations, as well as in newly added round-table discussions. Turnout was high for the annual event, with a near 10% increase in the number of presenters.

“It was a genuine pleasure to witness the outstanding presentations at this year’s symposium,” said Lorenzo Cremaschi, symposium organizing committee chair and director of undergraduate research. “All our students and postdoctoral researchers did an exceptional job in showcasing their research and emphasizing its impact. I extend my heartfelt thanks to all the participants who presented, judged and organized the symposium, and I offer my sincerest congratulations to the award recipients for their remarkable achievements.” 

Cremaschi noted, “This event not only serves as an excellent platform to share the remarkable research conducted at Auburn but also fosters collaboration and networking both within and beyond the university. Connecting with peers, sharing ideas and building partnerships can lead to groundbreaking discoveries and innovations that benefit both the academic community and society at large.”

Undergraduate research awards

The undergraduate first-place award in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics poster presentations went to Nathan Newman of the Department of Pathobiology in the College of Veterinary Medicine, who won the same award the previous year. Matthew Hughes, from the Department of Poultry Science in the College of Agriculture, received first place in the STEM oral presentations.

In the category for Human Sciences, Social Sciences, Creative Arts, Nursing and Humanities, Toni Lee of the Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Social Work in the College of Liberal Arts won first place in the poster division, and Leticia Raymundi Pinheiro of the College of Nursing took first in the oral presentations.

Graduate research awards

The graduate student first-place winner for the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics poster presentations was Mana Okudaira of the Department of Clinical Sciences in the College of Veterinary Medicine. The winner of the first-place award in the STEM oral presentations was Jaden King of the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment.

In the category for Human Sciences, Social Sciences, Creative Arts, Nursing and Humanities, Zeynep Su Altinoz of the Department of Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) in the College of Human Sciences won first place in the poster presentations. Emma Chandler, also of HDFS, received first-place recognition in the oral presentations.