Dr. Camp Hand | Assistant Professor and Extension Cotton Agronomist, University of Georgia
PhD in Crop and Soil Sciences | University of Georgia
MS in Horticulture | Auburn University
BS in Horticulture | Auburn University
"Camp Hand graduated with a BS and MS in Horticulture from Auburn University in 2016 and 2017, respectively. He then went on to receive a PhD in Crop and Soil Sciences (emphasizing in Weed Science) at the University of Georgia in 2021. He now is the Extension Cotton Agronomist for the University of Georgia in Tifton, GA."
Mr. Will Howard Wendland | Soil Fertility Specialist, GreenPoint Ag
M.S. in Agronomy and Soils | Auburn University
B.S. in Agronomy and Soils | Auburn University
"Will Howard Wendland was born and raised on a family farm in Autaugaville, AL. He decided to major in Agronomy and Soils when he came to Auburn University as a freshman in 2014. Through the mentoring and advice of professors in the Department of Crop, Soil, and Environmental Science, he decided to pursue a Masters degree in Agronomy and Soils. Will Howard worked under Doctors Beth Guertal and Audrey Gamble to research the use of various potassium fertilizers on cotton. Upon the completion of his M.S. degree, he accepted a job in January of 2020 with Agri-AFC (now GreenPoint Ag) as the Soil Fertility Specialist for their southeast region. In this role, Will Howard works with GreenPoint Ag retail locations and member co-ops to conduct fertilizer research in on-farm settings with customers of the company. He lives in Vestavia Hills, AL with his wife Anne Louise."
Mr. Heath Barton | Project Engineer, JE Dunn Construction
Master of Building Construction | Auburn University
Bachelor in Business, focus in Risk Management and Insurance | Troy University
"Hi everyone! I’m Heath - originally from a small town in South Alabama, now living in Atlanta, Georgia. I work for J.E. Dunn Construction, and currently serve as a Project Engineer for our Education group. I have a huge passion for philanthropy and sustainability, and believe that everyone should have some type of involvement in giving back. I am a hard working and passionate individual that is constantly looking for ways to better myself and the organization that I am with. With a devotion to design and construction, the ever changing world of the built environment is what causes my enthusiastic and professional demeanor that I possess today."
Mrs. Katie Kirkwood | Project Manager, JE Dunn Construction
Master in Building Construction | Auburn University
Bachelor of Architecture | Auburn University
Bachelor of Interior Architecture | Auburn University
"Howdy! My name is Katie Kirkwood, and I reside in Nashville, TN. I currently help lead Dunn Project Solutions (DPS) for the Nashville office which consists of small projects under the $10 million mark. Small Projects are fast-paced and continually keep me on my toes, allowing me to wear many hats. I am an energetic and determined individual who has a passion for the built environment whether it is in the design, construction, or furnishing phase. I thoroughly enjoy participating in organizations, activities, or courses that encourage me to grow as a person and as a leader. WAR EAGLE!"
Mr. Mark Froehlich | VDC Manager, The Beck Group
Master of Building Construction, Master of Integrated Design and Construction | Auburn University
Bachelor of Arts in Architecture | University of Kentucky
"Over the years I have accumulated extensive knowledge of BIM, 3-D modeling, and design software. I obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture from the University of Kentucky (2010). Since receiving my undergraduate degree, I have worked in the construction industry gaining a great deal of experience. Furthering my education in the Construction Industry I attended Auburn University and obtained two Master Degrees, Master of Integrated Design and Construction (2015), and Master of Building Construction (2016). Today I have pursued my dream of working for an integrated firm (Design and Construction) as a Virtual Design and Construction Manager."
Mr. Carl Lyness | VDC (Virtual Design in Construction) Manager, The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company
Master's in Building Construction | Auburn University
Bachelor's in Building Science | Auburn University
"Graduated from Auburn University in 2014 with a Bachelors in Building Science and then again in 2016 with a Masters in Building Construction. Joined Whiting-Turner after graduation and worked in Orlando, FL for 2.5 years on various jobs ranging from Star Wars Galaxy's Edge, to the Doctor Phillips Center for the Performing Arts Phase II, and the United Technology's High Performance building in Jupiter, FL. After that I moved to Charleston, SC while staying with Whiting-Turner during that time. Since then I have just recently completed Harrah's Cherokee Renovation and Expansion to their existing Hotel and Casino. My wife is also an Auburn graduate with a degree in Architecture, we have a daughter that was born this past August."
Ms. Sabrina Bernstein | Project Manager, Turner Construction
Masters in Building Construction | Auburn University
BA in Physics | Emory University
"Sabrina Bernstein is a Project Manager with Turner Construction. She has worked in a variety of market sectors, including Higher Ed, Commercial Office, Sports, and more. Sabrina is a native to Atlanta and attended Emory University for her undergraduate degree. After a brief stint in architecture school, Sabrina discovered the construction industry and completed a Master's degree at the McWhorter School of Building Science. Sabrina has worked in a variety of positions in her career, from VDC and precon to superintending and project management. She lives in Atlanta with her husband, a specialty broker for Pollution and Professional Liability insurance in the construction industry."
Mrs. Macy White | Strategic Financial Consultant, Fiserv
Master of Business Administration and Master of Science in Finance | Auburn University
Bachelors in Finance
"I graduated from Auburn University with my Masters degrees in May 2019. Since then, I have been with Fiserv (financial technology and payment processing) working as a corporate financial consultant as part of the finance development program for MBA graduates. I have experience working with various groups including Global Procurement, Merchant Acceptance and Treasury."
Ms. Darnesha Green | Corporate Accountant, Warren Averett
Master of Accountancy | Auburn University
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration: Accountancy | Auburn University
"Darnesha Green is a Certified Public Accountant and a proud alum of Auburn University. She received her bachelors and masters degree in accounting in May 2012 and May 2013, respectively. During her time on campus, Darnesha was a BAPsi and NABA member, Becker campus representative, teacher assistant, peer tutor and a Summer Enrichment Experience counselor. Darnesha started her career in 2013 with Warren Averett as an auditor specializing in governmental and not-for-profit entities. She is now part of Warren Averett's finance team where she has served as a corporate accountant for the past four years. Darnesha also enjoys giving back to the community by volunteering with various community organizations such as the Salvation Army and the YWCA."
Dr. Brad Prince | Associate Dean, University of West Georgia, Richards College of Business
MBA and PhD | Auburn University
Bachelors in Business Marketing | JSU
"Brad graduated from Auburn with his MBA in 2002 and his Ph.D. in 2006. He has been teaching at the University of West Georgia since 2003 and has served as the Associate Dean of the Richards College of Business since 2015. He also is a co-author on a textbook with Dr. Kelly Rainer, who teaches MIS at Auburn. Brad lives in Carrollton, GA with his wife and 4 kids who range from 8 to 18."
Mrs. Darcie Fleming Wilmann | Operations Area Manager, Amazon
MBA | Auburn University
Bachelor of the Arts | Oklahoma State University
"Darcie Fleming Willmann currently works as an Operations Area Manager with Amazon in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. She is a 2020 graduate of the Auburn University MBA Program where she was an MBA Ambassador and a Graduate Assistant for the MBA Programs. Since beginning at Amazon in April of 2021, Darcie has taken part in multiple process improvement projects for her site, with one being projected to launch at 3 other sites before the end of 2021. In her free time, Darcie enjoys coaching CrossFit and spending time with her husband and their dog Iyke."
Mr. Glenn Scott | USC Supply Chain
Bio coming soon!
Mrs. Michele Stephens | Director of Human Resources, Rockdale County Public Schools
Ed. S. in Educational Leadership | Lincoln Memorial University
M. Ed. in Counseling Education | Auburn University
"Michele Stephens is a proud 2000 graduate of Auburn University. Currently employed as a Human Resources Director with Rockdale County Public Schools in Conyers, GA, she has worked in Education for 20 years. Along with her husband, Bryan, she has a teenage son, Nick, and daughter, Marley. Michele enjoys live music and volunteering with the Junior League of Atlanta. WAR EAGLE!"
Dr. Khalil Lee | R&D Senior Scientist, Gatorade Sports Science Institute
Ph.D. in Kinesiology (Exercise Physiology) | Auburn University
B.S. and M.S. in Sport and Fitness Management | Troy University
"Khalil Lee is a Senior Scientist at the Gatorade Sport Science Institute satellite lab at IMG Academy in Bradenton, FL, where he conducts research focused on the impacts of nutrition, hydration, and recovery in adolescent athletes. Khalil earned his BS and MS degrees in Sport and Fitness Management from Troy University, where he played two years as a defensive back on the Troy Trojans football team. In 2014, he received his PhD from Auburn University in Kinesiology with a concentration in Exercise Physiology. While at Auburn, he conducted research in the areas of thermal physiology and the impacts of apparel on thermoregulation under the direction of Dr. David Pascoe. Prior to arriving at GSSI in 2015, Khalil served briefly as an adjunct professor in the School of Kinesiology at Auburn, and remains passionate about educating and translating the science of exercise and sports nutrition to a variety of audiences. Khalil enjoys spending time with his wife, cross training, cooking, and traveling."
Dr. Chantel Tremitiere | Nike
Bio coming soon!
Dr. Martha "Meg" Barnes | Director of Career Prep; Management Instructor University of Mississippi
PsyD. Doctor of Human & Organizational Psychology | Touro University Worldwide
M.Ed. Mental Health Counseling | Auburn University
"Dr. Meg Barnes is a Management Instructor and Director of Career Preparation with the University of Mississippi. She earned her doctorate in Human and Organizational Psychology from Touro University Worldwide. She is a life-long learner with degrees from Auburn University, Virginia Commonwealth University, and the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Her expertise includes behavioral healthcare management, organizational behavior, career planning, and competency-based education. She co-chairs the Ole Miss Career Council, serves on a national task force regarding a career-ready workforce, and advises the Women in Business student organization. Dr. Barnes leans toward project-based learning, simulations, community engagement, and artificial intelligence in crafting and customizing personalized learning. She is a fan of I/O psych, lover of goldendoodles, a certified coach to "shed some light," and an avid follower of Aubie the Tiger, "often imitated, never duplicated."
Mrs. Breanna Yarbrough | Director, Center for Assessment, Research, Effectiveness, and Enhancement; Faulkner University
M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration | Auburn University
Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders | Auburn University
"I am a third-generation graduate of Auburn University, having obtained both my Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders (2011) and Master of Education in Higher Education Administration (2013) degrees from Auburn. I currently serve as the Director of the Center for Assessment, Research, Effectiveness, and Enhancement at Faulkner University. My areas of interest are student learning assessment and accreditation processes. In 2017, my husband (a 2016 graduate of the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine) and I returned to our hometown to begin our family. We have three sons, two dogs, and two horses. We love the peaceful country life on our farm, but we also enjoy returning to our Alma Mater to watch sporting events. In my spare time, I love to read and shop, but that spare time is limited of late. I am honored to have the opportunity to participate in this event. War Eagle!"
Mr. Akilesh Yamsani | Sr. Process Engineer, Tesla, Inc.
M.I.S.E (Master of Industrial and Systems Engineering) | Auburn University
B.E in Automobile Engineering | Osmania University, India
"I am a 2016 alumni from College of Engineering currently employed with Tesla working on production lines that build the most advanced electrics vehicles and energy storage systems."
Mr. Alexander Pfeiffenberger | System Engineer, Apple Inc.
M.S. Electrical Engineering | Auburn University
"After graduating from Auburn with my B.E.E and M.S. E.E. I started working in semiconductor packaging. Working alongside Mechanical, Chemical, and other Electrical Engineers I supported the design of multiple flip-chip and wire-bond packages for the consumer electronics market. Semiconductors are 'packaged' so that they can be placed on a larger system circuit boards. In my current role I am involved with the design and optimization of these system boards. While at Auburn I was involved with Sol of Auburn and spent as much time as I could in the shop buildings and clean-rooms. It was largely the connections I made working late in the lab that allowed me to jump into a highly specialized role I would never have considered otherwise."
Dr. Naveenan Thiagarajan | Lead Research Engineer, GE Research
Ph.D in Mechanical Engineering | Auburn University
MS in Mechanical Engineering | Auburn University
Bachelor of Engineering, Mechanical Engineering | Anna University, India
"Dr. Naveenan Thiagarajan is a lead research engineer at GE Research in Niskayuna, New York. Before starting this role at GE Research in 2013, he received his MS and PhD in Mechanical Engineering at Auburn University, Alabama where he focused on the development of phase change liquid cooling techniques for high power electronics in terrestrial and micro- gravity environments, supported by grants from NASA and NSF. In his current role at GE, he has led multiple internal programs developing novel thermal management technologies to enable next generation of electrical/electronic systems used in aviation, healthcare, and recently, renewable energy and storage systems. Dr. Thiagarajan holds more than 20 granted and pending patent applications along with more than 20 peer-reviewed publications in the field of electronics and electric machines thermal management. He is the recipient of GE Whitney awards in ’15 and ’18 awarded for outstanding technical achievement."
Dr. Cesar Mayorga | Quality Control Manager, North Perimeter Contractors
Ph.D. in Civil Engineering | Auburn University
M.B.A., Universidad Industrial de Santander B.S., in Civil Engineering | Universidad Industrial de Santander
Dr. Richard Holl | Sr. Director, Development Operations, Lupin Research, Inc
PhD, Chemical Engineering | Auburn University
BSChE | University of Florida
"Richard J. Holl, PhD, is Senior Director, Development Operations, at Lupin Research Inc. in Somerset, New Jersey, where he manages the outsourced development of a diverse portfolio of complex generic, drug/device combination products, and specialty pharmaceutical products for oral, topical, ophthalmic, transmucosal, or parenteral administration. He has been at his current position for 6 years, having been previously employed at several large and small pharmaceutical companies including brand, generic, and contract development/manufacturing organizations throughout his over 25-year career."
Mr. Ryan Hill | Research Engineer and Site Lead, Integrated Solutions for Systems, Inc. (IS4S)
M.S. Mechanical Engineering | Auburn University
B.S. Mechanical Engineering | Auburn University
"I graduated from Auburn in 2008 with a bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering and completed a master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering in 2011. As a grad student, I worked on a couple defense research programs and got hooked. After graduating, I became a Research Engineer for IS4S and now serve as the Site Lead for our Opelika Test Facility and Range. At our facility, we focus on explosive and energetic testing programs including incendiary projectiles, biological-agent weapon stimulants, live-fire small arms tests, explosive detonation tests, and many more. It's a very dynamic and challenging job, but I really enjoy the opportunity to try to solve highly technical problems that require a lot of creativity and applied science. In many ways it's like being in grad school...only with better pay."
Mr. Brandon Craft | Technical Services Forester, Forest Resource Consultants
M.N.R. Forestry, Professional Forester Option | Auburn University
B.A. Humanities | Point University
"I was born in South Georgia. Growing up a few miles away from The Jones Center at Ichauway, I always had a love for longleaf pine, and I was given the opportunity to work as an hourly worker there early in my career. While living in Scotland with my spouse who was attending the University of St Andrews, I was about as homesick as one can get. That bout of homesickness led to my increased love of the forests of the Southeastern US, and a desire to work in them the rest of my life. These days my sweet spot is right at the intersection of timberland investment, forest technology, and silviculture. My current title is Technical Services Forester at Forest Resource Consultants, the second largest forestry consulting firm in the US."
Mrs. Dana Stone | Management Division Director, Alabama Forestry Commission
Master of Forestry | Auburn University
Bachelor of Science in Mathematics | Spelman College
"I received a Master of Forestry Degree from Auburn University in 1994. I began my career with the Alabama Forestry Commission in 1999 as an Outreach Forester. I worked with limited resources and underserved landowners assisting them with their forest management objectives. In January 2004, I was promoted to the GIS Forester position where my main responsibilities were to document and create beetle infestation maps. I was in this position for approximately 2 years until I was promoted as the Forest Health Coordinator. I was the Forest Health Coordinator with the Alabama Forestry Commission for 15 years. I was responsible for documenting, mapping, and assisting landowners with forest health issues such as insects, diseases, and invasive plants of the forest. I am currently the Management Division Director with the agency. I have been in this position for only 1 year. My main responsibility is to supervise the Program Managers in the Management Division to ensure accomplishments are being completed. I have 27 years of forestry experience, working in areas of GIS, research, forest management, and forest health."
Dr. Dana Varner | Science Coordinator, Rainwater Basin Joint Venture
PhD | Auburn University
MS in Zoology | Southern Illinois University
BS in Biological Sciences | Ohio University
"Dana joined the RWBJV in September 2014 in the position of Science Coordinator after completing her doctoral degree at Auburn University. Dana has also completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences at Ohio University and a Master of Science degree in Zoology at Southern Illinois University. Her graduate research projects focused on the survival and winter foraging habits of Trumpeter Swans in the Midwest and the survival and habitat use of Florida Mottled Ducks in South Florida."
Mr. Chris Erwin | Director, Biodiversity and Southern Conservation, American Forest Foundation
Masters of Forestry | Auburn University
"I lead a remote team from Denver to D.C. to Birmingham dedicated to protect biodiversity on family owned forestlands. We do this by motivating landowners to improve habitat for at-risk and listed species. Landowners are willing to protect biodiversity when they can realize the values from forest product, consumer brand, and retail companies. When I’m not focused on this work, I enjoy time with my family traveling, in my garden recharging, or pulling for my Auburn Tigers in all sports."
Dr. Bill Retzlaff | Distinguished Research Professor and Associate Dean College of Arts and Sciences, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
PhD Forestry | Clemson University
MS Forestry | Auburn University
BS Forest Management | Auburn University
"Dr. Bill Retzlaff is a Distinguished Research Professor in Biological Sciences, one of two Associate Deans in the College of Arts and Sciences, and the SIUe Faculty Athletic Representative. Dr. Retzlaff works with his students, colleagues, and collaborators to evaluate green roof and green wall systems and determine practical green infrastructure solutions for emerging environmental issues. Dr. Retzlaff is a co-founder and co-director (with Dr. Susan Morgan and Dr. Serdar Celik) of SIUE’s Living Architecture Regional Center of Excellence (https://www.siue.edu/green/) one of three regional centers in North America."
Mr. Drew Kostic | Head Brewer, Archetype Brewing Co.
Certificate in Brewing Sciences and Operations | Auburn University
J.D. | Duke University School of Law
B.A. Psychology | Colgate University
"Drew Kostic grew up in Wilton, CT and graduated from Colgate University in 2008, after which he spent a year in Warsaw, Poland teaching psychology and English on a Fulbright Scholarship. After returning to the United States, Drew graduated from Duke Law School in 2012 and practiced law for six years in New York City. Finding that law failed to satisfy his career goals, Drew transitioned to brewing beer commercially and attended Auburn's graduate program in Brewing Sciences and Operations as part of that journey and completely transitioned careers in 2018. In 2020 he led his team to win "Best Brewery in NYC" and currently resides in Asheville, NC where he leads the production team at Archetype Brewing. His transition from law to brewing has been documented in the film "Brewmaster," which premiered at South by Southwest in 2018."
Dr. Erol Sozen | Assistant Professor, Illinois State University
Ph.D. in Hospitality Management | Auburn University
"Dr. Erol Sozen is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences at Illinois State University. Dr. Sozen teaches a range of food-related classes, including Principles of Food Preparation, Food Planning, Marketing, And Cost Controls, and Food Service Management. He is also a Certified Hospitality Educator (CHE). He has his Ph.D. degree in Nutrition with specialization in Hospitality Management from Auburn University. Dr. Sozen conducts research in the area of food allergies in both commercial and non-commercial foodservice settings. He explores how food allergies affect the commercial restaurants, in term of menu planning, customer satisfaction, and marketing strategies. Dr. Sozen also focuses his research in the area of food safety. He investigates food handling behaviors and attitudes of individuals towards food safety, evaluate their food safety knowledge, and identify the food safety training needs. Another research area of him has been food and beverage management and owner and consumer behavior with an emphasis on environmental management. His recent research sought to understand environmental best practices across U.S. Craft Breweries, along with the owners’ motivations to practice these eco-friendly activities. He also seeks to analyze the values and attitudes that influence craft beer consumers’ green product purchase intention, willingness to pay a premium, and willingness to sacrifice for environmentally friendly products. To date, Dr. Sozen has published seven research papers in peer-review journals and presented his research in more than 20 conferences at the national and international levels. He also serves as reviewers for several top ranked journals in foodservice and hospitality management area. He is a member of the Council on Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education (ICHRIE), Foodservice Systems Management and Education Council (FSMEC), and International Association of Food Protection (IAFP)."
Dr. Khalid Eyoun | Assistant Professor, The Hashemite University
PhD of Hospitality Management | Auburn University
MS of Hospitality Management | Auburn University
BS of Business Administration | Yarmouk University
"Khalid Eyoun is an assistant professor in the Department of Business Administration/Hospitality Management Program at The Hashemite University, Jordan, where he has been since 2019. He completed his Masters and Ph.D. in Hotel and Restaurant Management at Auburn University in 2013 and 2016. Dr. Eyoun’s research and teaching interests center on hospitality management, international hospitality, and hospitality human resource management. He has published on these topics in a number of academic journals, such as Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Education, International Journal of Hospitality Management, Journal of Foodservice Management & Education, and Journal of Human Resources in Hospitality & Tourism. He presented several papers at professional meetings on topics related to cultural influences on management, hotel human resources, and food and beverage, and received two best paper awards at both hospitality conferences. He served as proceedings editor for a major hospitality conference and manuscript reviewer for international journals."
Mrs. Mariah Gullatte | Assistant Events Coordinator / Owner & Creative Director | Auburn University Office of the Provost / Princess Closet Designs (Self-Employed)
Master of Science in Hospitality Management | Auburn University
Bachelor of Science in Apparel Design and Production Management; Minor in International Studies in Human Sciences | Auburn University
"Mariah Gullatte is an Apparel Designer, Stylist, and Event Coordinator from Huntsville, AL. She assists the Events Coordinator in planning events within the Office of the Provost here at Auburn University. Mariah earned both her Bachelor’s in Apparel Design and Master’s of Hospitality degrees from Auburn University. As a student, she participated in many campus and college related events and organizations such as AMDA, the Modeling Board, and the Joseph S. Bruno Study Abroad Program. Her experience in apparel derives from years of design and sewing construction practice beginning in high school. There has always been a love and passion for the creative process, while making clients fell special inside and out. As an events coordinator, she has experienced and planned many social and private events, athletic events, and now beginning her experience in the world of academic events. In the past, she has worked as Assistant Creative Director for Couture Creations Designs & Events, an entrepreneur for her own design business, Princess Closet Designs, an apparel design and social media intern, worked for multiple retail stores, hospitality venues, and as an Event Management and Operations Graduate Assistant for Auburn University Athletics. In her free time, Mariah is a foodie and enjoys sewing, designing, dancing, crafts, and spending time with family and friends."
Ms. Wallis Stanfield | Senior Program Associate, International Republican Institute
Master of Public Administration | Auburn University
"I am currently a Senior Program Associate at the International Republican Institute and I support democracy and good governance initiatives in Asia. I also volunteer to promote youth engagement in local and state politics in Kentucky. I earned my Master of Public Administration with a concentration in election administration from the Auburn University College of Liberal Arts in 2019. During my graduate studies, I participated in an international election observation mission in Nigeria and a summer fellowship in Nepal. While a student at Auburn University, I worked on-campus for several years for the Auburn University Foundation."
Mrs. Genesis Bateman | Ph.D. Graduate Student Assistant, Northeastern University
M.A. in Composition and Rhetoric | Auburn University
B.A. in English Literature | Auburn University
"Genesis Bateman (Barco Medina) is a third year PhD Student at Northeastern University in the Writing and Rhetoric program. Her research locates itself at the intersection of public life and hidden narratives. Genesis invites scholarship on community literacy to be more inclusive of undocumented lived experiences by investing her research in the often invisible, overlooked, and nuanced discourses and writing of immigrants living undocumented in the US. As a scholar committed to community and community-based ethics, Genesis spends time with several organizations and local leaders that work to protect, help, and empower immigrants. Genesis centers the importance of community, love, and justice around her writing pedagogy and has taught First Year Writing, Interdisciplinary Writing, and Technical Writing. She also has experience teaching community-engaged and service-learning writing courses."
Mr. Dana Chandler | University Archivist/Associate Professor, Tuskegee University
MA | Auburn University
"Dana Chandler is a trained archivist and historian, receiving his graduate degree from Auburn University. He works as the University Archivist/Associate Professor at Tuskegee University and is the co-author of To Raise Up the Man Farthest Down: Tuskegee University’s Advancements in Human Health, 1881-1987 (University of Alabama Press, 2018). He has had over seventy presentations at a variety of venues and teaches history in the Department of History and Political Science. He specializes in the history of Tuskegee University."
Mrs. Meghan Amerson | Outpatient Speech Langauge Pathology Supervisor, Children's of Alabama
Master of Communication Disorders | Auburn University
Bachelor of Communication Disorders | Auburn University
"Meghan Amerson, MCD, CCC-SLP serves as the Outpatient Speech Language Pathology Supervisor at Children’s of Alabama in Birmingham. She has been a speech-language pathologist at COA for 7 years with clinical interests in evaluation and treatment of articulation, resonance, and feeding/swallowing disorders. Prior to COA, she worked 2 years as an SLP with Williamson County Schools in Tennessee. Meghan is a graduate of Auburn University and holds a Master of Communication Disorders and Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders. Meghan has been married for 6 years and enjoys spending time outside with her husband and their two Labrador retrievers, Nelli and Remi."
Dr. Alice Shillingsburg | Sr. Vice President of Children's Services and Training, May Institute
M.S. and PhD in Clinical Psychology | Auburn University
Bachelor's in Psychology | Mississippi State University
"Dr. Shillingsburg currently serves as Sr. Vice President of Children’s Clinical Services and Training at May Institute. She received her PhD in clinical psychology from Auburn University and completed her predoctoral internship and post-doctoral fellowship at the Marcus Institute. She previously served as the Director of the Language and Learning Clinic at the Marcus Autism Center and held an appointment of Associate Professor at Emory University in the Division of Autism and Related Developmental Disabilities. Dr. Shillingsburg is a licensed psychologist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA-D). Her clinical expertise includes the development of language and behavioral programming to address a variety of behavioral difficulties and social communication deficits associated with autism and other developmental disabilities. She has published over 50 empirical papers and book chapters on interventions for children with autism and related developmental disabilities. She is currently an associate editor for the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, editorial board member of Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, and is past associate editor for The Analysis of Verbal Behavior."
Thank you for your interest in the School of Nursing panel. Unfortunately, this semester we were not able to locate Nursing alumni with availability to participate in Career Chats. However, there may be panelists from other colleges you could benefit from conversing with. Please review other panelist bios to see which panels you’d like to attend.
Dr. Phillip Rigsby | Pharmacist - Independent Pharmacy Owner, Huntsville Compounding Pharmacy & The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy
Doctor of Pharmacy | Auburn University
BS Science (Pharmacy) | Auburn University
"Phillip Rigsby was born in Huntsville, Alabama. He graduated from SR Butler High School in 1994, and left Huntsville to attend Auburn University. He graduated from Auburn University Harrison School of Pharmacy in 2000 with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. He began his pharmacy career working with Kroger Pharmacy. He then worked a few years in long-term care pharmacy and then home infusion pharmacy. In 2004, he started work for two independently owned pharmacies named Huntsville Compounding Pharmacy and The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy. In 2015, he purchased both stores a became a small business owner accomplishing one of his lifelong professional goals. Phillip has also been involved in service and volunteerism within his profession and he community. He served as president of both the Harrison School of Pharmacy Alumni Association and the Madison County Pharmacy Association. He was Cubmaster for his sons’ Boy Scout group for 3 years. He has been a member of the Monrovia Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department for 16 years and is currently serving as EMS Educator and Chaplain for the department. He recently announced that he is seeking election to the Alabama House of Representatives District 25. Phillip is married to Pamela (Crane) Rigsby of Huntsville. Pamela received a master’s degree in Special Education for Auburn University and currently serves on a non-profit board of directors for Next Step Farms in Harvest, Alabama. They have two boys. Preston is a sophomore at The University of Alabama where he hopes to attend law school. Parker is a senior at Westminster Christian Academy. They are founding member of Providence Baptist Church where he leads worship music and teaches youth Sunday School."
Dr. Chris Eickholt | Senior District Manager, Atlanta Diabetes Specialty, Eli Lilly
Pharm.D. | Auburn University
"2001 Graduate of Harrison School of Pharmacy. Lives in Vestavia Hills, AL with Catherine (2002 HSOP Graduate) and 3 daughters. Have worked in the industry since 2002, all with Eli Lilly and Company. Leads a team of 12 Diabetes Specialty sales professionals in Southeast. Will provide perspective towards a industry career path."
Dr. Laura Matthews | Director of Pharmacy, East Alabama Health
Doctor of Pharmacy | Harrison School of Pharmacy, Auburn University
MS Physiology/Molecular Biology | Auburn University
"Dr. Laura Matthews is the Director of Inpatient Pharmacy Services for East Alabama Health, which includes pharmacy services for the EAMC-Opelika campus, EAMC-Lanier campus, the Spencer Cancer Center and the new EAMC-Freestanding Emergency Department. A three-time graduate of Auburn University, Dr. Matthews earned a BS in Molecular Biology in 1992 and a MS in Molecular Biology/Physiology in 1995. Laura worked in research for several years before returning to Auburn where she earned her Pharm.D. from Harrison School of Pharmacy in 2008. She has worked as a pharmacist at East Alabama Medical Center since this time, transitioning into pharmacy management in 2013. She served as the Operations Supervisor and Pharmacy Manager before being promoted to her current role in 2018. Along with the many challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, a unique opportunity to serve the Lee County community arose as EAMC’s pharmacy was granted access to COVID19 vaccine in December of 2019. Dr. Matthews led within the EAMC/Community Vaccination Clinic to provide more than 90,000 doses of COVID vaccines to residents of Lee, Chambers, Macon, and surrounding Counties. Dr. Matthews in a member of APA, ALHSP, ASHP, and currently serves as an Alabama Delegate to the ASHP house of Delegates. She was the keynote speaker for Harrison School of Pharmacy’s Commencement in May 2021 and served as an invited panelist for HSOP at Auburn University’s Women’s Summit in March of 2021. Laura and her husband, Mac, AU ‘89, are blessed with two children, James, HSOP ‘20, and Rachel AU ‘19."
Ms. Audrey Cormier | Manager of Diversity and Inclusion at Chevron Corporation (retired) ; CEO of Tapis LLC (current)
MS Zoology | Auburn University
MBA - Supply Chain Management | Arizona State University
"Audrey Goins Cormier is the recently retired Manager of Diversity and Inclusion for Chevron Corporation’s Office of Global Diversity, Ombuds and University Relations. In this role she was responsible workplace inclusion strategies, mentoring programs and external relationships with global diversity organizations. Prior to this assignment she was responsible for the management, and coordination of Chevron’s global procurement activities with diverse (small, minority, women-owned and locally owned) businesses. Born in Birmingham, Alabama, Audrey attended Auburn University on the William Crawford Gorgas Scholarship for outstanding science students in Alabama graduating with B. S. and M. S. degrees in biological sciences. She is also a graduate of the WP Carey School of Business at Arizona State University with a master’s in business administration in Supply Chain Management. Ms. Cormier has served on the Board of Directors for the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) - the largest third-party certifier of businesses owned controlled and operated by women in the United States. She was inducted into the Hall of Fame for this organization on March 23, 2010. Audrey also served as chair of the National Minority Supplier Development Council’s Petrochemical and Energy Industry Group and is a member of the Institute of Supply Management. She was named Corporate Coordinator of the Year and Executive of the Year for the Northern California Supplier Development Council in 2001 and 2007. She served on the Board of Directors for Inner City Advisors - the Bay area-based affiliate of the Harvard Business School’s Initiative for A Competitive Inner City. She also served on the Supply Chain Advisory Committee for Clark Atlanta University – Atlanta Georgia. She was one of the founding Executive Committee members of the Northern California chapter of the Network of Executive Women- a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to attract, retain and advance women in the retail and consumer products industry through education leadership and business development. Audrey is married to Floyd Cormier and resides in Richmond, CA."
Dr. Tim Demko | Geologist, State of Arizona
PhD in Geosciences | University of Arizona
MS in Geology | Auburn University
BS in Geoscience | Penn State
"I am currently a Geologist working for the State of Arizona. I was previously a Senior Research Advisor at ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company in Houston, TX, working on research in petroleum geology for 20 years. I was also a member of the faculty of the Department of Geosciences at the University of Minnesota Duluth from 2002 to 2006. I received my BS in Geosciences from Penn State in 1983, MS in Geology from Auburn in 1990, and a PhD in Geosciences from the University of Arizona in 1995."
Mr. Josh Poole
Master's in Geology | Auburn University
Dr. Desiree Wanders | Associate Professor, Georgia State University
Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences | Auburn University
M.S. in Nutrition | Auburn University
B.S. in Nutrition | Auburn University
"Dr. Wanders earned her B.S. and M.S. in Nutrition followed by a Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences from Auburn University. After completing a three year postdoctoral fellowship at Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge, Dr. Wanders joined the Department of Nutrition at Georgia State University. Dr. Wanders uses preclinical cell culture and animal models to dietary and pharmacologic interventions for obesity and related conditions like inflammation and insulin resistance. She teaches graduate and undergraduate courses, is the director of the undergraduate program in the Department of Nutrition, and serves the university at department, college, and university-levels."
Dr. Terrence Clark | President, Nexcyon Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
PhD, Biomedical Science | Auburn University
DVM | University of Wisconsin-Madison
"Dr. Terrence P. Clark is a 1987 graduate of the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine. He serves as Nexcyon Pharmaceuticals’ President and Chief Executive Officer, a research-based company he co-founded in 2008. While at Nexcyon he has led the development and approval of several veterinary pharmaceuticals that are commercialized through various business partners. Following his DVM, he completed an internship at Oklahoma State University and then practiced medicine for two years in Arizona. After completing a PhD in biomedical science at Auburn University, he remained there as an assistant professor of pharmacology where he advanced research in basic and clinical endocrinology and pharmacodynamics as well as served as the Director of the Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory. From there, Clark served in roles of increasing responsibility at Pfizer Animal Health and Eli Lilly and Company where he led or contributed to the development of numerous veterinary pharmaceuticals. He has mentored veterinary and graduate students, residents, and continues to teach at schools of veterinary medicine. He has presented his research and given continuing education talks at numerous national and global conferences and has published 80 peer-reviewed research papers, book chapters, or review papers, as well as holds two patents for novel transdermal drug delivery. Clark has contributed to organized veterinary medicine through service on various committees including the American Academy of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics, United States Pharmacopoeia, the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists, and the American College of Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology. He is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology and is its past president."
Dr. Pete Velotas | Associate Veterinarian, Caldwell Mill Animal Clinic
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) | Auburn University
BS Zoology/Pre-Vet | Auburn University
"Originally from Birmingham and attended AU for undergraduate (BS Zoology/PreVet class of 2011). Auburn Cheerleader Fall 2009-Spring 2011. Graduated from AUCVM Class of 2016. One year as emergency veterinarian at Grady Veterinary Hospital in Cincinnati, OH. Three years as associate veterinarian at Dr. Norm’s Westside Animal Hospital in Panama City Beach, FL, before moving home to Birmingham, AL to work at Caldwell Mill Animal Clinic, where I first was introduced to veterinary medicine as a kennel technician in 2006. Owner of a Greyhound, a German Shorthaired Pointer, a Labrador Retriever, a Chihuahua, and a Sphynx cat. Proud husband and father."
Last modified: November 12, 2021