Maroon MEMO: Employee News (Mississippi State University)

A manicure to a median by a Campus Services employee on George Perry Street signifies that grooming continues in preparation for the start of Mississippi State University's fall semester on August 17. The fall academic schedule has been updated to conclude with commencement on November 25. PHOTO: Megan Bean | Public Affairs

FAA selects Raspet Flight Research Lab to lead UAS safety efforts
Mississippi State University once again is leading a major federal unmanned aircraft systems research, testing and development initiative. MSU’s Raspet Flight Research Laboratory was recently designated as the Federal Aviation Administration’s UAS Safety Research Facility, placing the research center as the helm of studying and developing safety and certification standards as UAS become increasingly integrated in the U.S. airspace. “Mississippi State University is a national research leader in many fields, and our foundational work with unmanned aircraft has positioned us, as this selection demonstrates, to help write the flight safety plan for this potentially transformational aspect of the aviation industry,” said MSU President Mark E. Keenum.

Tanner, Geneser part of new planet discovery
A Mississippi State physics and astronomy faculty member and graduate student are among authors of a paper published in the journal Nature last week announcing their discovery of a new planet orbiting a nearby star 31.9 light-years away. The discovery positions astronomers to increase their understanding of how stars and planets form and evolve. A research team that includes MSU Associate Professor Angelle Tanner and MSU physics doctoral student Claire Geneser of Argenta, Illinois, utilized NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite, known as TESS, and the recently retired Spitzer Space Telescope to find the Neptune-sized planet.

'Extension Engage!' webinars available on Canvas
Mississippi State’s Extension Service is offering “Extension Engage!” webinars via the Canvas platform. Faculty and staff can access all recorded sessions on Canvas for self-directed study. In-service credit is available for those who watch the videos and complete the related quizzes or assignments for individual sessions. For more information, contact Marina Denny, MSU School of Human Sciences assistant professor, Extension specialist and MSU Extension Apprenticeship Program director, at mdd269@msstate.edu.

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.

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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Bethel named among worldwide leaders in robotics
A Mississippi State computer science and engineering professor has been recognized as one of the world’s top leaders in the field of robotics. Cindy Bethel, a professor in Mississippi State’s James Worth Bagley College of Engineering, has been named as one of the “World’s 50 Most Renowned Women in Robotics” by Analytics Insight magazine. The recognition comes in the magazine’s June 2020 edition. Bethel’s research at Mississippi State focuses on robotics and human-robot interaction. She also studies interface designs, human-computer interaction, affective computing, and cognitive science. Specifically, she has helped design robots that aid trauma victims and mobile robots to assist law enforcement and first responders.

Jackson presented with 2020 Lan Hewlett Award
Mississippi State University Associate Athletic Director/Executive Director of Athletic Academics Christine Jackson was named the 2020 recipient of the Lan Hewlett Award last week. "Congratulations to Christine on this well-earned honor," MSU Director of Athletics John Cohen said. "Being recognized by a national organization of your peers is an outstanding accomplishment, and it is a testament of Christine's dedication to our student-athletes, coaches and administrators. We are fortunate to have her on our team at Mississippi State." The prestigious award is named in honor of Lan Hewlett, a long-time advisor at the University of Texas, who is generally acknowledged as the first to provide academic support services to student-athletes.

Staggers honored for early career achievements in agricultural advancement
Mississippi State University Foundation fundraiser William “Will” Staggers of Starkville is being recognized by the National Agricultural Alumni Development Association for his early career success and leadership. Regarding his recent award, Staggers said he owes his success to those who have helped him along the way. “I think largely this award has as much to do with Jack McCarty, Jud Skelton, and Charlie Weatherly as it does me,” Staggers said. “These guys paved the way to create the level of philanthropy in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, as well as MSU Extension, and I’m fortunate to be behind the wheel now.”

Extension faculty contribute to national market report on COVID-19's effects
Three Mississippi State University agricultural economists contributed to a national academic report on the effects of COVID-19 on food and agricultural markets. Members of the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology and the Agricultural and Applied Economics Association developed the collection of essays regarding COVID-19 and the nation’s food supply. Contributors with the MSU Extension Service were Josh Maples and Shaun Tanger. Keith Coble, head of the MSU Department of Agricultural Economics and president of the Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, authored the report’s introduction.