Warhawk Weekly 6-30: Breast cancer research; AI leadership development
AUM researcher explores how breast cancer communicates beyond the tumor
AUM Assistant Professor of Biology and Environmental Sciences Shivakant is leading a breast cancer research study exploring how tumors may communicate with immune cells beyond the original cancer site.
The study recently received a $100,000 grant from the Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama as part of the foundation’s $1.2 million investment in breast cancer research. Shivakant and his team are using the funding to study triple-negative breast cancer, one of the most aggressive forms of the disease, and better understand how it progresses.
The team’s work focuses on tumor-derived extracellular vesicles, microscopic particles released by cancer cells into the bloodstream that may carry signals influencing immune cells throughout the body. By examining the metabolites these vesicles carry, the researchers hope to uncover new insights that could support earlier detection and future treatment strategies.
Read the full Q&A to learn more about Shivakant’s research, the goals of the study, and how early-stage scientific discoveries can help advance breast cancer detection and treatment.
College of Business builds AI talent pipeline with new leadership programs
Two new artificial intelligence leadership initiatives through AUM’s College of Business are launching to help students move beyond traditional coursework to gain real-world experience in AI with local industry partners, establishing AUM as an emerging destination for AI leadership development.
Supported with a portion of a $200,000 Innovate Alabama Network grant awarded to AUM in 2025, the college’s AI Innovation Leadership (AIIL) Passport and AI Innovation Leadership Black Belt programs will build on AUM’s Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence (MSAI) program by offering students two new pathways to combine AI with their majors. The university’s MSAI degree is the first of its kind in the state housed within a college of business.
The AIIL programs again represent a first for Alabama by combining AI education, leadership development, industry engagement and innovation into comprehensive pathways for students to strengthen their experience and talent in the field AI, said Daewoo Park, dean of AUM’s College of Business.
“We’re excited to continue to strengthen AUM’s position as an emerging leader in AI workforce development in Alabama and beyond through these new initiatives,” he said. “They offer students across all disciplines an opportunity to gain leadership skills while working with professionals to learn how to use emerging AI technologies to solve real-world challenges.”
The college anticipates about 300 participants for the AIIL Passport program and around 100 for the AIIL Blackbelt program as part of the initial launch.
In Summer 2026, the AIIL Passport program will launch for AUM undergraduate and graduate students from all majors. The co-curricular program combines AI literacy, digital badges, workshops and innovation challenges with peer mentorship and experiential learning. Designed as a tiered-badge system ranging from Foundation and Bronze badges to Silver, Gold and Platinum recognition levels, students will build portfolios, complete hand-on projects, mentor peers and engage with industry partners as they advance through the program. At the end of the program, participants complete an AIIL fellowship as a capstone project and will present their work at an AUM College of Business Innovation Expo.
Starting in the Fall 2026, students in any major can enroll in the AIIL Black Belt program, a comprehensive academic professional development pathway that will prepare participants to lead AI-driven transformation within organizations. Using a structured belt progression model, students learn AI literacy, productivity, project management, leadership and strategic decision-making. The program also combines traditional coursework with peer mentoring, internships, projects and global AI innovation to prepare students for careers in an AI-driven society.
“Our goal is to make AUM the destination for AI leadership development in Alabama through our graduates,” Park said. “We want to ensure students from every discipline understand how artificial intelligence can enhance their careers and help them become more effective leaders. We’re also preparing our graduates to feed the AI workforce pipeline by showing them how AI works and how to implement it responsibly to lead organizations. Our AI Innovation Leadership programs are designed to equip our graduates with exactly those capabilities.”
Orientation helps students start strong at AUM
Ahead of the start of classes in August, incoming students and their families can 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 needed to thrive at AUM helps students feel confident and prepared from day one.
The next orientation session will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Friday, July 10 on campus with additional sessions set for July 17, 25 and 31; and Aug. 7 and 14.
Unpack more details about orientation and register for your preferred orientation session: https://www.aum.edu/admissions/undergraduate-student-orientation/
Help shape the future of AUM’s College of Business as associate dean
Are you passionate about student success, academic excellence, and supporting initiatives to help students thrive? AUM’s College of Business is seeking qualified internal candidates to serve as its next Associate Dean.
The full-time, 12-month leadership position is open to internal candidates who hold the rank of Associate Professor or higher and a degree in a discipline within the College of Business. Applicants should demonstrate administrative experience, involvement in both traditional and online undergraduate and graduate teaching, a commitment to diversity and inclusion, and strong interpersonal skills to collaborate with a wide range of audiences.
Interested AUM employees are encouraged to apply by submitting a cover letter, curriculum vitae, teaching evaluations, professional references and unofficial academic transcripts.
To view the position and apply, click the link below, select Employee Login in the top right corner, then choose Continue with Authenticate. Enter your AU Access credentials and select the blue Login button to access the posting.
Position: Associate Dean, College of Business
For questions, please contact [email protected].
Students can explore AI, animation and 3D design at free AUM camp
Middle and high school students can turn creative ideas into digital projects during AUM’s free 3D Modeling & AI Animation Camp, set for July 6-10 in Clement Hall Room 108.
Hosted by the College of Sciences, the camp introduces students to tools and concepts shaping the future of technology, including artificial intelligence, 3D modeling, animation and digital design. Participants will gain hands-on experience while building their own projects and learning how emerging technologies are being used in creative and professional fields.
The camp will meet from 9:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. each day. Participants should bring their own lunch, with a lunch break scheduled from noon to 1 p.m. Students who complete the camp will earn a National Science Foundation certification.
To register, email Mauricio Yepez at [email protected] or Lie Wu at [email protected], or call 334-213-8666.
Get ahead with a math placement test
AUM’s free math placement program can help students save time and tuition costs. Students can take the next math placement tests on Friday, July 10 at 9 a.m. in the ISL Goodwyn Hall 202. Register online for placement tests.
