President Mark E. Keenum, daughter Torie Keenum, and Starkville Mayor Lynn Spruill served members of the Starkville Fire Department and other first responders during the annual Thanksgiving feast last Tuesday [Nov. 21] at Fire Station One. Dr. Keenum and staff from MSU Dining Services take the opportunity annually to thank first responders and other city personnel for their service throughout the year. PHOTO: Jonah Holland | Public Affairs
Making the MSU map: Research institute uses GIS expertise to provide new insights for the university
As geoscientists around the country observed National Geographic Information Systems Day in mid-November, Mississippi State University researchers are using GIS to generate new insights and interactive maps as the campus evolves. Since 2020, MSU’s Geosystems Research Institute has been working with Campus Services to build a dynamic geospatial platform of MSU and its facilities, giving administrators intuitive tools for mapping and analyzing campus information. The project is led by John Cartwright, GRI assistant extension professor. “This venture is a testament to the institution’s dedication to fostering a modern and dynamic campus environment, where innovation and efficiency go hand in hand,” Cartwright said.
Ervin spotlights threats to wetlands, importance of aquatic plants in final fall Faculty Book Talk
Mississippi State faculty members continued tackling current issues in this fall’s MSU Faculty Book Talk series hosted by the College of Arts and Sciences. The November talk featured Gary N. Ervin, professor in MSU’s Department of Biological Sciences. He discussed his new textbook “The Biology of Aquatic and Wetland Plants,” a 2023 CRC Press publication, on Nov. 17. The first new comprehensive wetland plant textbook written in more than two decades, Ervin’s publication offers a deep dive into the importance of aquatic plants in the ecosystem and focuses on “botanical diversity from the perspective of evolutionary relationships, emphasizing the role of evolution in shaping adaptations to the aquatic environment.” “The MSU Faculty Book Talk series hopes to highlight and celebrate academic books and the MSU faculty who write them,” said Eric Vivier, MSU associate professor of English and series director.
MSU scientists study effects of supplemental feeding on chronic wasting disease
As wildlife researchers continue studying the spread of chronic wasting disease, a fatal infectious disease threatening North America’s deer populations, scientists in Mississippi State University’s Deer Lab are sharing how certain management practices, including supplemental feeding of deer, can impact disease transmission rates. Steve Demarais, MSU Deer Lab co-director, said minimizing direct contact by eliminating opportunities for unnatural clustering of deer is a common CWD management practice. This is especially true with supplemental feeding, and research has found that use of deer feeders can elevate risk of CWD spread among deer who congregate to consume the feed. The MSU Deer Lab has partnered with the University of Minnesota Center for Prion Research and Outreach, or MNPRO, to help wildlife agencies better understand risks associated with the spread of CWD.
‘What’s up with higher education?’ topic of ‘Conversations with a Humanist’ lecture series
Mississippi State’s Institute for the Humanities hosts this month its final presentation of the fall semester -- “What’s up with Higher Education?” -- an in-depth review of the current crises and challenges facing higher education in the U.S. and part of the ongoing “Conversations with a Humanist” lecture series. Presented at 3 p.m., Thursday [Nov. 30], in the fourth floor Grant Library Auditorium of MSU’s Mitchell Memorial Library, the conversation also will be streamed live on the Institute’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/msu.humanities.institute. Panelists include Leigh Soares, assistant professor in MSU’s Department of History who specializes in the history of education -- specifically HBCUs in the 19th and early 20th centuries -- and Eric Moyen, an assistant vice president for student success and a historian and professor of higher education in MSU’s College of Education.
Nomination period open for 2024 MSU Online Teaching Award
The nomination window for the 2024 Mississippi State Online Teaching Award is open now until 5 p.m. Jan. 7. In its sixth year, the award acknowledges and rewards an MSU online instructor who employs best practices to engage, inspire and support students in an online environment. Potential nominees include faculty members, instructors or lecturers of a Campus 5 course taught in the current academic year. The winner will receive a $500 award along with registration to attend an online education-related conference similar to OLC, UPCEA or USDLA. The winner will be notified in April.
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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