Dr. Philip Pearson, center, a staff physician for MSU's Longest Student Health Center, gets a description of the facility's new face mask sanitizer from mechanical engineering student Ryden Smith, at right. With guidance from researchers at MSU’s Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems, Smith, of Tuscaloosa, and his mechanical engineering teammate Wesley Cameron of Richton built and tested the device before making the special delivery. Using a truck toolbox, and incorporating inexpensive materials, the two constructed a much-needed piece of equipment that can sterilize 15-20 masks in minutes for the health center. Read more about this project at www.msstate.edu/newsroom. PHOTO: Logan Kirkland | Public Affairs
MSU Extension Service appoints Pieralisi as new cotton specialist
The Mississippi State University Extension Service has a new cotton specialist.
Brian Pieralisi was appointed to that role on April 1. He replaced Darrin Dodds, who took the helm of the university’s Department of Plant and Soil Sciences. He will work with growers to continue to refine cotton production practices in order to help them become more profitable. His activity will include cotton variety testing, as well as research and outreach on fertility management, weed control, irrigation, harvest aids and other areas of cotton production. “Brian’s background of education and experience is very unique and will allow him to work with growers and students and provide multiple perspectives to each,” Dodds said.
Strawderman recognized for teaching prowess by American Society for Engineering Education
Lesley Strawderman, a professor of industrial and systems engineering within Mississippi State’s Bagley College of Engineering, recently received the 2020 Outstanding Mid-Career Teaching Award from the Southeastern Section of the American Society for Engineering Education. The Outstanding Mid-Career Teaching Award recognizes faculty members who have made exceptional contributions to engineering education through outstanding classroom performance. “It is such a joy working with our students at Mississippi State,” she said.
Mixon wins top honor at annual Pollstar LIVE! poster competition
A Mississippi State professor of art is the recipient of a top national award through an annual competition for concert industry professionals in Los Angeles, California. Jamie Burwell Mixon’s poster of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg received Poster of the Year at the 31st annual Pollstar LIVE! National Concert Industry Awards and Convention held earlier this semester. Frank “Critz” Campbell III, associate professor and head of MSU’s Department of Art, said this national award “speaks to the quality of Professor Mixon’s work and the expertise she brings to the classroom.”
MSU Extension Service personnel in overdrive during emergencies
One of Kim Hancock’s routine jobs is assisting 4-H’ers in Jones County with their livestock projects. On Easter Sunday, she was helping some of those same young people and their families sort through the rubble of what was once their homes. Thirty-two counties in Mississippi reported damage from a tornado outbreak April 12 that resulted in 12 fatalities, many injuries and catastrophic destruction to residential, commercial and agricultural property. MSU Extension is a supporting organization in the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency’s emergency management plan. Hancock is one of more than 150 Extension agents in the state’s 82 counties who assist local emergency personnel in the mass care and nourishment of those who are displaced or without resources after disasters, as well as the care of livestock, row crops and domestic animals.
Looking for a way to help? Give to the MSU Student Relief Fund
The Mississippi State University community continually exhibits a great sense of responsibility and caring for enrolled students that make the land-grant institution such a special place. The MSU Student Relief Fund, built with private gifts, helps those members of the student body affected with day-to-day crises or like now, the impact to their daily lives posed by COVID-19. The Dean of Students' Office assesses needs and administers the fund for acute crises that may impact students’ ability to succeed academically. The funds have a direct impact on students in extenuating circumstances in order to help them achieve their academic success. The MSU Foundation accepts gifts year-round for the MSU Student Relief Fund. Contributions for this effort can be made online or by contacting the Annual Giving office at (662) 325-2466.
SMART route changes in effect during COVID-19 pandemic to protect riders and staff
As Starkville-MSU Area Rapid Transit continues to evaluate the best ways to protect transit riders and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic, service is being limited (one bus per route) to the following routes: Boardtown North, Boardtown South, Old Main, Highway 12, Sportsplex and Paratransit. Routes will run from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and will be limited to nine passengers per bus. Routes will stop from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for cleaning and spraying of all buses.
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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