Jesse McCarter, manager of building services, meticulously sets up a street clock between Lee Hall and Colvard Student Union. With a variety of experts in fields such as engineering, design and skilled craftsmanship, the university's Campus Services team is responsible for facilities management, planning and design, landscape maintenance and design, as well as construction administration. PHOTO: Grace Cockrell | Public Affairs
Martins wins NASA grant to detect harmful nearshore algal blooms
An assistant professor in Mississippi State University’s agricultural and biological engineering department is enhancing global understanding and management of nearshore algal blooms electronically thanks to a NASA Early Career Investigator award. Vitor Martins, a Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station scientist, leads the three-year funded study utilizing NASA satellite imagery to analyze blooms caused by excess nutrients -- primarily nitrogen and phosphorus -- in water. The study’s goal is to develop deep learning-based software that detects these blooms using satellite images. The relevance of this research is underscored by the hazards posed by algal blooms, some of which are toxic to humans and wildlife and can cause sickness, especially in children.
Buys named interim head of campus at Meridian
Mississippi State University-Meridian is pleased to announce that Associate Provost for Health Sciences David Buys has been named interim head of campus for MSU-Meridian, including the College Park and Riley campuses. Buys is a seasoned administrator with a vision for program-building and experience in modern health sciences and outreach. “MSU-Meridian continues to grow and evolve in our health sciences and nursing missions,” said MSU Provost David R. Shaw. “We’re grateful to our MSU staff and community partners for creating an environment that fosters a rise to the next level. We have confidence that David can bring focus and cooperation to the important task of growing MSU-Meridian to that elite level.”
Moore-White to help guide interdisciplinary degree pathways as assistant dean
A Mississippi State academic director, counselor and advisor with more than two decades of service to the university is in a new leadership position in the Interdisciplinary Studies Program. Lynda Moore-White, who has spent the past seven years as director of the University Academic Advising Center, is now the assistant dean of Interdisciplinary Studies. The program includes MSU’s Data Science Academic Institute and is leading the effort on several new interdisciplinary degree programs. “Lynda’s tremendous experience in student advising and expertise in navigating curriculum and degree structures makes her an invaluable asset,” said Interim Dean of Interdisciplinary Studies Jamie Dyer.
Rodenmeyer joins Office of Research and Economic Development
Kathryn Rodenmeyer is joining Mississippi State’s Office of Research and Economic Development as senior communications manager. In the newly created position, Rodenmeyer will lead communications for ORED, raising awareness of MSU’s innovative research and its wide-ranging impact among key stakeholders. “Every day, I am fortunate to get a first-hand look at the exciting research taking place at MSU, and there are so many stories to tell that our students, faculty, staff and alumni can be proud of,” said MSU Vice President for Research and Economic Development Julie Jordan. “I am excited to have Kathryn leading communications for the research division as we grow our ability to tell MSU’s research story and enhance our reputation as a leading university nationally.”
Farrell named Raspet Flight Research Laboratory interim director
Bryan Farrell is the new interim director of Mississippi State University’s Raspet Flight Research Laboratory, one of the country’s leading academic research centers dedicated to the advancement of aviation. Farrell joined Raspet in December 2021 as associate director for aviation program management. Rob Premo, who has led both Raspet and MSU’s Center for Cyber Innovation, or CCI, for the past year, will focus his efforts on growing MSU’s cyber research opportunities as CCI director. Prior to joining the Raspet team, Farrell served as deputy director for international research development at MSU’s International Institute, where he led the university’s international research, partnership and professional development efforts.
Calmes, Young graduate from College Business Management Institute
Two Mississippi State staff members are recent graduates of the College Business Management Institute, a premier national professional development program providing business officers and administrators with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in higher education business administration. Tonya Calmes, business coordinator for the Department of Psychology housed in the College of Arts and Sciences, and Chekila Young, business coordinator for the Department of Teacher Education and Leadership in the College of Education, completed the program during the institute’s annual meeting in Lexington, Kentucky, last month.
University and Mississippi Academy of Sciences host summer symposium; USDA’s Tucker honored with Presidential Award
Mississippi State University hosted more than 90 scholars from around the state for the Summer Science & Engineering Symposium on July 30 in conjunction with the Mississippi Academy of Sciences. The day’s primary focus was on a variety of student and faculty research presentations shared through oral and poster sessions. MAS presented a prestigious Presidential Award to Archie Tucker, a longtime USDA Agricultural Research Service area director, whose office is located at MSU’s Delta Research and Extension Center in Stoneville. After starting work with the USDA-ARS as a 16-year-old high school student, Tucker has amassed over 49 years of service. He is being honored for outstanding contributions to the success of his organization, where he oversees an annual budget exceeding $350 million.
Reminder: University policy addresses employee political activity
With campaigning for elected offices underway this year, Mississippi State's Office of General Counsel offers the following reminder of the university’s policy on political activities. There are several basic guidelines that university employees should keep in mind when engaging in any form of political activity. MSU employees are encouraged to review OP 01.14: Political Activities in its entirety and to understand their rights and responsibilities.
Free learning opportunities via LinkedIn Learning available to faculty, staff and students
Sharpen skills. Explore new interests. Increase professional value. These and other results are now available via no-cost learning opportunities to Mississippi State faculty, staff and students through MSU’s new agreement with LinkedIn Learning. A popular, online education platform, LinkedIn Learning’s 20,000-plus courses are available to campus via a quick login using their MSU NetID email addresses. With self-paced learning, courses are presented in various formats, including bite-sized video, audio only and in-depth content. The platform is directly integrated with Canvas, the university’s learning management system. MSU faculty can use it to supplement course material or even develop and load their own content onto the platform.
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.
The Office of Public Affairs provides Maroon MEMO as a general information
resource for Mississippi State University employees.
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