Maroon MEMO: Employee News (Mississippi State University)

The Bully statue in front of Colvard Student Union stands tall against the background of a fall sunset. The Mississippi State University campus will see below average temperatures this week. PHOTO: Megan Bean | Public Affairs

Physics faculty’s breakthrough research resolves years-old proton size puzzle
Research by Mississippi State scientists has helped resolve the decades-old “proton radius puzzle,” a question that for years has had physicists experimenting and theorizing to unravel the mystery. This research, titled the “Proton Radius Experiment” and performed by a national scientific team including three MSU physicists, published in Nature, the international journal of science. Known as PRad, the investigation involved MSU Department of Physics Professors Dipgankar Dutta, corresponding author, and James A. Dunne, as well as Assistant Professor Lamiaa El-Fassi.

Student Health Services receives reaccreditation
Mississippi State’s Student Health Services again is extending its national accreditation. The university was notified recently that it will maintain for another three years its Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care accreditation, acknowledging MSU Student Health Services’ adherence to rigorous standards of care and safety. “The reaccreditation from AAAHC affirms our ongoing commitment to offer outstanding health services to our students and this community,” said MSU Vice President for Student Affairs Regina Hyatt.

Sign up today for communicating science seminar
The need for scientists to communicate their research effectively reaches far beyond the bench or the discipline. The Office of Research and Economic Development at Mississippi State University will host a "Tips and Tricks to Effectively Convey a Scientific Message" seminar on Nov. 20. Jason Organ, an assistant professor of anatomy and cell biology at the Indiana University School of Medicine, will lead the seminar.

Smoke-free policy enhances healthy environment
Mississippi State University is a smoke-free campus. Official policy prohibits the use of any combustible or vapor products anywhere on campus property including university buildings, university grounds, university vehicles, parking areas and sidewalks. The smoke-free campus policy is part of the university's commitment to creating a healthy environment for all members of the campus community. Use of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, pipes, hookah or other similar devices are prohibited by this policy.

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Keenum addresses international food and agriculture agency, expands partnerships in Rome
Mississippi State University’s work to address key challenges of the 21st century was the focus of a speech delivered by MSU President Mark E. Keenum in Italy last week. At the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization headquarters in Rome, Keenum addressed an audience of FAO officials and staff, as well as ambassadors to the UN’s mission in the historic capital city. Keenum described the impact major research universities in the United States, like MSU, can have in the global fight against hunger and poverty.

Events to honor military veterans this week
As part of its annual Veterans Day celebration, Mississippi State is hosting several events this week to honor current and former members of the U.S. Armed Forces. The annual Veterans Day ceremony will take place Monday at 2 p.m. on the Drill Field. Building on historical military roots, the university has long been recognized as one of the nation’s most veteran-friendly universities. Including dependents, the veteran community comprises 2,977 students this fall. In 2018, MSU became the first university in the state to launch a free tuition program for Mississippi National Guard members enrolled full time.

Tagert to join MSU’s research, economic development office and serve as CEO of GSDP
Mike Tagert has been named associate director for Corporate and Economic Partnerships within Mississippi State University’s Office of Research and Economic Development. In this role, he also will serve as chief executive officer of the Greater Starkville Development Partnership, playing a key role in MSU’s efforts to enhance economic development in Mississippi to improve the quality of life for people in Starkville and Oktibbeha County, the Golden Triangle region, and the state.