Maroon MEMO: Employee News (Mississippi State University)

Joseph Young, a research engineer at Mississippi State University's Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems in the Thad Cochran Research, Technology and Economic Development Park, operates the BeAM Modulo 250 directed energy deposition system, using a laser to melt blown metal powder to build parts in an open 3D space. The center's experts in additive manufacturing are using advanced equipment to determine the feasibility of producing parts from the powder of metal scrap or simulated Martian soil. The research is sponsored by the U.S. Army Research Laboratory and NASA. PHOTO: Megan Bean | Public Affairs

Counseling, Educational Psychology and Foundations establishes research lab to address pediatric feeding disorders
A new research laboratory at Mississippi State is addressing pediatric feeding disorders with the goal of learning best practices to help children and adolescents ages 2-18 years old who do not eat enough. The first of its kind in the state, the lab is housed in MSU’s Department of Counseling, Educational Psychology and Foundations and focuses on developing intervention techniques rooted in applied behavior analysis that will produce lasting improvement in feeding behavior. Hailey Ripple, an assistant professor and lab co-director, explained that a pediatric feeding disorder is when a child, for various reasons, is not consuming enough food or an appropriate variety of foods to meet nutritional needs or goals. Both Ripple and co-director Hallie Smith, also an assistant professor, stressed that while a feeding disorder and an eating disorder are often lumped together as the same, they are actually distinct.

Rhode Island benefactors continue support with endowed faculty chair
Former Rhode Island Chief Justice Frank J. Williams and his wife, Virginia, have established an endowed faculty chair dedicated to the study of Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War at Mississippi State University. Building on their previous support of the land-grant institution, the Williams’ most recent gift will further MSU’s ability to pioneer meaningful engagements and enhanced understandings regarding the social and political implications of the Civil War era. It also secures the first endowed faculty position to be housed within MSU Libraries. “The enduring support of Frank and Virginia Williams for Mississippi State University and the MSU Libraries is remarkable,” said Tommy Anderson, interim Dean of Libraries. “With this latest gift, Judge Williams and Virginia have ensured a legacy of incredible scholarship that will be felt at MSU for many years to come.”

MSU Golf Course memberships now available for fall
Mississippi State University Golf Course memberships are now available to MSU students, faculty and staff. The $550 membership includes unlimited golf green fee and golf car fees for the entire fall semester. A green fee only option is available for $300. Memberships are for enrolled students in good standing, faculty and staff, but do not extend to family members. Membership will be valid from Aug. 16-Dec. 12. Please contact PGA Head Golf Professional Tim Basel at 662-325-3028 or tbasel@business.msstate.edu if you have any questions.

International Institute shares passport reminders
Mississippi State's International Institute is encouraging all students and faculty who are considering travel within the next six months to apply or renew (if needed) their passport now. Current U.S. passport processing times are significantly longer than normal, so it is more important than ever that you plan early. First-time passport applications and renewals are taking up to 18 weeks for routine service and up to 12 weeks for expedited service (additional $60). If you aren't sure if you need to renew your passport, check the expiration date and make sure it is valid for six months after the end of your potential travel dates. Additionally, keep in mind that if your travel requires a visa, you often need to send your passport to the embassy to receive your visa prior to travel.

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. The complete policy is available at www.policies.msstate.edu/policy/91301.

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Johnson awarded more than $2 million in funding to study heart function, contributors to heart disease
A chemistry faculty member at Mississippi State University is receiving more than $2 million in funding from the American Heart Association and the National Institutes of Health for his research focused on ion channels -- proteins the body uses for signaling a heartbeat, among other functions. Christopher N. Johnson, a structural biologist and assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry, is gaining a new five-year $1,818,750 grant from the National Institute of Health, General Medical Sciences Division, though a Maximizing Investigators’ Research Award, which is based on past performance and research indicators.

Demarais wins prestigious applied research award
A Mississippi State professor in the College of Forest Resources is being recognized with a prestigious applied research award by the nation’s premier wildlife science organization. Professor Steve Demarais is the recipient of the Caesar Kleberg Award for Excellence in Applied Wildlife Research from The Wildlife Society. He will be honored at the group’s annual conference held virtually November 1-5. This Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Foundation award, endowed in 2007, distinguishes wildlife researchers whose body of work translates to real-world application of conservation and management. Demarais, who also is MSU’s Taylor Chair in Applied Big Game Research and Instruction, said the accolade is among the most meaningful of his career.

ORED adds financial incentive for faculty writing for The Conversation
Mississippi State University's partnership with The Conversation allows faculty to communicate research to a broad audience online at https://theconversation.com/us and beyond. The Conversation publishes faculty-written articles under a Creative Commons license, meaning that other news sources can republish The Conversation’s content. Publishing your work in The Conversation communicates MSU’s scholarly activities to wider audiences and increases the public’s understanding about the types of work being done at MSU. In order to recognize the importance of sharing research with a wide variety of audiences MSU's Office of Research and Economic Development will provide a $500 incentive for any MSU faculty member whose work is successfully published in The Conversation.