Maroon MEMO: Employee News (Mississippi State University)

Krishna Muvva, a computer science graduate student from India, uses his hands to adjust equipment in the Spatial Perception and Augmented Reality Lab run by Professor Ed Swan, right. Also assisting with the day's research is Mohammed Safayet Arefin, a computer science graduate student from Bangladesh. Housed in MSU's Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems in the Thad Cochran Research, Technology and Economic Development Park, the research lab studies the perception and technology required to give virtual objects definite spatial locations. Projects at the lab involve perception, measurement, calibration and display technologies. PHOTO: Megan Bean | Public Affairs

Williams to keynote 2019 Diversity Conference
One of the world’s foremost authorities on diversity, equity and inclusion is the featured speaker for Mississippi State University’s 2019 Diversity Conference on Jan. 31-Feb. 1 at The Mill at MSU in Starkville. Damon A. Williams, one of the nation’s recognized experts in strategic diversity leadership, youth development, corporate responsibility, educational achievement, social impact and organizational change, is this year’s keynote speaker. With the theme “Our Voices-When Diversity Matters,” the event will address ways to use one’s voice to create an environment of inclusiveness in higher education.

MSU, Morocco’s Université Internationale de Rabat continue to grow successful partnerships
Building upon years of collaboration, Mississippi State University and Morocco’s Université Internationale de Rabat are continuing to develop new academic partnerships, resulting in new opportunities for faculty and students at both universities. “MSU has a strong commitment to international engagement,” said Julie Jordan, MSU associate vice president for international programs and director of the International Institute. “Our seven-year relationship with UIR stands as a model for international partnerships.” In 2017, the MSU-UIR partnership received the Institute of International Education’s Andrew Heiskell Award for International Partnerships, a recognition of the top partnerships in international education.

Art department kicks off new year with 'Confluence'
A retired educator with more than five decades of photographic experience is sharing his recent work with students, faculty, staff and visitors in a new exhibition at Mississippi State. Internationally recognized artist Jerry N. Uelsmann is presenting 58 photographs from his portfolio in “Confluence,” an exhibition on display through March 1 at the university’s Cullis Wade Depot Art Gallery. A public reception takes place Thursday from 5-7 p.m. in the gallery. Refreshments will be served.

Collective support enhances High Voltage Lab
Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi, headquartered in Ridgeland, is benefitting Mississippi State’s James Worth Bagley College of Engineering through a $300,000 lead gift for updates to the Paul B. Jacob High Voltage Laboratory. “The necessary investments and maintenance expenses related to operating a high voltage laboratory can be daunting; however, if investments are done wisely using high quality components and modern technologies, such upgrades are not needed very often,” said Joni Kluss, assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering and head of the high voltage laboratory.

MSU Extension soil testing lab offers new services
The Mississippi State University Extension Service Soil Testing Lab has new equipment that allows it to offer an expanded range of services to clients. A new carbon and nitrogen analyzer tests both soil and plant tissue. The new instrument adds soil nitrogen tests to the list of services offered by the Extension Soil Testing Lab and streamlines the process of obtaining soil organic matter and plant nitrogen analyses. Soil tests are useful for clients interested in improving crops, lawns, home gardens and wildlife food plots.

Construction area near Allen Hall causes temporary closure on west side
To allow a contractor to complete sidewalk and parking lot construction in the area, a portion of sidewalk and parking spaces on the west side of Allen Hall will close temporarily. Please use entrances on the east, north and south sides of Allen Hall through Jan. 30. For questions or more information, please contact the Facilities Management Service Desk at (662) 325-2005.

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Mississippi State to celebrate MLK Jr.’s life, legacy with 25th Annual Unity Breakfast, Day of Service
Mississippi State is honoring Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and legacy as a minister, humanitarian and civil rights activist during the university’s 25th Annual Unity Breakfast and Day of Service next week. Breakfast will be served promptly at 8 a.m. on Jan. 21, followed by a 9 a.m. program at The Mill at MSU, 600 Russell St. in Starkville. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis, and doors open at 7:30 a.m. Marcus L. Thompson, deputy commissioner and chief administrative officer for the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning, is keynote speaker.

Demarais named Taylor Chair in Applied Big Game Research and Instruction
A longtime Mississippi State faculty member has been named the Taylor Chair in Applied Big Game Research and Instruction in the College of Forest Resources. Steve Demarais, a Dale H. Arner Professor of Wildlife Ecology and Management in the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture, is a leading white-tailed deer researcher who has been with the university for more than 20 years. Demarais said support for applied research in big game management is vital, pointing out that deer hunting brings in roughly $1 billion annually to the state’s economy. He also noted that MSU has been a research leader for this particular economic driver.

Stinson-Perez named director of Older Individuals who are Blind Technical Assistance Center
The National Research and Training Center on Blindness and Low Vision at Mississippi State University has named Sylvia Stinson-Perez as the new director of the Older Individuals who are Blind Technical Assistance Center. “We are very pleased that Sylvia will be leading the OIB-TAC,” said Michele McDonnall, NRTC director. “She is well qualified for the position and has a thorough understanding of the unique role our center plays in the continued enhancement of independent living outcomes for individuals who are blind or visually impaired.”

MSU selected to host International Conference on Narrative in 2020
Mississippi State joins a prestigious list of U.S., Canadian and European universities selected to host the annual International Conference on Narrative. MSU’s opportunity as conference host comes in 2020 when more than 450 attendees will gather March 5-8 in New Orleans, Louisiana, for literary dialogue from a variety of perspectives. Dan Punday, professor and head of MSU’s English department, serves as president of the International Society for the Study of Narrative, which presents the annual event. The conference also will be sponsored by the University of New Orleans.