The Graduate School Newsletter - October 2023

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THE GRADUATE SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

grad.msstate.edu

UPCOMING EVENTS

Wellness Wednesday Series

GSA General Body Meeting

Oct 25 Chair Massages Nov 19 Noxubee Refuge Hike

Oct. 19 @ 6 p.m.

First Gen Graduate Student Series

Graduate Research Symposium Oct. 21 @ 8 a.m.

All events located in John Grisham Room in Mitchell Memorial Library Nov 7 Becoming a Scholar and Interacting with Faculty Dec 5 Free Coffee and Refreshments

Halloween Open House

A2i Workshops

3MT

Oct 6 LinkedIn Workshop (Library) Oct 17 Mock interviews (tentatively) Oct 27 Speaker and Lunch Nov10 Interviewing and Elevator Pitch Workshop

Nov. 15

(Career Center)

Nov. 16

Dec 1 Speaker and Lunch

Oct. 31

GSA General Body Meeting

TAGGS Opens for Spring

Fall 2023 Doctoral Graduation and Hooding Ceremony

Oct. 1

Dec. 7

TABLE OF CONTENT S AY H E L L O !

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT E VNEENW TS EVENTS CLICK ABOVE TO VIEW ALL CURRENT GRADUATE CALENDARS

AWARDS

A NOTE FROM THE DEAN Dear Colleagues and Friends of the Graduate School, On behalf of the Graduate School, I would like to extend a sincere and heartfelt welcome to all our new and returning graduate students to Mississippi State University for the 2023-2024 academic year. I wish all our graduate students every success with their studies, research, and extracurricular activities. We also invite our graduate student alumni to visit campus when the opportunity arises and share with us their successes since graduation. In August our beautiful campus came to life with over 20,000 students descending on Starkville for the start of the new academic year. For many, fall is their favorite time of year with the return to warm, sunny days and cooler nights. The transition to fall and the start of the SEC college football creates excitement and an indescribable energy on campus that is unique to the fall semester.

Since May, The Graduate School staff have been busy planning positive and engaging experiences for graduate students during their studies this academic year. To accomplish this goal, Mrs. Lilli Harris, Assistant Director of Graduate Student Development, has been working diligently with Mr. Luke Tucker, the Graduate Student Association (GSA) President, and the GSA executive leadership team in developing, planning, and executing an exciting series of events and programming for graduate students. This is important that students find some downtime and fellowship with other graduate students from different disciplines as this can be an enriching experience. I encourage graduate students and faculty members to visit our webpage for information regarding all our events including the GSA general body meetings, the Graduate Student Research Symposium, and the newly created First Generation Graduate Student workshop series. Our website contains information about travel grants, fellowships, career opportunities, and services for graduate students. In fact, the Graduate School’s Open House is a great way to learn about our events, admissions process, and programs from our wonderful staff. It is a frighteningly great event!

Lastly, our Communication Officers are busy posting information to our social medial platforms to help graduate students stay engaged, informed, and make the most of their time here. The university is committed to taking care of what matters – the graduate student. We encourage graduate students and faculty members to share with us stories of student accomplishments to include in future editions of the Newsletter.

Please do not hesitate to contact me or any member of the staff in the Graduate School if we can be of assistance in addressing needs that may arise, whether they be academic, well-being, or financial. If we do not have an answer, we will direct you to those who can assist. The Graduate School staff and I wish for our students to have a holistic and memorable experience as they pursue their graduate studies at Mississippi State University.

Best Regards, Dr. Peter Ryan Executive Vice Provost and Dean The Graduate School

SAY HELLO Staf f Spotlight

“Being at Mississippi State

DR. NATHAN Originally hailing from

vital issues concerning academic

Bloomington, Indiana, Dr. Drake

integrity and graduate programs.

embarked on a southern journey

Despite the usual perception of

that led him to Mississippi State

meetings, Dr. Drake finds these

University. After completing his

gatherings to be extraordinary

doctoral studies in History, he

examples of selflessness and

found himself increasingly drawn

dedication among university

to the administrative side of

administrators.

academia. His curiosity about the inner workings of universities,

What sets MSU’s graduate

is not merely about research

coupled with a desire to contribute

programs apart, according to

dollars, publications, and

to the education ecosystem, set

Dr. Drake, is the genuine care

him on a path that ultimately led

that faculty and staff extend to

to his role as Director of Graduate

their students. He highlights

are certainly important, but

Programs. Dr. Drake’s journey

the exceptional approach of

without the human investment

exemplifies the idea that one’s

the Department of History,

career path can take unexpected

where faculty members actively

but fulfilling turns.

engage with graduate students,

creating policy. Those aspects

from the MSU community to its students, the driving forces behind any university become hollow.”

irrespective of their committee For Dr. Drake, the most

roles. This supportive environment

fulfilling aspect of his role lies

extends across various

in working closely with faculty

departments at MSU, reflecting

and staff. He actively engages

the university’s dedication to

in committees like the University

student success. Dr. Drake advises

Committee for Courses and

prospective graduate students

Curricula (UCCC), Graduate

to research departments, build

Council, and the Graduate Policy

relationships, and make the

Advisory Committee (GPAC).

most of the abundant resources

These platforms allow him to

available on campus.

collaborate with colleagues on

DRAKE Looking ahead, Dr. Drake anticipates the continued growth of adult and distance education for graduate students. He also foresees significant expansion in certificate and microcredentialing programs. MSU is actively working to strengthen relationships with employers at the

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international, national, and regional levels to create opportunities for graduates to apply their knowledge in the workforce. Additionally, Dr. Drake acknowledges that universities will increasingly focus on creating student-centered spaces to meet social, communal, and research needs.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Outside of his role, Dr. Drake has a unique hobby—he enjoys thinking about and mowing lawns. In fact, he has mowed nearly 91,000 lawns

P l e a s e co n t a ct E r i c A b b o tt a t e a b b o tt@ g r a d . m s s t a t e . e d u

in a virtual lawn mowing game.

He is also an avid bird enthusiast and owns six field guides to North American bird species. And, for those who wonder about his favorite place on Earth, it’s Banff, Alberta.

BAC K T O M E N U

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

FROM STARKVILLE TO A BRIGHT FUTURE

AMANDA MAYO’S JOURNEY IN GEOSCIENCE

“Mississippi State showed me I can take my

She’s been accepted into a STEM

dreams—and run with them! I am so proud

(Science, Technology, Engineering, and

to be a Bulldog!” - Amanda Mayo

Math) PhD program at the University of Southern Mississippi, where she intends

Amanda Mayo holds a master’s degree in

to explore informal education. Her goal is

Geoscience with a Minor in Geospatial

to leverage her teaching skills in settings

from Mississippi State University. Her

such as museums, aquariums, or zoos after

thesis focused on Geoscience Education,

completing her doctorate.

reflecting her commitment to sharing

Currently, Amanda is teaching math classes

knowledge and inspiring others.

in Cleveland, MS, and continuing her

Although Amanda has recently graduated,

volunteer work as a NASA Solar System

her career journey is already well underway.

Ambassador. She’s also taken on a unique

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

role, opening a fiddle studio in her new

engage with families and students,

town, welcoming ten students. Balancing

fostering a shared appreciation for

these endeavors with wedding planning is

geology and natural history.

no small feat.

As an accomplished alumna, Amanda

During her time at Mississippi State,

offers valuable advice for current

Amanda achieved several significant

students. She emphasizes the importance

milestones, showcasing her dedication and

of building relationships with professors

talent. She earned the prestigious “2023

by visiting them during office hours

Donald Zacharias Graduate Teaching

and actively participating in class. For

Assistant of the Year Award” and reached

undergraduates, Amanda encourages

the finals of the 3 Minute Thesis (3MT)

them to explore scholarship opportunities

competition. Amanda’s research skills

from various sources, which can

were also recognized when she secured

significantly alleviate financial stress.

first place for her presentation at the

She also highlights that graduate school

Mississippi State Graduate Research

is attainable, as many departments at

Symposium.

Mississippi State offer funding for

Additionally, she represented the

research or teaching assistantships.

geosciences department at the Mississippi

Even after leaving Starkville, Amanda

Academy of the Sciences Summer

stays connected to her alma mater. She

Research Symposium, where she received

brings a piece of Mississippi State into her

the People’s Choice award for her oral

elementary classroom, sharing her Bulldog

presentation.

pride with her students. Some of them

Amanda found it challenging to pick

have even expressed aspirations to attend

a favorite class from her department

the university in the future.

because of the passionate faculty.

Amanda’s journey is not only marked by

However, her Principles of Paleontology

her academic achievements but also by

class, where she had the opportunity to

her resilience and determination. She’s a

hunt for fossils, left an indelible mark.

survivor of a traumatic brain injury from

Her most remarkable discovery—a turtle’s

her teen years. Her journey to graduation

backbone fossil—is now part of the

was far from easy, but Mississippi State

Mississippi Museum of Natural History’s

showed her that she could achieve her

collection.

dreams. Her upcoming walk at the

Working as a graduate assistant at the

December 2023 commencement will be a

Dunn-Seiler Museum allowed her to

moment of immense pride.

BAC K T O M E N U

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

ARTS AND SCIENCES STUDENTS RECOG Two Mississippi State University students

Subjugated liberty, a term coined by Newell,

received awards from the university’s Gender

focuses on the power and dominance existing

Studies Program for their research and

beyond individual freedom to show that

insights into gender studies issues as part of

individual freedom appears subjugated in the

the Gender Studies Paper Award contest this

context of the larger power structures.

spring.

“These concepts were used to explore gender

Alana R. Boyd, a May 2023 sociology

inequalities and highlight the impact of

graduate from Huntsville, and Joseph N.

dominant social norms on women. Specifically,

Newell, an English graduate student from

it tracked the patterns of language that

Cary, MS, received cash prizes in the contest

dominant groups used towards women even

hosted by the Gender Studies Program at MSU.

though this language would normally be used

At the South Atlantic MLA conference this

to address infants,” Newell said.

fall, Newell will present his winning paper

“This topic is relevant today because it shows

which explores the connection between

how there are hidden inequities in what we

infantilization—treating adults as if they are

see as freedom. It helps us critically access

children—and subjugated liberty in “A Room

situations to find out how distinctions in

with a View,” a 1908 novel by E.M. Forster.

gender do not necessarily mean equality.

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

GNIZED FOR GENDER STUDIES INSIGHTS In essence, it shows that gender and gender

the way that he presents himself to the world.

inequalities are complex and nuanced, and taking

He challenges modern forms of masculinity

multiple perspectives into consideration can help

and refutes the labeling/titles that society today

explain why some of those inequities exist,”

seems to be obsessed with. He constantly

Newell said.

continues to be himself and I found that really

Boyd, who minored in gender studies, drafted

admirable,” Boyd said.

her award-winning paper about Frank Ocean,

MSU’s Gender Studies Program examines gender

the music artist, and how he challenges gender

and investigates the different impact of events,

norms today.

technologies and government policies on men

“He goes against the status quo with not only his

and women to broaden the understanding of

lyrics, but his lifestyle and fashion as well,” said

culture and identity, as well as the intersection

Boyd, who wrote the paper for her Sociology

of gender with race, class, and sexuality, health

Theory class to highlight the connection of

and body politics, region and environment,

modern sociologists to a current facet of society.

nationalism and citizenship.

“I wanted to write about Frank Ocean because

Through the College of Arts and Sciences, MSU

he’s one of my favorite music artists in the

offers an undergraduate minor in gender studies

industry currently and he’s one of my icons in

and a graduate certificate.

BAC K T O M E N U

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Karalina Kost PROGRAM COORDINATOR - HOLMES CULTURAL DIVERSITY CENTER

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Karalina Kost graduated with a master’s

political conflicts and the international

degree in educational leadership with a

students experience.

concentration in Student Affairs in Higher

MMI (Mid-Manager’s Institute) Part of

Education in May 2023 from Mississippi

the logistic team 2022, MSU

State University with 4.0 a GPA.

Committee member of the professional

During her time as a student, she was:

development team, Mississippi State

SACSA (Southern Association for

University | Division of Student Affairs

College Student Affairs) Ambassador for Mississippi State University

Last year she received the NASPA

SACSA (Southern Association for

(National Association of Student

College Student Affairs) Conference

Personnel Administrators) NOW

presenter. Socio-political conflict and

Professional Recognition for the Impact in

the international student experience:

the field award.

Reflections on global competencies

NASPA NOW recipients in the Impact

in student affairs by a Belarusian

category support the mission and strategic

International Student Studying in the

plan of NASPA through service to the

U.S.

organization on a campus, regional, or

NASPA (National Association of

national level. Through their commitment

Student Personnel Administrators)

to NASPA, this year’s recipients have made

Graduate Assistant Program Ambassador

significant impacts on the field of student

for Mississippi State University

affairs and higher education.

NASPA (National Association of

Currently, she serves as a Program

Student Personnel Administrators)

Coordinator at Holmes Cultural Diversity

Conference Presenter. Five things

Center under the Access, Diversity and

Student Affairs Professionals can do to

Inclusion Division on Mississippi State

support International Students: Socio-

Campus.

BAC K T O M E N U

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Chiquita Price “Celebrate yourself and your accomplishments even when no one else is cheering.”

The Tutwiler native earned two Bachelor of Science degrees—one in chemistry and one in biology— from Mississippi Valley State University in 2009 and a

That’s the mindset that has led Chiquita

Master of Science in environmental

Price to where she is today – pursuing

toxicology from MSU in 2012. After

a Ph.D. in toxicology at Mississippi

receiving her master’s, Price worked as a

State University’s College of Veterinary

chemistry lab coordinator and lecturer at

Medicine.

Hinds Community College in Raymond

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

for five years. However, she couldn’t

American College of Toxicology.

stay away from the world of toxicology,

Price’s research is conducted in

and in August 2017, she returned

the laboratory of William L. Giles

to MSU and CVM as a graduate

Distinguished Professor Janice

research assistant in the Center for

Chambers, where their focus is on

Environmental Health Sciences.

toxicants to the nervous system. Some of these toxicants, at high levels, can

“I didn’t choose toxicology; toxicology

lead to brain damage. The lab actively

chose me,” Price said. “Once I was

works on novel antidotes to maintain

introduced to the field, I saw that it

or restore function in the brain as well

was a perfect blend of biology and

as maintain vital functions throughout

chemistry that could be integrated into

the nervous system.

other fields of study.”

“At present, I am studying the toxic Since her return to the university

effects of nerve agent analogues in

in 2017, Price has secured National

the brain and the protective effects

Institutes of Health funding through

provided by newly synthesized

the Research Supplements to Promote

antidotes compared to the antidote that

Diversity in Health-Related Research

is currently available,” she said.

program, has been named a Dr. Harold Grier Doctoral Scholar through

As for her next step, Price is undecided

the Southern Regional Educational

but knows she wants to make a real-

Board, was selected as departmental

world impact wherever she goes.

graduate student representative, and has served as the MSU Graduate

“My options are currently open, but

Student Association service and

I am hoping to establish a career in

outreach coordinator. She is also a

industry or government working as a

member of the American College of

forensic toxicologist,” Price said. “In

Toxicology, the American Association

that type of role, I will have the ability

for the Advancement of Science, and

to make real-world decisions that will

the Society of Toxicology. In 2022,

have direct and lasting impacts.”

Price earned a fellowship through the

BAC K T O M E N U

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Ishab Poudel feeds chicken egg layers in MSU poultry facilities Photo by David Ammon

direct affect on farmers and communities sparked a desire to be a part of it.

“Working with Heifer International, I learned

Growing up in the largely

into pastures to watch cattle

rural nation of Nepal,

graze, and I was fascinated

Ishab Poudel’s passion for

with their behavior.”

agriculture began early.

In 2015, after graduating

His drive to make that

with a degree in veterinary

passion a career led him

and animal sciences,

halfway around the world

Poudel took a job in his

to Mississippi State, where

home country as a project

he is currently a doctoral

coordinator for Heifer

student in the poultry

International, a non-

science department.

governmental organization

“I developed a deep

that helps farmers improve

connection to and curiosity

their livelihood and income

about the natural world

by raising quality livestock.

growing up in Nepal,” he

Having an up-close look

said. “I spent a lot of my

at scientific research in

childhood venturing out

action and witnessing its

that raising poultry is an effective way to improve the standard of living in small and marginal communities,” he said. “I saw that the work poultry scientists were doing in these communities had a direct impact on people’s lives, and I decided to pursue higher education studies in the field.”

Poudel remained with Heifer International for three years and then set his sights on applying to graduate programs—and MSU was at the top of his list. In addition to being one

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

of only six poultry science

the gut, results in a stronger

and now preparing to

degree programs in the U.S.,

immune response to

graduate, Poudel hopes to

he knew other students

infections with pathogens

secure a position where

from his undergraduate

such as Salmonella.

he can continue pursuing

university in India who

Poudel has grown

academic research in poultry

had attended and were

tremendously in his five

science, doing his part to

impressed with MSU’s

years at MSU, not only in

ensure safety in the world’s

graduate school.

his knowledge of science

number one protein source.

“When I learned more

but also in his proficiency in

He sees scientific research

about the university and

English—the latter being a

as an important link in the

the Department of Poultry

skill that most students take

global agricultural chain and

Science, I knew that

for granted.

believes that food security

Mississippi State was the

“Studying at Mississippi

must begin with prioritizing

best fit for me,” he said.

State has given me an

animal health.

Poudel’s graduate studies

incredible opportunity to

“Animal welfare is critical

have focused on evaluating

improve my verbal and

because everything in our

the effects of prebiotics,

written communication,”

society is intertwined,”

probiotics and precision

he said. “As a scientist,

he said. “Ensuring animal

biotics—poultry feed

it’s important to express

health is one important step

additives that act as safe

yourself clearly and

in improving food security

alternatives to modulating

articulately.”

around the globe.”

the gut microbiota. A robust

Having recently defended

microbiota, or bacteria in

his doctoral dissertation

BAC K T O M E N U

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

LACY DOLAN Photo by David Ammon

Lacy Dolan has traversed the

they adapted to various

biologists,” she said.

country studying mammals.

environments,” she said.

Dolan then sought a

Her latest stop is Mississippi

She earned her bachelor’s

master’s for more hands-on

State University, where she

in biology from Blackburn

opportunities to work with

studies the state’s black bears.

College in her home state

mammals, studying gray foxes

Growing up, the Dwight,

before moving to San Jose,

at Southeast Missouri State

Illinois, native said cats were

California, where she worked

University.

the first animals to pique her

in a veterinary research lab

“Gray foxes are the only

curiosity.

and volunteered for a wild

canids, members of the same

“My parents both grew

cat conservation group in her

family as dogs, which climb

up on farms, so we had

spare time.

trees,” she said. “I studied

outdoor cats, which I

“We focused on bobcats and

their morphology to learn

loved. I remember learning

mountain lions. I helped with

what allows them to do that.”

about different animals and

public outreach events and

Dolan is now pursuing

being fascinated by how

volunteered in the field with

a doctoral degree in the

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

College of Forest Resources’

a raspberry scent lure high

Dolan uses hair

Department of Wildlife,

inside the corral. The barbs

follicles for genetics

Fisheries and Aquaculture,

snag a small tuft of hair as

while the rest of the hair

studying genetic and diet

bears pass through the wires

is analyzed for diets.

diversity in American black

to investigate the scents,” she

“We determine the hair’s

bears in Mississippi.

said.

carbon and nitrogen content

“Mississippi is interesting

Dolan said team members—

that we then match to possible

because while we have a

Dana Morin, Mississippi

diet items,” said Dolan, who

population of re-colonizing

State assistant professor;

explained different foods have

bears, many come from

Joe Clark, U.S. Geological

different carbon and nitrogen

neighboring states where

Survey supervisory research

signatures.

recovery is further along,” she

ecologist; and Don White

She also is evaluating whether

said.

Jr., University of Arkansas

different diets can change

Her research is part of a large

Monticello professor—are

the shape of a bear’s jaw

regional effort supported

curious about genetic diversity

over time, by analyzing

by the National Fish and

in Mississippi’s populations

contemporary Mississippi

Wildlife Foundation and

because it provides

bear skulls and those from

the state wildlife agencies in

information about what other

before 1930, around the time

Mississippi, Louisiana and

states the bears are coming

Mississippi bears were virtually

Arkansas. The project’s goal

from, and at what rate they are

wiped out.

is to better understand and

moving in.

Dolan hopes her work will

predict black bear population

“We’re mapping genetics of

impact black bear conservation

growth and movement in the

individuals and the landscape

in Mississippi.

Lower Mississippi Alluvial

features to assess how the

“It’s cool to be part of

Valley. Dolan’s contribution

individuals move across the

a regional collaboration

included setting up hair snares

landscape. We hope to identify

working on a re-colonizing

in pockets of Mississippi with

which states our bears are

bear population. I’ve worked

known bear occurrences.

coming from, which will help

alongside some big names in

“We set up a corral by

us determine where dispersal

black bear research, and I’m

wrapping barbed wire around

corridors might be,” she

happy that my research will

several trees and hanging

said. The team will use this

shed light on Mississippi’s

small biodegradable bags

information to predict how

black bears,” she said.

containing a pastry or donut

quickly the bear population

and saturate a cotton pad with

will grow in Mississippi.

BAC K T O M E N U

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Tockie Hemphill

Photo by Grace Cockrell

“Baby, you just have to listen.” Tockie Hemphill’s grandmother gave this advice when Hemphill first began her leap into research as a Combination of Institutions star search scholar at Mississippi State University in 1995.

Hemphill, a Rust College sophomore at the time, called her grandmother after feeling overwhelmed with manuscripts and literature reviews, but she decided to take her grandmother’s suggestion to “listen.”

Through continuing to talk and listen to mentors and other researchers, she found

a love and understanding for the world of research.

“It was a tough experience that summer, but it was an experience that I needed. It was my first real exposure to research,” Hemphill said.

She now holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Rust College and a master’s in counselor education from MSU. Her research interests in many ways stem from family. She’s spent time counseling veterans through vocational decisions—work that

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

felt particularly meaningful because of her own family’s military background. As a child she watched her grandmother care for the elderly, and now Hemphill is pursuing a doctoral degree in functional foods with MSU’s Department of Food Science, Nutrition, and Health Promotion to grow her expertise in healthy aging.

“My grandmother was a house cleaner by occupation, but she also took care of aging adults in our family and other families.

She always said if you wanted to make her mad, mess with a baby or older individual,” Hemphill said.

In addition to her studies, Hemphill is a project manager at the MSU Social Science Research Center working on projects ranging from early childhood education and health advocacy to aging. On many of these projects, Hemphill serves as an evaluator.

“Evaluation is really important, and I’m not sure if it is always understood. I think people assume we’re going to tell them what they’ve done wrong or get them in trouble, but the evaluation is about the process,” she said.

As the evaluator, she seeks to help programs become as effective as possible. With each evaluation, she sees an opening to leave an impact across Mississippi.

“I enjoy the idea that policy and systems could be changed based on evaluation. It’s another place where evaluation really comes in strong. Policy changes are important

because that can affect even more people,” she said.

Within her Ph.D. studies, she also hopes to become proficient in translational research, which is another way to understand and work in policy. She wants to be prepared to translate scholarly and medical writings into a more applicable format.

“People are living to older ages, but longevity does not mean better health. I want to help people understand and be able to live longer, healthier, satisfied lives. There are so many disparities. I want to help close those gaps,” she said.

Hemphill engages her interests in practical ways also. She often volunteered at nursing homes and childcare centers with her own daughters when they were growing up.

Currently she and 27-year-old Nadja and 16-year-old Victoria are in the process of setting up a nonprofit to assist domestic abuse victims.

Although her efforts have evolved since she was first in college, Hemphill continues to follow the legacy and advice of her grandmother, listening to others to help serve the communities she’s passionate about.

“I love the work. It impacts Mississippi, but not only Mississippi. There are global things happening at our center. It makes a huge impact,” she said.

BAC K T O M E N U

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Raymond Femi Awoyemi Raymond Femi Awoyemi, a PhD candidate from Chemistry, was selected to attend the Accelerate to Industry (A2i) Immersion Week hosted by North Carolina State University.

This

5-day

immersive

program

prepared late-stage graduate students to make the transition from their academic program to a career in industry and travel expenses were covered

by

NSCU’s

Burrough’s

Wellcome Fund grant.

To learn more about A2i at MSU, click here.

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

THE GRADUATE SCHOOL

GRADUATE ASSISTANT SPOTLIGHT Introducing new and returning GA’s for the academic year. we wanted to take a moment to get to know these Grad Bulldogs who contribute to our grad community.

Milton Clay, Tyrone (Ty) Tolbert, Jr., Emily Grace (EG) McCall, Mary Miller, Claire Cooper, Cortez Willis, Tyler Davis (not pictured)

BAC K T O M E N U

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Graduate Research Assistants Alberta Ebeheakey and Miftah Rahman from MSU’s Wood Identification Team meet with Dr. Guangmei Anderson (right), Sustainable Bioproducts alumna and Quality Value Manager at Weyerhaeuser lumber mill in Bruce, Mississippi. Photo by Frank C. Owens, Associate Professor in the Forest and Wildlife Research Center

Asi (Alberta Ebeheakey) “The sense of community here among the people, as well as with faculty and staff, has been remarkable. Everyone is so open and willing to connect. It’s a level of warmth I didn’t expect, and it’s made all the difference in my experience at MSU.”

Miftah (Mohamad Miftah Rahman) “Communication hasn’t been a challenge at all. The diverse backgrounds of students in our department bring different perspectives to the table.

Plus, Starkville’s small-town atmosphere and MSU’s strong sense of community make it easy to connect with everyone.”

International Graduate Students Thrive at Mississippi State University Mississippi State University has always prided itself on its strong sense of community and a commitment to providing an enriching educational experience. For two outstanding international graduate students, Alberta Ebeheakey (Asi) from Ghana and Mohamad Miftah Rahman (Miftah) from Indonesia, their journey to Starkville, Mississippi, has been marked by warmth, connections, and remarkable opportunities. We sat down with Asi and Miftah to learn more about their experiences as part of the Wood Identification Team in the Department of Forest and Wildlife Research Center at MSU and what drew them to this academic community.

Choosing MSU A Global Perspective Asi’s story is one that highlights the importance of environment and community.

Hailing from an urban city in Ghana, Asi’s desire to immerse herself in a closeknit community led her to MSU. She found the idea of pursuing the best education in a setting that felt like home to be irresistible. Starkville’s rural charm resonated with her, offering the perfect backdrop for her academic pursuits.

On the other hand, Miftah’s journey to MSU was guided by his familiarity with the university’s faculty members, whom he had already known through their published works. MSU’s location in the heart of the U.S. Forest product industry also played a significant role in attracting him. Both students appreciate the opportunities MSU has offered them to learn from distinguished professors and gain industry experience.

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Graduate Research Assistants Alberta Ebeheakey and Miftah Rahman fine-tune their skills identifying six softwood specimens through microscope sections and slides. Photo by Frank C. Owens, Associate Professor in the Forest and Wildlife Research Center

Building Bridges A Welcoming Campus Community One of the most striking aspects of Asi and Miftah’s time at MSU has been the warmth and friendliness they’ve encountered within the campus and the surrounding community. Starkville’s residents have made a lasting impression on them. Asi and Miftah also spoke highly of the faculty and staff at MSU. They’ve been impressed by the open and approachable nature of their professors, who not only guide them academically

but also offer valuable life advice. The cultural diversity of their fellow students has enriched their experiences, fostering a dynamic and inclusive academic environment.

A Sense of Belonging Community Bonds Asi and Miftah’s experiences underscore the strength of the MSU community and the ease with which international students can integrate into it.

Asi’s chance encounters with friendly locals at Walmart and the genuine offers of

assistance she received reflect the kind of community spirit that makes MSU stand out.

Miftah’s appreciation for the diverse perspectives of his peers highlights the rich academic environment that MSU cultivates.

The warm and welcoming atmosphere at Mississippi State University, combined with the university’s commitment to academic excellence, has allowed students like Asi and Miftah to thrive and find a second home away from home.

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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

GSA 2023 - 2024 President Luke Tucker

Vice President Michael Carroll

Vice President of Meridian Affairs LaMareshia Johnson

Secre Trinity B

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

4 Officer Team

etary Baynham

Treasurer Kya Davis

Service and Outreach Coordinator Elizabeth Esser

Technology and Marketing Coordinator Casey Iwamoto

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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

EXPLORING INDUSTRY OPPORTUNITIES

S:

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

The A2i Fall 2023 cohort enjoyed a captivating presentation and lunch with guest speaker Ronnie Blackley, Regional Director, South at Farmer’s Business Network.

Accelerate to Industry, or A2i, is a professional development program dedicated to enhancing graduate and postdoctoral training for careers outside academia. First developed by the North Carolina State University, this program connects graduate students with industry companies to explore employment opportunities. The MSU Graduate School, along with the MSU Career Center and Mitchell Memorial Library offered this new program for the first time in Fall 2022 at Mississippi State University.

Learn more about A2i here.

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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

A Glimpse into the 1st Generation Gra Student Workshop

Snapshot from the September 5th Workshop: Graduate Student Survival Skills with Deborah Lee, Professor and Associat Outreach with Mississippi State University Libraries, held in the John Grisham Room at Mitchell Memorial Library.

aduate

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

What is the 1st Generation Grad Student Series?

This program is open to all firstgeneration graduate students. First generation graduate students are students whose mother or father did not graduate from a 4-year college or university. The program includes three “how-to” sessions that will provide students with information on how to navigate graduate school.

By incorporating workshops, guest speakers, and panelist from various departments, the information provided will be beneficial for all first generation Master’s or PhD students.

In addition, the program includes two casual networking events and an opportunity for peer mentorship.

Mentors could be students that are further along in their program (3rd or 4th year PhD, 2nd year Master’s) or campus faculty or staff who have completed graduate degrees as first generation students.

te Dean for Research, Instruction, and

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Starting in Spring 2023, our Admissions and Enrollment team introduced a new tradition for our newly enrolled graduate students - the #FirstCowbell gift.

Join the Tradition!

Tag Us in Your #FirstCowbell We’re excited to see your #FirstCowbell in action! Whether it’s at a game, in your favorite study spot, or wherever you take it, share your moments with us on social media.

Don’t forget to tag us @msstategradschool and use #FirstCowbell in your posts.

Ring Your First Cowbe

ell With Pride

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NEWS

Reese Dunne

Oscar Ramirez Perez

NSF Graduate Research Fellows

Mississippi State University alumni and current students are among this year’s recipients of the National Science Foundation’s prestigious Graduate Research Fellowship.

MSU graduates from the classes of 2021, 2022 and 2023, as well as a current doctoral student, are among the fellowship recipients. The fellowship recognizes outstanding graduate students who have demonstrated the potential to be high-achieving scientists and engineers and provides three years of scholarship support and an annual stipend of $37,000.

NEWS

The current MSU students and alumni

it to maximize access to learning. I

receiving fellowships this year include:

hope to use this fellowship to access

NEWS

—Oscar Ramirez Perez, a current

broader resources and collaborators that

doctoral student in the Department of

otherwise would not have been possible.”

Psychology;

Dunne, a Starkville native, graduated this

—Reese Dunne, a 2023 MSU mechanical

month after a distinguished undergraduate

engineering graduate planning to pursue

academic career that included becoming

a doctoral degree at Stanford University;

MSU’s 19th Goldwater Scholarship

—Harrison Broadaway, a 2022 MSU

recipient, an Astronaut Scholar, and

biomedical engineering graduate and

Rhodes Scholarship finalist. He is a 2023

current doctoral student University of

inductee into the Bagley College of

Florida; and

Engineering Student Hall of Fame. Dunne,

—Sydney Wicks, a 2021 MSU

also a student-athlete during his time at

psychology graduate and current

MSU, plans to continue his research on

doctoral student at the University of

Alzheimer’s disease at Stanford.

Mississippi.

“The NSF GRFP will play a major role in

Perez’s selection marks the MSU

funding the first three years of my Ph.D.

Department of Psychology’s first doctoral

at Stanford University and will provide

student to be named as an NSF Graduate

me the freedom and flexibility to explore

Research Fellow. After completing his

a variety of research topics and cultivate

bachelor’s degree at the University of

interdisciplinary collaboration within my

California Santa Cruz, Perez began

area of study,” Dunne said. “The financial

working toward a doctorate in cognitive

support from NSF, along with the access

science at MSU in 2021. His research

to professional development opportunities

focuses on memory effects and online

and other invaluable resources, will

education.

be crucial in preparing me to utilize

“As time goes on, technology is becoming

medical imaging to study, diagnose, treat

more and more integrated in our daily

and hopefully someday put an end to

lives,” Perez said. “I am interested

Alzheimer’s disease.”

in investigating how we interact with technology in learning environments. I

For more information on the NSF

am also interested in how technology can

Graduate Research Fellowship Program,

help us manage more traditional learning

visit www.nsfgrfp.org.

strategies to better inform how we can use

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EVENTS

Graduate Resource Fair Recap

EVENTS

A SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL EVALUATORS! Dr. Marcus McGee Dr. Brian Rude Dr. Molly Zuckerman Dr. Anna Osterholtz Dr. Priya C.Basu Dr. Aswathy Rai Dr. Matt Ballinger Dr. Tineka Burkhead Dr. Donna Gordon Dr. Ling Li Dr. Justin Thornton Teresa Brown Dr. Joseph Emerson Dr. Miguel Muñoz Dr. Sumudu Athukorale Dr. Carly Bahler Dr. Kelly Moser Dr. Rosa Vozzo Dr. Melody Fisher Dr. Kayla Bates-Brantley Dr. Eugenie Joan Looby Dr. Shalyn Claggett Taylor Garner Jessica Thompson Dr. Ashley Schulz Dr. Shrinidhi Ambinakudige Dr. Sarah Lalk Dr. Andrew Mercer Dr. Adam Skarke Dr. Kelsey Crane Dr. Sathish Samiappan Dr. Andrew Lang Dr. Matt Lavine Dr. Morgan Robinson Dr. Leigh Soares Dr. Shankar Ganapathi Shanmugam Dr. Jeff Fulton Dr. Zack Gillen Dr. Adam Knight Dr. JohnEric Smith Dr. Iva Ballard Dr. Robert Moore Jacob Tschume Dr. Velinda Calvert Dr. Dana Franz Dr. Nancy Bardwell Dr. Godfred Inkoom Dr. Brian Baldwin Dr. Carolyn Adams-Price Dr. Mary Dozier Dr. Michael R. Nadorff Dr. Carley Morrison Dr. Rachel Allison Dr. Kristin Javorsky Dr. Ray Iglay

GTA Workshop

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EVENTS

COLLEGE C MAROON & WHITE

COLORS DAY ALL DAY ALL NIGHT

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EVENTS

You’re invited to the

GRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM The Graduate School, in collaboration with the Graduate Student Association, is proud to carry on the tradition of providing students with the opportunity to showcase their research accomplishments on the MSU campus by hosting the annual Graduate Student Research Symposium. The 24th GSRS will be held on Saturday, October 21, 2023, at the Old Main Academic Center. Undergraduate students can visit posters and oral presentations to learn more about the research conducted on campus and to talk to students leading research projects.

More information here: https://www.grad.msstate.edu/students/graduate-development/graduateresearch-symposium

You’re invited to the

THREE MINUTE THESIS 3MT® is a competition that helps graduate students develop their verbal communication skills and helps all people understand the importance of research and how it positively affects our lives.

Undergraduate students can attend the 3 minutes talks to learn more about graduate research, research communication, and vote for their favorite. The 11th annual 3MT competition will be held on November 15 and 16, 2023.

More information here: https://www.grad.msstate.edu/students/graduate-student-development/3mt

G R A D .MSS TATE . EDU

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Las Cruces, New Mexico.

Founded in 1955, NACTA is a

AWARDS

professional society that specializes in the scholarship of teaching and learning for agriculture and related disciplines at the postsecondary level. NACTA established the award in 1996 to recognize graduate student members who go above and beyond as instructors in agricultural classroom settings.

Carley Morrison, an MSU assistant professor of agricultural education, leadership and communication, first

MSU doctoral student honored with national agriculture student teaching award

Contact: Trey Barrett

collaborated with Cordero-Irizarry on scholarship of teaching and learning research during the 2022 winter term and asked her to teach a Professional Presentations in Agriculture and Life Sciences course this past spring.

“Ms. Cordero-Irizarry is a natural

A Mississippi State doctoral student

teacher who sets high expectations

is being recognized for excellence in

but also caters to the individual needs

training tomorrow’s agricultural leaders.

of her students,” Morrison said.

Patricia Marie Cordero-Irizarry, an

“She is a gifted teacher—energetic,

agricultural and extension education

dedicated and open to constructive

doctoral student in MSU’s College

feedback on improving her teaching

of Agriculture and Life Sciences and

and learning experiences.”

its School of Human Sciences, is the

The presentations course is designed

university’s second recipient of the

to provide students in agricultural-

North American Colleges and Teachers

related fields with professional

of Agriculture Graduate Student

communication skills. Cordero-

Teaching Award. The honor was recently

Irizarry said teaching this subject also

presented at the NACTA conference is

has helped her develop skills that will

AWARDS

benefit her as she advocates for soil conservation.

“It feels good to receive the award because I enjoy teaching and have found my vocation through this Ph.D. program, and this is something that motivates me each morning,” Cordero-Irizarry said. “I am also thankful for Dr. Morrison, who is an excellent mentor; Dr. Donna Peterson for giving me an opportunity to teach; my students for providing feedback I can use to improve my teaching, and my family because they have been constantly supporting me in my journey.”

To learn more about NACTA, visit www.nactateachers.org/index.php.

The School of Human Sciences in MSU’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences offers undergraduate degrees in agricultural education,

ABE Ph.D. student, Thevathayarajh

leadership, and communications;

Thayananthan, won the Best Paper

agricultural science; fashion

Award at the SPIE Conference, Autonomous

design and merchandising; and

Air and Ground Sensing Systems for

human development and family

Agricultural Optimization and Phenotyping

science. Graduate degrees include

VIII, held in Orlando, FL, on May 1-2,

agricultural and extension education,

2023.

early intervention, fashion design

plaque and a $1,000 monetary award.

and merchandising, and human development and family science. For more, visit www.humansci.msstate. edu.

Along with the award came a

Theva’s paper was entitled, “Multi-ripeness level blackberry detection using YOLOv7 for soft robotic harvesting.” His graduate advisor is Dr. Xin Zhang of ABE.

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