AUBURN, Ala. — Auburn University has announced that Dr. Neil Lamb, president of the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology and a nationally recognized leader in science education and genomics, will deliver the keynote address during the university’s Summer Commencement Ceremonies on Saturday, August 9, at Neville Arena.

President Christopher B. Roberts will preside over the day’s ceremonies, which will be held at 9 a.m., 1 p.m., and 6 p.m. The morning ceremony will recognize undergraduate candidates from the Colleges of Agriculture; Forestry, Wildlife and Environment; Human Sciences; Liberal Arts; and the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering. The Graduate School ceremony at 1 p.m. will honor master’s and doctoral graduates from across all academic disciplines. The evening ceremony at 6 p.m. will celebrate undergraduate candidates from the Colleges of Architecture, Design and Construction; Education; Nursing; Sciences and Mathematics; and the Harbert College of Business. In total, the university will confer more than 1,300 degrees, including approximately 775 bachelor’s degrees and 550 graduate degrees.

As part of the commencement exercises, the university is pleased to welcome Lamb—a distinguished alumnus and nationally recognized authority in genomics and science education—whose commitment to service and learning have helped establish HudsonAlpha as a national model for bridging the gap between scientific discovery and education. Under his leadership, the institute has advanced how genetics and biotechnology are taught and understood across the country.

“Dr. Lamb’s leadership in science and education, combined with his dedication to improving lives through knowledge and innovation, make him an inspiring voice for our graduates as they prepare to take their next steps as alumni,” Roberts said.

A 1992 Auburn graduate in molecular biology, Lamb has built an accomplished career that connects science, education and public engagement. As president of HudsonAlpha—a nonprofit research institute headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama—Lamb leads a team of more than 220. Under his leadership, the institute continues to advance innovative initiatives and collaborations that integrate scientific discovery, education, medicine and economic development to improve lives around the world.

With a vision rooted in the belief that genomic literacy is essential for preparing the next generation of scientists, healthcare professionals and informed citizens, Lamb’s work has helped demystify complex scientific concepts and made cutting-edge genomic science accessible to learners of all ages and backgrounds.

“I’m incredibly honored and excited to deliver the Summer 2025 Commencement address at Auburn University,” Lamb said. “This is a humbling full-circle moment—one I could never have imagined thirty-three years ago as I sat in my own Auburn graduation ceremony. I look forward to celebrating with the next generation of Auburn graduates and sharing in the spirit that makes the Auburn Family so special.”

Prior to becoming president in 2022, Lamb served for 16 years as vice president for educational outreach, where he built one of the nation’s most innovative and impactful science education programs. Under his leadership, the institute’s outreach efforts expanded considerably, impacting more than one million students, educators and lifelong learners annually through hands-on classroom experiences, digital learning tools, professional development and public engagement initiatives.

Following his graduation from Auburn, Lamb earned his Ph.D. in genetics and molecular biology from Emory University, where his early research focused on trisomy 21, the genetic basis of Down syndrome. He later joined the faculty in Emory’s Department of Human Genetics, where he directed both educational initiatives and the Center for Medical Genomics.

Renowned for his forward-thinking leadership and scientific insight, Lamb has also garnered international recognition for his transformative contributions to science education. His accolades include the Faraday Science Communicator Award from the National Science Teaching Association and the Arno Motulsky-Barton Childs Award from the American Society of Human Genetics. Lamb will give the commencement address at all three ceremonies.

For additional information on Auburn’s commencement ceremonies, visit the commencement website, including a live stream link for those unable to attend. Tickets are required for all commencement ceremonies.

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