SWSM NEWS
Society of Women in Sciences and Mathematics
Spring 2017 auburn.edu/cosam
Q&A WITH DR. KACIE
JACKSON SAULTERS
The journey from first-generation college
student to assistant professor of medicine
at Georgetown University
How did you choose to come to Auburn?
Originally I thought, given family finances,
that I would attend community college prior
to transferring to a four-year university. My
family had always been Auburn fans, so I
decided to apply to Auburn, just to see what
would happen. Not only did I get accepted,
but I was also blessed to receive a full-tuition
scholarship, allowing me to go straight to a
four-year university.
THIS IS LEADERSHIP. THIS IS ACHIEVEMENT. THIS IS SWSM.
SWSM Newsletter_0316.indd 1
Tell us about your time at Auburn.
As a first-generation college student, and
one of only a few high school friends who went
straight to a four-year university, I didnt really
know what to expect from Auburn when I
arrived. At first, I was quite nervous and didnt
get involved right away. After I transitioned
into the College of Sciences and Mathematics,
I started out by doing supplemental instruction
for a non-majors biology class. Then, I became
a peer advisor for pre-health students and a
COSAM Leader. Thanks to Anne Gorden,
associate professor in the Department of
Chemistry, and former COSAM Dean Marie
Wooten, I was inspired to start a chapter of the
Association of Women in Science, or AWIS,
at Auburn, an organization that is still active
on campus today. I was also involved with the
Auburn Christian Student Center and spent
some summers abroad in Peru and Panama
doing mission work.
What made you want to go into the medical field
and ultimately teach?
I was not one of those kids who grew up
knowing I would become a doctor, but I did
know I wanted to work in some type of helping
profession where I got to work closely with
people. I actually started out at Auburn with a
major in psychology. My freshman year, I took
Dr. Robert Lishaks general biology course as a
requirement for my degree. I was surprised at
how challenging and fascinating the course was
and at how much I enjoyed studying for it. I
actually met with him during the year to discuss
these feelings, and he encouraged me to change
my major to biology, which I did. At that point,
I still had no idea what I would do within
the field. I had some basic science research
opportunities in the summer and shadowed
at a local physical therapy center. Both were
good learning experiences, but I didnt find
them exciting enough for a career. Eventually,
I narrowed down my choices to public health
and medical school, with the idea to use
my newfound love for biology in a helping
profession. I did both a public health internship
and extensive physician shadowing and decided
on the latter about six months prior to my
December 2007 graduation. In terms of staying
in academics, now as an assistant professor, my
love for teaching definitely started at Auburn.
Between leading supplemental instruction
and the incredible experience I had as an
undergraduate teaching assistant in biology
labs, I knew I wanted teaching to be an aspect
of whatever career I chose. Seeing the look on a
students face when they understood a biology
concept for the first time was so exciting and
rewarding, and I still get that feeling when
I help my medical students listen to a heart
murmur or feel an enlarged spleen for the
first time.
Tell us about your life after Auburn.
After Auburn, I attended medical school
at the University of South Alabama. Halfway
through medical school, I married a wonderful
man named Stuart Saulters. Hes a civil
engineer and graduated from Mississippi State,
so fortunately, that rivalry isnt too hard on our
marriage. I was fortunate to match into my
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3/30/17 9:49 AM
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first choice of residency at the University of
Virginia, where George Petrie was from and
where they share Auburns colors. I completed
my internal medicine residency there in
June 2015, with a concentration and some
research experience in global health. Stuarts
job brought us to the Washington, DC, area
around that time, and I now have my first real
job as a hospitalist and assistant professor of
internal medicine at Georgetown University.
How do you feel COSAM prepared you for
your life and career after graduation?
COSAM prepared me in so many
ways, and I could talk about it for a long
time. Given that I really didnt know what I
wanted to do prior to college, I feel that my
experiences in COSAM, and the people in
COSAM, really helped shape me and guide
me into the physician I am now. I learned
to love biology from Dr. Lishak, which
shaped my career choice. The guidance,
encouragement, and mentorship from the
COSAM advisors and, specifically, Beverley
Childress, director of pre-health professions
programs, always kept me going in the right
direction. Drs. Gorden and Wooten gave me
the confidence to start something new with
AWIS. My favorite course at Auburn was
parasitology with Christine Sundermann.
Little did I know, her class would spark my
interest in neglected tropical diseases and
global health, and I now have a pending
publication related to this. I could never say
enough about Dr. Larry Wit. He was my
professor, advisor, mentor, and someone who
I will always look to as the ultimate example
of excellence in teaching, leadership, and truly
caring for each and every one of his students.
In summary, COSAM instilled in me a love
of science, gave me a strong educational
foundation, and confidence that I could be
successful in whatever path I chose.
CAREER SPOTLIGHT: in the area and was privileged to work with
AMY DANNA
Amy Danna is a lawyer at Huntsman
International LLC, a global manufacturer
and marketer of chemicals used in a variety
of industries, such as plastics, automotive,
aviation, textiles, footwear, paints and coatings,
construction, technology, agriculture, healthcare,
detergent, personal care, furniture, appliances,
and packaging.
She received a bachelors degree in
chemistry at Saint Vincent Seminary in
Pennsylvania, a masters degree in chemistry at
Auburn University, and went on to study law,
earning her juris doctor.
As in-house litigation counsel, she oversees
lawsuits that affect the company. She manages
United States-based litigation and also works
with attorneys in South America, Europe,
and Asia.
After Auburn, I moved to Houston to
work in the chemical manufacturing industry.
In part because of the excellent education I
received at Auburn, I secured a job in one of
the more sophisticated industrial analytical labs
some extraordinary chemists and engineers.
However, over the next few years, I saw the
industry contracting and consolidating around
me, so I thought it would be wise to continue
my education. My manager suggested getting
an MBA, but I decided on law school instead.
I continued working in the chemical industry
and attended law classes at night and on the
weekend. While it was a really busy schedule
for a few years, combining science and law
turned out to be a great decision.
Upon graduation, I jumped at the
opportunity to join a litigation firm
that handles dockets for chemical and
manufacturing companies. It was a great
experience. Now, as in-house counsel, all
kinds of cases land on my desk. Some test
my chemistry background, but others do not.
Generally, we engage outside law firms to assist
with case development, discovery, and litigation
strategy. On any given day, I coordinate with
outside counsel and outside data management
vendors, as well as the company business
managers, sales teams, production engineers,
risk managers, and contract negotiators. Every
case is unique so it never gets boring.
My chemistry education and industry
experience give me an edge in understanding
and working up cases involving complex
chemical processes. There is often a steep
learning curve for lawyers at the beginning of
such a case while they try to understand the
chemical reactions, manufacturing process,
and industry shorthand particular to the
matter. For instance, a lawsuit might involve
the purity of chemicals sold, so in addition to
contract law, it is important for the lawyer to
understand product specifications, analytical
test methods, and production capabilities to
effectively argue their position. My background
in science is so beneficial in helping me
manage all aspects of my job.

SWSM WANTS TO HEAR FROM YOU

Since its inception in 2006, the Society of Women in Sciences and Mathematics
has been committed to fulfilling its mission of increasing awareness of the
opportunities available in sciences and mathematics fields for women at all stages
of their careers, supporting experiences to enhance the learning environment, and
encouraging young women to pursue career paths in sciences and mathematics.
The society has met these goals by providing financial support for programs at
each stage of the pipeline: Science and Engineering Fair, Summer Science
Institute, Womens Leadership Symposium, Scholarships for Undergraduate
Students, Faculty Service Award, and SWSM Holiday Reception.
SWSM and its loyal supporters have made quite an impact, but we realize there
is so much more we can do. In celebration of 125 years of Auburn Women, the
society will be expanding to provide more opportunities for women in science,
technology, engineering, and mathematics, or STEM fields, and meet the needs of our
alumnae, students, faculty, and community, while maintaining and strengthening
our involvement with the aforementioned programs. Proposed additions are: Lecture
Series, Mentoring Program, Shadowing Opportunities, Faculty Lunch and
Learns, and Career Expo.
We would love your input on ways to enhance our program and provide more
opportunities to our alumnae, students, and faculty. You can find a link to a survey
at auburn.edu/cosam/swsm where you can provide your opinions and ideas on
current programs and proposed future opportunities.
By supporting these programs, SWSM is able to provide recognition for excellence
and encouragement for the next generation of female scientists and mathematicians
through peer mentoring, professional development, and leadership experiences.

SWSM Newsletter_0316.indd 2 3/30/17 9:49 AM

 THIS IS RESEARCH.
STUDY SHOWS LOCAL URBAN AREAS CAN BE AS MUCH AS
18 DEGREES WARMER THAN SURROUNDING RURAL LOCATIONS
Chandana Mitra, assistant professor in the Department of Geosciences
Scientists have long understood the effect
large urban areas like New York City or
Atlanta have on temperature these mega
cities are warmer than nearby rural locations
due to increased energy usage, the enormous
presence of heat-absorbing impervious surfaces
like concrete, steel, and asphalt, and dwindling
green spaces. Scientists refer to these heat-
producing urban centers as urban heat islands.
What is less understood is whether smaller
urban areas create the same urban heat
island effect.
In an effort to shed light on the heat-
causing potential of small to mid-sized
cities, Chandana Mitra, assistant professor
in COSAMs Department of Geosciences,
completed a study on whether the Auburn-
Opelika and Birmingham areas create enough
excess heat to be considered urban heat islands.
In 2008 we crossed the line between urban
and rural, and we now have more people living
in urban areas than rural areas, said Mitra.
Urbanization is happening rapidly; its a global
phenomenon. The United Nations forecasts
that over 70 percent of the worlds population
will be living in urban areas by 2050, which
is why it is imperative we gather information
on how urban heat islands affect local
climate change and how we can lessen
human discomfort.
Mitra, along with geography masters
student Andy Hug 14, GIS Specialist for
the Georgia-Alabama Land Trust, used 40
iButtons, which are highly accurate, small
digital thermometers that store data, to measure
temperature differences in rural and urban
SWSM Newsletter_0316.indd 3
locations throughout Birmingham,
Opelika, and Auburn. They placed 20
iButtons in downtown Birmingham and
surrounding rural areas, and 20 iButtons in
the Auburn-Opelika area including Tiger
Town, The Hotel at Auburn University and
Dixon Conference Center, Samford Park,
and various rural locations.
Temperatures were gauged during a span
of six months, and data was then analyzed.
They discovered that in the Auburn-Opelika
area, there is an average 4.39 degree Fahrenheit
heat intensity difference between urban and
rural areas during the day. Birmingham had an
average 3.84 degree Fahrenheit daytime heat
intensity difference.
The reason Birminghams heat intensity
difference was smaller is due to the height/
width ratio of the buildings in the Auburn-
Opelika area versus Birmingham, explained
Mitra. Downtown Birmingham buildings
are taller and the gap between buildings is
less, which means there is more shade. In the
Auburn-Opelika area, there are not many tall
buildings and there is a larger space between
buildings, which means there is less shade. on clownfish aquaculture and symbiotic
As a result, during the day, the difference in
average temperature between rural and urban
areas is greater in Auburn-Opelika than it is via National Education Association Foundation
in Birmingham.
However, at night the reverse happens.
The temperature difference between the urban
and rural areas is less in the Auburn-Opelika
area because the tall buildings and increased
impervious surfaces in downtown Birmingham
absorb more heat which is released at night.
Mitra also looked at heat intensity
differences during two heat waves.
There were two high heat spells during our
study that occurred continuously for three days.
During these timeframes, the average daytime
temperature difference between urban and rural
areas in Birmingham was about 11 degrees
Fahrenheit. At night, it was about 9 degrees
Fahrenheit. The Auburn-Opelika average
daytime temperature difference between rural
and urban areas was 18.92 degrees Fahrenheit,
and the nighttime difference was about 7
degrees Fahrenheit.
Mitra noted these numbers are significant
because they could spell danger for the most
vulnerable members of society, including the
elderly, children, and those who work outdoors.
Those living and working in areas that are
nearly 10 or more degrees hotter than the high
temperature for the day are at a higher risk for
emergency health situations, said Mitra. We
can mitigate the effects of urban heat islands
by promoting more green space, incorporating
verdant rooftops or white rooftops. We can
use less energy by adopting solar panels and
rainwater-catching techniques. All of this
contributes to a much cooler, sustainable
community, and a resilient one too.
DID YOU KNOW?
COSAM female faculty members go above and
beyond to create new research opportunities,
mentor other women, and work together to
solve any day-to-day issues they may face.
Nanette Chadwick, associate professor in the
Department of Biological Sciences, serves as
a mentor for the Smiths Station High School
grant proposal and funded teaching project
systems for high school biology students, in
collaboration with biology teacher, Jamie Sikes,
Grants for Educators. This grant includes funding
a female biology teacher in high school to serve
as a role model for girls in science.
3/30/17 9:49 AM
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Auburn, AL 36849-0001
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THIS IS AUBURN. DSM10786

auburn.edu/cosam
Auburn University is an equal opportunity educational institution/employer.

Each year, the Society of Women in Sciences and

Mathematics Symposium invites women to be a part of a
dynamic, one-day experience. The symposium includes
a panel discussion from accomplished women in various
disciplines, opportunities to receive mentorship for possible
career paths, and a luncheon featuring a keynote speech
delivered by a woman distinguished in her discipline.
The Marie W. Wooten Distinguished Speaker at the 2017
SWSM Symposium will be Audrey Goins Brichi, biological
sciences 74, zoology entomology 77, former manager of

REGISTER NOW
diversity and inclusion for Chevron Corporations Office of
Global Diversity, Ombuds and University Partnerships.
The event is sponsored by SWSM, a COSAM-based
organization committed to increasing awareness of the
for the 11th annual SWSM Symposium and Luncheon opportunities available for women in the fields of sciences

MAY 4, 2017
and mathematics.

To register, complete the enclosed form and mail to:

Kristen Bond
Auburn University
131 Sciences Center Classrooms Building
315 Roosevelt Concourse
Auburn, AL 36849-5319

Or visit auburn.edu/cosam/swsmregistration
to download a registration form and email it to
kristen.bond@auburn.edu.

SWSM Newsletter_0316.indd 4 3/30/17 9:49 AM