Institute for Clean Energy Technology Director Charles Waggoner (right) explains ICET’s filter testing capabilities to officials and engineers tasked with preventing the release of radioactive material during debris removal from the Fukushima nuclear site in Japan. They visited campus in late July to learn about Mississippi State’s expertise in evaluating components of radioactive containment systems. PHOTO: Beth Wynn | Public Affairs
DAFVM Spotlight Employee: David Butler
Working at Mississippi State was a goal David Butler set for himself when he was still in college, and once he met it, he didn’t change his mind. He grew up farming in Sturgis, and his dad suggested he take the machine shop course at East Mississippi Community College. He enjoyed the work, and once he graduated, he took a job at Taylor Machine Works in Louisville. After seven years there, he worked at Starkville Tool & Die for two years before getting a job in the MSU Forest and Wildlife Research Center. “I’ve been here 19 years and haven’t regretted it,” David said.
DAFVM Spotlight Employee: David Cross
David Cross merges his love of the outdoors with his passion for science as a research associate. “This job combines my interests in the living world around us with the satisfaction of teasing out a few of Mother Nature’s secrets, even if the discovery process is sometimes happening only in small increments,” he explained. “For several years our research has been looking into the genetics and temperature limits of invasive ants. We’ve mostly been researching the imported fire ant and more recently, the tawny crazy ant. This crazy ant is a relative newcomer to Mississippi that has reached such high population densities in spots as to be very bothersome to homeowners and costly to industry.”
Neal speaks at International Society for African Philosophy and Studies Conference
A faculty member with research interests in African philosophy has returned to Mississippi State with a broader prospective following a two-day conference in Austria. Anthony Sean Neal, an assistant professor in Mississippi State’s Department of Philosophy and Religion, recently was invited to participate in the International Society for African Philosophy and Studies’ 23rd Annual Conference in Vienna.
Innovation grant funding international partnership
Mississippi State is one of 14 higher education institutions awarded an Innovation Fund grant through the Marlene M. Johnson Innovation Challenge, sponsored by NAFSA and CAF Development Bank of Latin American as part of the 100,000 Strong in the Americas Initiative in partnership with Partners of America, the U.S. Department of State and NAFSA. John Rodgers, professor and interim department head of geosciences, developed the bilateral exchange project designed to engage the community and students to further environmental awareness.
Staff Council hosting 'Get the Scoop!' Thursday
Mississippi State staff members are invited to stop by and meet representatives of the university's Staff Council on Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Barnes & Noble at MSU. Free MSU ice cream and Starbucks coffee will be available. Attendees will have the chance to win door prizes and will receive a coupon good for 25 percent off of one item at the bookstore.
Volunteers needed for MVNU2MSU this week
The Maroon Volunteer Center at Mississippi State details a number of volunteer opportunities for the campus community on its website and in its newsletter this week, including registration for Service DAWGS Day 2017, MVNU2MSU, Back 2 School Bash, Boys & Girls Club volunteers, information about becoming a mentor to at-risk young people, reading tutors, communication partners, Habitat for Humanity home build, and more.
Variety defines upcoming MSU Lyceum Series
A nostalgic trip down Abbey Road will open Mississippi State’s 2017-18 Lyceum Series. The university’s long-running performing arts program launches Sept. 12 with a concert titled “Cellophane Flowers: A Beatles Tribute.” “MSU’s Performing Arts Committee worked very hard this year to bring a variety of productions that will enhance the cultural opportunities available to the MSU and Starkville communities,” said Stephen Cunetto, committee chair and associate dean of MSU Libraries.
Policy reminders from University Health Services
University Health Services at Mississippi State reminds the campus community of several important policies for its patients to keep in mind when seeking treatment, parking, refilling a prescription, privacy and more.
Watch: Dudy Noble Field construction online
With construction underway on the new Dudy Noble Field, fans can view the progress of the $55-million facility project through either of the two live cameras that take photos every 10 minutes. There is a home-plate view of the project from outside Dudy Noble, along with an additional angle that looks into Dudy Noble from beyond the right field wall. The main entrance at home plate, right field entry plaza, lower level of the main grandstand, grass berms on first and third base sides, and the Left Field Lounge are all expected to be completed for the 2018 season. Mississippi State expects to release a seating plan for the 2018 season later this summer.
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