Crop, Soil & Environmental Sciences Giving Priorities

The Department of Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences at Auburn University proposes the creation of the Soil Science Explorer—a fully equipped mobile education unit designed to bring hands-on soil science learning directly to communities across Alabama and beyond. This innovative outreach tool will serve K–12 schools, field days, agricultural workshops, county fairs, and other public events, delivering engaging, science-based content to audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

Purpose and Impact

Soil is the foundation of agriculture, food security, and environmental health—yet it is often overlooked in science education. The Soil Science Explorer will change that by making soil science visible, tangible, and exciting. Through interactive demonstrations and real-world applications, the unit will:

• Spark curiosity in young learners and inspire future careers in agriculture and environmental science.
• Provide farmers and landowners with practical knowledge on soil health, fertility, and conservation.
• Support Extension programming and community engagement across rural and urban areas.
• Reinforce Auburn’s land-grant mission by delivering science where it’s needed most—on the ground.

With an expected operational lifespan of over ten years, the Soil Science Explorer has the potential to reach tens of thousands of individuals, from elementary students to seasoned producers.

Features and Equipment

The mobile unit will be outfitted with a comprehensive suite of tools and displays to support a wide range of educational activities, including:

• Wind and water erosion demonstration kits
• Interactive soil health exhibits, including cover crop root boards and soil quality indicators
• Field-ready tools for measuring soil parameters (e.g., infiltration, compaction, pH)
• Folding tables, branded tablecloths, pop-up tents, and chairs for flexible setup
• Audio-visual equipment, including a large 80–95" TV, microphones, speakers, and a small generator
• Cooling supplies, such as water bottle coolers and fans for outdoor comfort
• Extension publication displays and take-home educational materials
• Garden hose, extension cords, and other utilities for hands-on demonstrations

The final design will be professionally developed by a graphic designer to ensure visual appeal, brand alignment, and educational clarity.

Why Support This Project?

This mobile unit represents a high-impact, visible, and enduring investment in agricultural literacy, environmental stewardship, and community outreach. Donor support will:

• Enable the purchase and customization of the trailer and equipment
• Ensure long-term maintenance and operational readiness
• Provide naming opportunities and recognition at every event the unit attends
• Demonstrate a commitment to science education and rural engagement

By supporting the Soil Science Explorer, donors will help Auburn University lead the way in soil education, youth engagement, and sustainable agriculture—one community at a time.

Internships are among the most transformative experiences in a student’s academic journey. They provide real-world context to classroom learning, inspire professional ambition, and often shape long-term career trajectories. Within the Department of Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences at Auburn University, our students are fortunate to have access to a wide range of internship opportunities—many of which are paid and readily accessible.

However, some of the most impactful internships—particularly those focused on global food security—are unpaid and located in international settings. These opportunities, such as those offered by CGIAR research centers in countries like Mexico, Colombia, the Philippines, and India, place students at the heart of agricultural innovation. Interns work alongside world-class scientists on projects aimed at developing crops that are resistant to pests and diseases, and resilient to drought, heat, and other climate-related challenges. These experiences not only deepen scientific understanding but also cultivate a global perspective on food systems and sustainability.

Unfortunately, the unpaid nature of these internships presents a significant barrier for many of our students, especially those from families with modest financial means. Travel costs and living expenses—even when modest, often under $50 per day—can make participation unattainable without external support.

To address this gap, we propose the creation of a dedicated endowment to support student participation in unpaid international internships. This fund would provide financial assistance for travel, housing, and basic living expenses, ensuring that all qualified students—regardless of economic background—can access these life-changing opportunities.

Beyond individual student benefit, this initiative would strengthen Auburn’s global engagement and scientific collaboration. By embedding our students in international research networks, we enhance the visibility and impact of our department, contribute to global agricultural solutions, and bring back knowledge that directly benefits Alabama’s agriculture industry.

This endowment would be a powerful statement of support for experiential learning, global collaboration, and equitable access to opportunity. It would also serve as a catalyst for additional donor engagement, helping to build a community of supporters committed to advancing food security through education and research.

The future of agriculture depends on attracting the brightest minds to the field—students with strong foundations in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics who are driven to apply their talents toward solutions that improve the human condition through food security. Yet, as each generation becomes further removed from agricultural roots, fewer high-achieving students consider agriculture as a career path. For many, it remains an unfamiliar or overlooked option.

At Auburn University’s Department of Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences, we believe agriculture is not only a vital industry—it is applied science in service of humanity. To recruit top-tier students into our programs, we must compete with other disciplines and institutions offering compelling incentives. Merit-based scholarships are among the most effective tools in this effort.

These scholarships do more than provide financial assistance. They serve as a powerful form of recognition—honoring academic excellence, leadership, and potential. For students, receiving a named scholarship is a prestigious distinction that becomes part of their lifelong academic and professional identity. For donors, it is a lasting legacy, permanently linked to the achievements and impact of the students they support.

We propose the creation of a dedicated endowment to fund merit-based scholarships for incoming and continuing students in our department. This fund would allow us to:

• Target high-achieving studentsduring recruitment, increasing our competitiveness in Auburn’s selective admissions process.
• Elevate the academic profileof our student body, raising the bar for classroom engagement, peer learning, and long-term impact.
• Support students from modest backgrounds, ensuring that financial limitations do not prevent exceptional talent from entering the field.
• Build a culture of excellence and recognition, reinforcing the value of agricultural science as a prestigious and rewarding career path.

This endowment would be a strategic investment in the future of agricultural innovation, food security, and environmental stewardship. It would also serve as a visible commitment to academic excellence and student success—values that define Auburn University and its land-grant mission.

The Department of Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences at Auburn University proposes the establishment of the Environmental Science Communication Fellowship, a student-led initiative designed to enhance public understanding of environmental science through creative, accessible, and engaging media.

Purpose and Vision

Environmental science is central to addressing today’s most pressing challenges—from climate change and water quality to biodiversity loss and sustainable land use. Yet, the complexity of these issues often makes them difficult for the public to grasp, and scientific findings can remain siloed within academic circles.

This fellowship will empower students to become translators of science, producing high-quality content that bridges the gap between research and public awareness. Fellows will work closely with faculty mentors, Extension professionals, and communication experts to create podcasts, videos, infographics, social media campaigns, and other digital media that highlight the department’s research, outreach, and impact.

Fellowship Activities

Each year, selected undergraduate and graduate students will receive support to:

• Develop and produce multimedia content focused on environmental science topics relevant to Alabama and beyond.
• Interview faculty, researchers, and community partners to showcase ongoing projects and discoveries.
• Create educational materials for use in classrooms, Extension programs, and public events.
• Collaborate with Auburn’s Office of Communications and Marketing to amplify reach and visibility.
• Receive training in science communication, storytelling, and digital media production.

Infrastructure and Support

Funding from this endowment will provide:

• Student stipends and production budgets
• Equipment such as microphones, cameras, editing software, and graphic design tools
• Access to professional development workshops and mentorship
• Support for travel to field sites, conferences, and outreach events
• Hosting and distribution of content through Auburn’s platforms and partner networks

Long-Term Impact

This fellowship will:

• Build a pipeline of environmentally literate communicators and leaders
• Increase public engagement with Auburn’s environmental research and outreach
• Strengthen the department’s visibility and reputation across the state and region
• Provide donors with a unique opportunity to support both education and public service

Donors will be recognized in all fellowship-produced content and may choose to name the fellowship in honor of individuals or organizations committed to environmental stewardship and science literacy.