Auburn University faculty are leading an innovative project to boost vaccine confidence among older adults through applied theater. Salisa C. Westrick of the Harrison College of Pharmacy, and Abdul-Khaliq Murtadha and Tessa Carr of the Mosaic Theatre Company in the College of Liberal Arts are collaborating to design performances addressing vaccine hesitancy and promote informed decision-making.
Working with community partners in Lee County, the team uses a mixed-methods approach that includes interviews, script co-creation, live performances, and experimental design to measure changes in attitudes toward vaccination. By blending science and the arts, the project aims to influence perceptions, emotions, and behaviors in ways traditional health campaigns often cannot.
This initiative tackles low immunization rates among older adults, fosters trust in public health programs, and provides a scalable model for reaching other under-vaccinated populations. Acting on Health demonstrates how interdisciplinary collaboration can improve health outcomes and strengthen community engagement.
Auburn University’s Wendy DesChene, professor in the Department of Art & Art History, is leading a collaborative project to create a 30-by-10-foot mural honoring the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, Alabama’s only federally recognized Tribe. Designed with Auburn students, tribal leaders, and the Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for the Arts and Humanities, the mural will celebrate the Tribe’s resilience, cultural heritage, and contemporary achievements.
The mural will be installed in a prominent outdoor location and accompanied by a smaller, portable version for educational outreach. The portable mural will travel to venues across Alabama and beyond. This initiative not only amplifies Indigenous voices but also provides Auburn students with hands-on experience in public art and cultural engagement.
By creating a visual landmark and educational resource, the project fosters dialogue, strengthens community partnerships, and ensures that stories of perseverance and identity are shared for generations to come.
David Hill, associate professor in the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture, is leading a project to transform a 250-acre site in Montgomery, Alabama, into the Cypress Nature Preserve—an accessible “urban wild.” The landscape includes old-growth water tupelo swamps, cypress groves, fern glades, river bluffs, and deep ravines, making it an invaluable ecological resource.
Students from Auburn’s Graduate Landscape Architecture Program are designing green spaces for the neighboring community. The preserve will offer ecological education, nature-based play, and outdoor recreation. It also advances sustainability efforts through stormwater retention, water filtration, air purification, and carbon sequestration to promote eco-tourism and economic revitalization.
By combining hands-on learning with community impact, the Cypress Nature Preserve reflects Auburn’s commitment to connecting people with Alabama’s natural heritage.
The College of Nursing is expanding the Sensory Outreach Under Nursing Direction (SOUND) initiative, led by faculty members Morgan Yordy and Seth H. Perry. SOUND addresses the need for inclusive environments for individuals with sensory regulation challenges by providing resources, education, and awareness throughout Lee County.
The project introduces a mobile sensory trailer and sensory tools at community events, creating spaces where individuals can feel comfortable and engaged. It also enhances educational programs for community partners and involves Auburn nursing students in hands-on outreach, equipping them with skills to support diverse needs.
By promoting nonpharmacological methods for emotional regulation and fostering inclusivity, SOUND improves quality of life for individuals with sensory challenges while strengthening community engagement. This initiative reflects Auburn’s commitment to building partnerships and preparing future healthcare professionals to lead with empathy and innovation.
