Workers install landscaping in the new medians on Bailey Howell Drive. Installed in a stretch of road that runs in front of Ruby, Griffis and Nunnelee residence halls, the new medians enhance vehicle and pedestrian safety in the area while adding space for plants and trees to beautify the campus landscape. PHOTO: Megan Bean | Public Affairs
MSU co-leading new $2.2M NSF-funded Center for Environmental Sustainability through Insect Farming
Mississippi State University -- in collaboration with two other U.S. universities and more than 30 industrial partners -- is leading a $2.2 million National Science Foundation-funded initiative to explore the use of insects as food and feed in agriculture as a response to overpopulation, climate change and a shrinking food supply. The Center for Environmental Sustainability through Insect Farming -- led at MSU by Heather R. Jordan, an associate professor in the Department of Biological Sciences -- is funded by the NSF Industry-University Cooperative Research Center (IUCRC) to partner with business to advance the use of insects as a food source for animals and people. Jordan serves as the MSU site director, assisted by Jonas King, co-PI for the site and an assistant professor in the Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology and Plant Pathology.
MSU now one of three SEC schools with Certification in Education for Public Relations
Mississippi State University now is one of three schools in the Southeastern Conference and one of only 52 schools internationally to obtain Certification in Education for Public Relations, a distinction from the Public Relations Society of America earned by organizations meeting top PR education standards. MSU’s certification will be conferred at the PRSA International Conference in Orlando, Florida, this October. Longtime MSU Communication Professor John E. Forde, who led the university’s effort to achieve CEPR status, said, “Earning CEPR demonstrates the quality of our program and puts us in the company of many of the best colleges offering degrees in public relations.”
MSU accepting applications for Preparing Future Faculty Program
Sept. 1 is the deadline for graduate students to apply for Mississippi State's Preparing Future Faculty Program. Organized by the Center for Teaching and Learning and the MSU Graduate School, this year-long program focuses on the many aspects of becoming and being a faculty member, including teaching, research and service. Those who plan to seek future employment as a faculty member are encouraged to apply. The program begins Sept. 17. For more information about the Preparing Future Faculty Program and to access the application, click here.
Geosciences graduate student wins top poster prize
Mississippi State University graduate student Jannatul Ferdush received the top honor -- Best Graduate Student Poster Presentation -- at the 85th Annual Mississippi Academy of Sciences, Geography and Geology Division in Mississippi Gulf Coast and Convention Center in Biloxi in early August. Ferdush, a doctoral student in the Department of Geosciences, received the top honor for her poster, “Digital Mapping of Soil PH in Gopalganj District of Bangladesh.” “Soil pH is an essential indicator of soil quality, which varies with topography, geology, climate, parent material, vegetation and anthropogenic activities,” Ferdush said. “While all of these factors affect spatial distribution patterns of soil pH, knowledge of pH variability becomes an intrinsic need for improving crop productivity and land management.”
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.
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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