The first signs of fall weather are starting to appear as autumnal tones gradually make their appearances within the flower beds of the Chapel of Memories. While summer heat has remained persistent throughout September, cooler temperatures are expected this week with highs in the upper 70s. PHOTO: Grace Cockrell | Public Affairs
MacGown contributes to global biodiversity map
A Mississippi State scientific illustrator and ant curator is contributing to a global insect map, while also using his talent to design cover art for a leading scientific journal. Mississippi Entomological Museum Ant Curator Joe MacGown is part of a team creating a groundbreaking map of global ant biodiversity, poised to change understandings of where and how ants live and function and where stronger conservation policies and programs may be needed to protect them.
Research study aims to increase understanding of traumatic brain injuries in soccer
A research collaboration between Mississippi State University and Cardiff University in the United Kingdom aims to increase understanding of traumatic brain injuries in soccer. The study, which began in 2020, researched the effects of head impact on aware and unaware soccer players. Raj Prabhu, former Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering associate professor now deputy project scientist at NASA, and Hamed Bakhtiarydavijani, research engineer for the Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems, conducted the study at Mississippi State, along with Mike Jones from Cardiff University. Youssef Hammi, an associate professor in MSU’s Department of Mechanical Engineering also participated in the project.
Crocker emphasizes ongoing training availability
Mississippi State has completed several recent training sessions to prepare students, faculty and staff for potential emergency scenarios, and the university’s emergency manager is reminding the campus community that ongoing training sessions are available in person and online. Brent Crocker said a series of emergency preparedness and response workshops have been offered this semester covering topics such as an active shooter, what to do “until help arrives,” and basic emergency response steps addressing a wide range of potential situations, from severe weather to fire. Crocker conducts training sessions by request for campus departments and student groups.
Intellectual Property Week training sessions coming up Wednesday and Thursday
The Mississippi State Office of Technology Management is hosting Intellectual Property Week training sessions this week with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. No prior IP experience is required. Speakers are USPTO experts and session content is tailored to appeal to a broad audience. Participants will interact with USPTO personnel, MSU researchers, students and entrepreneurs. The in-person location is Room 813, 301 Research Boulevard in the Thad Cochran Research, Technology and Economic Development Park. The office will also host the sessions virtually for those unable to attend in person.
Campus Climate Survey: Let your voice be heard
Mississippi State students, faculty and staff are invited and encouraged to complete the 2022 Campus Climate Survey that will help us build a more inclusive campus environment. The survey opened on Sept. 20 and will close on Oct. 21. Please visit www.msstate.edu/campusclimate for more information or to complete the survey. Those in need of access to technology to complete the survey can visit the Holmes Cultural Diversity Center, located on the second floor of the Colvard Student Union, or the Computer Commons, located on the second floor of the Mitchell Memorial Library. Please contact the MSU Division of Access, Diversity and Inclusion at 662-325-2859 if you prefer a paper copy.
2022 MSU Excellence in Community Engagement Award nominations now open
The Mississippi State Center for Community-Engaged Learning encourages your department faculty, staff and students to apply for a 2022 MSU Excellence in Community Engagement Award. Any MSU faculty, staff, or student can apply on behalf of a project in the following categories: Community-Engaged Service, Community-Engaged Research, Community-Engaged Teaching and Learning, and Scholarship of Engagement. A $3,000 award will be given in each of those areas to recognize outstanding work and support its continuation. Projects that achieve honorable mention in each category will receive $750. The submission deadline is 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 17.
Bicycle and scooter safety reminders
Mississippi State has seen a tremendous increase in bike and scooter use on campus, and the university continues to make the campus as friendly to bicycles as possible. Not only are bicycles a healthy alternative to a car, but they also help alleviate traffic and parking on campus. To help keep our campus safe, visit www.police.msstate.edu/videos/campus-bike-safety for a two-minute video on bicycle safety. Additionally, cyclists and scooter riders should use extreme caution and slow down or walk their bicycle or scooter when interacting with pedestrians. Cyclists and riders should not use sidewalks and walkways when pedestrians are present. Vehicle drivers are required by state law to give bikes a minimum of three feet of distance.
MSU offers smoking cessation programs to students and employees
In 2016, Mississippi State University became a smoke-free campus. Smoking cessation programs are offered to students and employees who wish to stop using tobacco products through the Longest Student Health Center and the Department of Health Promotion and Wellness. We are focusing on positive intervention and peer enforcement to promote our smoke-free campus. While the university does not require faculty, staff and students to quit smoking or using tobacco products, we do expect policy to be followed while on university property. We offer support to our students and employees who wish to stop smoking or using tobacco products. These programs are free of charge except for prescribed medications that may be required.
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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