image: Participants of the 8th Annual Southern Physics and Astronomy Graduate Student Symposium (SPAGSS).
Credit: Tsehai Price
AUBURN, Ala. The Department of Physics at Auburn University recently hosted the 8th Annual Southern Physics and Astronomy Graduate Student Symposium (SPAGSS), welcoming nearly 90 students and researchers from across the Southeastern United States for a full day dedicated to scientific exchange, professional development, and community building.
Organized entirely by graduate students through the Auburn Physics Graduate Student Association (PGSA), this year marked the first time Auburn hosted the symposium. Participants traveled from institutions including the University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, the University of Alabama, Mississippi State University, and the University of Mississippi. The event created a regional hub for early-career scientists to present their work, exchange ideas, and build lasting professional connections.
The symposium featured approximately 45 research presentations covering a wide range of topics, including plasma physics, condensed matter, nuclear physics, astronomy, and astrophysics. The breadth of presentations reflected both the diversity of modern physics research and the strength of graduate programs across the region. For many participants, the symposium provided an accessible and supportive environment to present their work to peers and receive constructive feedback.
“This symposium created a unique and welcoming environment for graduate students to share their work and connect with peers,” said Brooks Howe, Chair of the Symposium Organizing Committee. “The organizing committee put in a lot of hard work to make this event happen, and we were very happy with how it went. We received many positive comments from attendees and believe that everyone left with a strong impression of the Auburn Physics community. We are especially grateful to our sponsors for making this event possible.”
In addition to research presentations, the symposium placed a strong emphasis on professional growth and leadership. The day concluded with two interactive workshops. One workshop focused on graduate student leadership and provided a platform for student leaders to exchange ideas about organization, outreach, and advocacy. The second workshop was designed for the broader community and encouraged discussions on improving the graduate student experience across institutions.
Attendees also participated in guided tours of Auburn’s research laboratories, offering a firsthand look at cutting-edge experimental facilities. These included viewings of the attosecond pulse lab, the Auburn Physics particle accelerator, magnetized dusty plasma experiments, and the nuclear fusion device. These experiences helped to showcase the wide range of research opportunities available at Auburn as well as give Graduate Students from out of town what research is like at another research institution.
SPAGSS is unique in that it is fully organized by graduate students, a rare model in the region. By placing students in leadership roles, the symposium not only provides a platform for presenting research but also develops organizational, communication, and leadership skills that are essential for virtually any future career. The event is intentionally designed to be accessible to all, with free registration and meals and activities provided through support from the Auburn Physics Department, the College of Sciences and Mathematics, and the Auburn Graduate School.
The success of this year’s symposium highlights the initiative and dedication of Auburn’s graduate students and underscores the importance of regional collaboration in advancing science. It also reflects the broader mission of Auburn University to foster innovation, education, and community engagement.
Next year, the symposium will be hosted by Mississippi State University, continuing a growing tradition of student-led collaboration and scientific exchange across the Southeast.