Warhawk Weekly 6-9: Leukemia treatment research; New coach
AUM researcher studies Black Belt microorganisms for leukemia treatment advances
Auburn University at Montgomery Distinguished Research Professor of Industrial Microbiology Benedict Okeke is leading a research study that could help improve treatments for leukemia using microorganisms found in Alabama Black Belt soil. Funded by a $403,640 grant from the National Institutes of Health, the three-year project focuses on identifying enhanced forms of L-asparaginase, an enzyme commonly used to treat leukemia.
The research aims to discover naturally occurring microorganisms capable of producing more effective versions of the enzyme while reducing side effects for patients. In addition to its potential medical applications, the project provides AUM students with hands-on research opportunities and highlights the university’s growing role in advancing scientific discovery, biotechnology innovation and biomedical research.
“I hope that this study will contribute to improved treatments for acute lymphoblastic leukemia while also supporting broader biotechnology innovation,” Okeke said.
As part of his study, Okeke will collect soil samples from across the Black Belt, a region known for its rich agricultural history and unique environmental characteristics. By studying the microorganisms found in these soils, he hopes to uncover new biological resources that could contribute to future cancer therapies and improved food safety.
“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,” he said.
AUM welcomes Breylee Linder as head volleyball coach
Auburn University at Montgomery has named Breylee Linder as the new head coach of the Warhawks volleyball program. Linder becomes the fourth head coach in program history and arrives in Montgomery after two successful seasons leading Mississippi University for Women, where she quickly transformed the program into a conference contender.
During her tenure at Mississippi University for Women, Linder guided the Owls to a top-three finish and helped the program achieve its winningest season in the modern era. Her teams earned the program’s first conference tournament appearance, hosted its first conference tournament match and produced the school’s first all-conference selections. She also emphasized academic success, leading the team to back-to-back American Volleyball Coaches Association Team Academic Awards.
Linder said she looks forward to building on AUM’s success and developing a program that competes at a high level while helping student-athletes excel on and off the court.
Orientation programs help new Warhawks prepare for fall
Before classes begin, incoming students and their families have the opportunity to visit campus to learn about the AUM community. Orientation helps students register for classes, connect with campus resources, meet fellow Warhawks and prepare for a successful start to the semester.
Building these connections and gaining the tools they need to thrive at AUM helps students feel confident and prepared from day one.
The first orientation session will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, June 13, on campus with additional sessions set for June 26; July 10, 17, 25 and 31; and Aug. 7 and 14.
Register to reserve your preferred date: https://www.aum.edu/admissions/undergraduate-student-orientation/
Build in-demand data analytics skills this summer
Data drives decisions, and professionals who can interpret it are in demand across industries.
AUM’s 2026 Summer Data Analytics Certificate Program helps students, professionals, and practitioners build high-impact skills in data science, statistical learning, statistical modeling and data-driven decision making.
In this three day, six-module course, participants will gain practical tools to analyze, interpret, and leverage data across industries such as business, healthcare, academia, and public policy.
Take your analytical skills to the next level this summer! Register for the July session.
Register for math placement tests
AUM’s free math placement program can help students save time and tuition costs. Students can take math placement tests on the following dates:
- Friday, July 10, 9 a.m., ISL Goodwyn Hall 202
- Friday, August 7, 9 a.m., ISL Goodwyn Hall 202
- Friday, August 13, 2 p.m., Goodwyn Hall 115
- Friday, Sept. 4, 9 a.m., Goodwyn Hall 115
- Friday, Oct. 2, 9 a.m., Goodwyn Hall 115
- Friday, Nov. 6, 9 a.m., Goodwyn Hall 115
- Friday, Dec. 3, 9 a.m., Goodwyn Hall 115
