Warhawk Weekly 10-7: AI in antibiotics research; Cultural Festival
Can AI help outsmart antibiotic-resistant UTIs?
Two AUM researchers are harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to predict antibiotic-resistant urinary tract infections (UTIs) in Central Alabama. Their innovative research could help doctors treat one of the most common bacterial infections seen in hospitals and clinics more quickly and effectively.
Led by Dr. Li Qian, associate professor of medical and clinical laboratory science, and Dr. Yuan Zhang, assistant professor of management information systems, the interdisciplinary study combines AI with years of clinical data from regional healthcare providers to predict patterns of antibiotic resistance in UTI cases.
The clinical dataset — collected by Dr. Qian in partnership with Baptist Health Medical Center — became the catalyst for the two researchers’ collaboration, enabling them to evaluate and track antibiotic-resistant UTIs in patients across Central Alabama.
“Antibiotic resistance isn’t just a global issue, it’s a local one,” Dr. Qian said. “Central Alabama has its own unique microbial landscape, and national guidelines don’t always reflect what’s happening on the ground in local communities.”
Using high-powered computers housed in the College of Business’ Artificial Intelligence Research Laboratory, the team applied machine learning models to analyze the dataset, giving new insights into how clinicians might make more effective, data-driven treatment decisions.
“To our knowledge, this is the first published study using machine learning to address antibiotic-resistant UTIs in patients from Central Alabama,” Dr. Zhang said. “By integrating AI into clinical decision-making, we open the door to more personalized and responsive approaches to UTI treatment.”
Learn more about Qian and Zhang’s research in the AUM Newsroom.
Showcase your traditions at AUM’s Cultural Festival
AUM will celebrate community and tradition during its third annual Cultural Festival on Saturday, Nov. 15. The festival will offer opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to share stories, performances, and cultural traditions that make the campus feel like home.
Organized by AUM’s Office of Collaborative Partnerships and Distance Education, the event will feature cultural dance performances, a Parade of Nations, and activity tables showcasing unique traditions, cultural artifacts and interactive displays. Participants will also be able to sample foods from around the world.
Students, faculty and staff interested in sharing their talents and traditions are invited to complete the festival’s Interest Form.
AUM recognizes Fire Prevention Week: Oct. 5-11
It’s Fire Prevention Week, and AUM is joining the nationwide effort to raise awareness through Oct. 11. This year’s theme, set by the National Fire Protection Association, is “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.”
The campaign highlights the importance of safe practices when it comes to lithium-ion batteries, from cell phones and laptops to e-bikes and scooters. The AUM Department of Public Safety encourages the campus community to remember three key steps: Buy, Charge, and Recycle Safely.
As part of the week, visit AUM’s Fire Prevention Safety webpage for safety tips, resources, and information on the history of Fire Prevention Week. Community members are also encouraged to watch the National Fire Protection Association’s latest educational video to learn more about preventing fires and protecting loved ones.
Fire safety is everyone’s responsibility. By practicing simple prevention habits, the AUM community can help reduce risks and keep our campus safe.
Take flight with Theatre AUM’s THE BIRDZ
Join Theatre AUM’s cast for a night of wit, music, and imagination in “THE BIRDZ,” a modern adaptation of Aristophanes’ classic comedy “The Birds.” The lively production runs through Oct. 12.
Directed by AUM Professor of Theatre Neil David Seibel, the play reimagines the 414 BCE satire. It follows two friends who decide they’ve had enough of human nonsense and seek a better life among the birds, convincing them to build a floating city in the sky and cutting off the gods from humankind. With contemporary music and fresh updates, the story explores timeless themes of power, community, and transformation.
Remaining performances will be held Oct. 9-11 at 7 p.m., with the final matinee on Oct. 12 at 2 p.m. in the Taylor Center Theatre.
Admission is free for students, alumni, faculty, staff, and OLLI members with a valid ID. Tickets are $5 for military and senior citizens and $10 for the general public. (Cash or check only; no late seating)
Help Athletics stock the AUM Food Pantry
AUM Athletics and the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) are teaming up to support the AUM Food Pantry with the 2025 AUM SAAC Food Drive, running Saturday, Oct. 11, through Friday, Oct. 17.
Students, faculty, staff, and community members can contribute by bringing cash donations or non-perishable food items to AUM athletic events during the week or to the Athletics Complex, Room 115.
As a bonus, fans who donate $3 or at least three non-perishable food items per person will receive free entry to game-day events.
Game Day Collection Events
- Sat., Oct. 11, 2 p.m. – Volleyball vs. TNU
- Sun., Oct. 12, 1 p.m. – Women’s Soccer vs. Spring Hill (Youth Day)
- Sun., Oct. 12, 3:30 p.m. – Men’s Soccer vs. Spring Hill
- Wed., Oct. 15, 3 p.m. – Women’s Soccer vs. Georgia College (Pink Game; Partnership with Staff Council)
- Fri., Oct. 17, 12 p.m. – Softball vs. ESCC (Fall Scrimmage; Free Entry)
- Fri., Oct. 17, 1 p.m. – Baseball vs. Southern Union (Fall Scrimmage; Free Entry)
- Fri., Oct. 17, 7 p.m. – Men’s Soccer vs. Montevallo
Faculty and Staff Donation Opportunities
AUM’s Staff Council is partnering with AUM SAAC and AUM Athletics to encourage staff participation in the Food Drive on Wednesday, Oct. 15, when AUM Women’s Soccer hosts Georgia College at 3 p.m. at the AUM Soccer Complex.
Faculty and staff who wish to contribute to AUM SAAC’s Food Drive may also email athletics@aum.edu to request office pick-up of donations.
Help fight food insecurity and show your Warhawk spirit by supporting this important cause!
Find your cause at EEEC’s Service-Learning Expo
Want to engage with the community and gain valuable experience?
AUM’s Experiential Education and Engagement Center (EEEC) will host a Service-Learning Expo from 9-11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 23 in Goodwyn Hall lobby.
Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to come out to meet and connect with representatives from area organizations to learn about available opportunities.
Funded by a Title III “Strengthening Institutions” grant by the Department of Education, AUM’s Experiential Education and Engagement Center (EEEC) is an on-campus resource with a mission to increase student retention, persistence, and graduation rates through early engagement. The center also connects students to campus and the community through high-impact practices including peer mentoring, undergraduate research, internships, and service-learning opportunities.
Kickstart your future with AUM’s MS-SLP program
Applications are now open for our Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology online program’s Fall 2026 cohort.
Open to individuals with a bachelor’s degree in Communication Disorders or a related field, the MS-SLP program prepares graduates for licensure and certification.
Apply before the January 15 deadline.
Keep up with campus events
There’s an easy way to keep up with all of the fun events offered on our campus. Enroll in AUM365 and get the 4-1-1 from Curtiss The Warhawk himself. Text curti$$ to 334-398-6025 to receive reminders about upcoming happening.
