The university’s Museums and Galleries Committee is inviting explorers of all ages to its annual Science Night at the Museums on Saturday [Feb. 15]. The free, public event will take place from 4-7 p.m. in Hilbun Hall and the Cobb Institute of Archaeology. Visitors can view exhibits and participate in science activities and demonstrations throughout the evening with scheduled tours, exhibits and experiments ranging from the high voltage lab to plants, wildlife, archaeology, geology, physics, chemistry, veterinary medicine, anthropology and more. PHOTO: Grace Cockrell | Public Affairs
DAFVM Spotlight Employee: Michael Talavera
After earning his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, Dr. Michael Talavera realized his true passion was in research and diagnostics, rather than direct patient care. “I had a quarter-life crisis at 25,” he laughed. “But you’re never too old to pursue what excites you.” Now a resident veterinarian at the Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Talavera is working toward board certification in clinical pathology. Each day, he analyzes samples -- saliva, blood, urine, and tissues -- to diagnose conditions such as cancer, infections, toxicity, and immune disorders. His team communicates these findings to treating veterinarians, ensuring accurate diagnoses and proper care.
DAFVM Spotlight Employee: Christian Thames
For Christian Thames, the joy of seeing a sick or injured animal leave the clinic healthy again is the ultimate reward. As a veterinary assistant at the Animal Emergency and Referral Center, or AERC, Thames is involved in the day-to-day care of animals. The AERC is a state-of-the-art facility for advanced emergency, specialty and surgical care located in Flowood that is a branch of the Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine. From drawing blood, helping with radiographs, or providing support during medical procedures, Thames assists wherever needed. Having worked alongside a talented team of veterinary professionals for the past five years, Thames is thankful for the opportunity to contribute to the care of animals in need.
Lyceum Series kicks off 2025 with electrifying trio
Mississippi State’s 77th Lyceum Series season continues with a rock/pop performance infused with powerful classical music. TAKE3 performs Thursday [Feb. 13], 7 p.m., in Lee Hall’s Bettersworth Auditorium. The show is free for MSU students, $25 for MSU employees and senior citizens, and $30 for general admission. Purchase tickets at www.events.msstate.edu. Covering a variety of genres, TAKE3 performances have featured songs by The Beatles, Justin Bieber and Coldplay. The Lyceum Series is MSU’s longest running performance arts series and is a key part of the university’s continued commitment to the arts.
Department of Music announces lineup of spring events, audition dates
Mississippi State’s Department of Music is hosting a variety of concerts this spring, showcasing the talents of its students, faculty and guest artists. Select events are ticketed to provide much-needed resources for creative programming, guest artist honorariums, technical and academic support services, and sheet music. For box office information for each event, visit www.music.msstate.edu/events. Designated an All-Steinway School, MSU’s Department of Music is housed in a $21 million, state-of-the-art facility equipped with sound-proof practice rooms, a high-tech recording studio, an acoustically advanced lecture-recital hall, more than $3.5 million in Steinway pianos and more.
Internationally acclaimed pianist headlines VOiCE event
Mississippi State’s Department of Music is hosting its annual Vocal Odyssey in Creativity and Education conference Friday and Saturday [Feb. 14-15]. With a diverse lineup of engaging workshops and performances, the event -- also known as VOiCE -- celebrates the art of music and its role in education and creativity. The public conference is designed for high school and college students and educators seeking professional development or continuing education unit credits. Internationally acclaimed Steinway Artist Julian Gargiulo, known as the “Pianist with the Hair,” headlines the event with a Friday recital, 7:30 p.m., in the Recital Hall. He has graced prestigious stages worldwide, including Carnegie Hall and the Sydney Opera House.
MSU celebrates Black History Month with arts events, Shackouls lecture
From art exhibits and line dancing to a lecture on artificial intelligence’s future roles in the humanities, Mississippi State is celebrating Black History Month with numerous events throughout February. Event sponsors include MSU’s African American Studies Program, Department of Art, Holmes Cultural Diversity Center, Judy and Bobby Shackouls Honors College and Office of Inclusive Excellence.
Website provides support, resources for free speech
Mississippi State offers a website dedicated to supporting and promoting freedom of speech and expression within our university.
You can access the website at www.freespeech.msstate.edu. This platform has been created to provide accessible resources and guidance to foster a campus environment where open dialogue, respectful debate and diverse perspectives can thrive. All members of the MSU community -- students, faculty and staff -- are encouraged to explore this site and take advantage of the materials and opportunities it offers. Whether you are seeking to deepen your understanding of free speech principles, enhance your ability to engage in thoughtful dialogue or learn more about your rights and responsibilities, this resource is here to support you.
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 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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Jim Laird.
