Newsletter - May 2024

UPCOMING EVENTS

Game Night Board Games and Appetizers

May 22, 4-6 p.m.

Two Brothers, 621 University Dr. Starkville, MS

Grad Bingo

June 26, 2-4 p.m.

Old Main Academic Center

Pickleball

July 17, 1-3:30 p.m.

Sanderson Center

Registration for the Fall 2024 GTA Workshop Closes

July 26 Online

Fall 2024 Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) Workshop

August 12 - 15, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Old Main Academic Center

Graduate Student Social and Resource Fair (ALL GTA levels and new graduate students welcome)

August 14, 2-4 p.m.

Old Main Academic Center

A NOTE FROM THE DEAN

Dear Colleagues and Friends of the Graduate School,

As we wrap up the spring semester and bid farewell to the 2023-2024 academic year, I want to extend my congratulations to all our graduating students. Commencement has come and gone, marking a significant milestone in your academic journey. Your hard work, dedication, and accomplishments are truly commendable.

For those who have completed their studies and are now alumni of Mississippi State University, we celebrate your success and wish you the best in your future endeavors. Whether you’re embarking on new career paths, furthering your education, or pursuing other aspirations, we have every confidence in your ability to excel and represent our university with pride.

To our continuing graduate students, as you embark on summer research projects across various locations, we wish you productive and enriching experiences. The Graduate School remains committed to supporting your academic and professional growth, offering events and services throughout the summer and into the fall semester.

I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to our Graduate Program coordinators for their invaluable support to students and to our Major Professors for their mentorship and guidance. Your contributions are instrumental in maintaining the excellence of our research programs and enhancing the university’s reputation nationally and globally.

As we embrace the beauty of spring and look forward to warmer days, let’s also celebrate the achievements of our students. Stay connected with the Graduate School, and please keep us informed about your journey and successes.

Best Regards,

Dr. Peter Ryan

Executive Vice Provost and Dean

The Graduate School

SAY HELLO

Staff Spotlight

SARA THOMAS Meet

Bridging Excellence in Graduate Education at Mississippi State University

When it comes to ensuring a seamless experience in graduate education at Mississippi State University, Sara Thomas, an Administrative Assistant II at the Graduate School, is a vital force behind the scenes. Her role goes beyond administrative tasks; she embodies a commitment to excellence that resonates throughout the university community.

“As a Starkville native, this has been home all my life,” Thomas shares, highlighting her deep-seated connection to the university and its mission.

In times of organizational shifts and transitions, Sara is adept at placing the right resources in the right places. “My role is one of service, providing support to staff, patrons, and the University,” she emphasizes, showcasing her meticulous approach that ensures smooth operations within the Graduate School.

Sara’s journey at MSU has been marked by a diverse range of experiences. “I’ve worked here from 2012-2014, then transferred to Human Resources for five years,” Thomas said. “My return to the

Graduate School in 2019 reflects my commitment to serving the university’s needs.”

In her role, Thomas plays a crucial part in maintaining relationships between staff, patrons, and the University.

“Bloom wherever you’re planted...your talents will make room for you,” Thomas advises, echoing her philosophy of embracing opportunities and making a meaningful impact.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Thomas finds solace in spending quality time with family and friends. “Taking time to laugh and enjoy the present is important,” Thomas remarks, reflecting her holistic approach to life.

Thomas’s dedication to excellence and her ability to bridge connections within the university community make her an invaluable asset to Mississippi State University’s Graduate School.

Sara Thomas Administrative Assistant II, The Graduate School at MSU

GROUNDBREAKING RESEARCH AND ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

Written by Lauren Benton |

Zinnurine

Photo Submitted by Saida

Saida Zinnurine, a Ph.D. student specializing in Infectious Diseases within the Department of Comparative Biomedical Science at Mississippi State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, recently achieved a notable recognition at the Conference of Research Workers in Animal Diseases (CRWAD) 2024 in Chicago. She secured the second-place award for best oral presentation, a prestigious acknowledgment presented by the American College of Veterinary Microbiologists (ACVM).

Zinnurine’s award-winning presentation delved into her groundbreaking research on the ‘Role of Chitinase and RTX Toxin in the Pathogenesis of virulent Aeromonas Hydrophila’. Her contributions extended beyond presentation excellence; she also served as a moderator for the Immunology 2 session at the CRWAD conference, further solidifying her stature in the scientific community, particularly in veterinary microbiology and immunology.

Her attendance at CRWAD was made possible through the VBMS/ENVT Graduate Student Travel Award from Mississippi State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine.

Under the guidance of Professor Dr. Mark Lawrence, Director of the Global Center for

Aquatic Health and Food Security, Zinnurine’s research focuses on unraveling the behavior of virulent Aeromonas hydrophila in catfish. Her goal is the development of a novel vaccine to bolster the aquatic industry’s defenses against this pathogen, potentially alleviating the economic impact of Motile Aeromonad Septicemia (MAS) on catfish farming.

Zinnurine’s academic journey includes a D.V.M. and M.S. in Veterinary Medicine from Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University in Bangladesh. She further honed her expertise through externships at Fakulti Perubatan Veterinar, Universiti Putra Malaysia, and Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, India. She was also recognized as an ‘Unsung Community Hero of the COVID-19 Pandemic’ by the Office of the Director (Health), Chattogram Division, Bangladesh.

Her contributions at Mississippi State University exemplify both her excellence and the institution’s dedication to tackling global challenges in animal health and food security. Zinnurine’s research on virulent Aeromonas hydrophila holds promise for significant advancements in disease management within the aquatic industry, presenting strategies applicable not only to catfish farming but also to broader agricultural contexts.

By Samuel Hughes | Photo by David Ammon

Growing up in rural Puerto Rico, Patricia Marie

Cordero-Irizarry was always interested in people’s connection to the natural world.

On her way to school in coastal Guayanilla, she saw plantain, pumpkin, tomato, peppers and coffee plantations as tractors chugged past. She saw firsthand the strength of Puerto Rico’s agricultural production. Later, she learned about agriculture’s powerful effects on the environment, Puerto Rico’s food insecurity and how 80% of its food is imported. Cordero-Irizarry decided to study agricultural science to change her surroundings for the better.

“I wanted to do something about it, because we have all the resources and adequate conditions to be able to produce food to supply the island’s demand,” Cordero-

Patricia Cordero-Irizarry

Irizarry said. “The fact that we have to bring so much food from outside—to me, that was a concern.”

Her first step toward making a positive impact was earning a bachelor’s degree in crop protection from the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, where she also minored in professional and practical ethics. After obtaining a master’s degree in environment and natural resources with a focus on soil science from Ohio State University, she was recruited to attend Mississippi State University for a doctoral degree in agriculture education and extension by Kirk Swortzel, a graduate coordinator and professor in MSU’s School of Human Sciences. Given her passion for agricultural extension services, Swortzel sensed Cordero-Irizarry would be a perfect fit. “When I was earning my master’s, I realized there was

Patricia Marie Cordero-Irizarry

a lot of literature available about soil science—especially on soil conservation—but the general public wasn’t aware of it,” Cordero-Irizarry said. “I was interested in how I could transfer all that information to the public— to both the farmer and consumer.”

Cordero-Irizarry is often seen on her orange bicycle traversing campus as she collaborates with multiple MSU faculty on projects within the agricultural and extension education major. One of these educates Mississippi youth on microgreens—small plants loaded with flavor and nutritional value—through the 4-H Extension program.

“The idea is to bridge the gap between students and where their food comes from. As each generation grows up, they move farther and farther away from farms— most of the kids live in cities. The goal is to bring the

farm into the classroom,” Cordero-Irizarry said.

Cordero-Irizarry’s recent dissertation work has brought her a little closer to home. In interdisciplinary research combining ethics, philosophy and soil science, she is identifying the ethical norms guiding Puerto Rican coffee farmers to adopt soil conservation practices.

“When your farm is in the middle of the mountains and is only accessible by dirt road, you may not have internet or a close neighbor. How do you address soil conservation? And the question is, is that even on your radar? Also, coffee is a historically and culturally significant crop in Puerto Rico, so I’d like to do my part to help these farmers,” she said.

Despite coffee’s significance in Puerto Rico, international competition, rising labor costs and negative environmental conditions have contributed to a decline in the number of coffee farms on the island.

Cordero-Irizarry’s research hopes to contribute to the preservation of coffee production in Puerto Rico.

With lots of options to consider, Cordero-Irizarry isn’t settled on her post-doctoral plans. She’s considering returning to Puerto Rico to work in the local agricultural extension service, applying for a faculty position in the U.S. or pursuing her dream of starting a farm back in Puerto Rico—or a combination of all three.

“I think it’s important for grad students to know that they don’t need a plan once they finish,” CorderoIrizarry said. “I have a lot of confidence that when I leave Mississippi State, I’ll have the skills I need to succeed and know what I’m able to offer the world. Those plans were already on my radar before coming here, but now I feel more secure about them becoming reality.”

Emma Schultz selected as fellow of regional fish and wildlife organization

By Special to The Dispatch • February 27, 2024

Emma Schultz of Starkville was named a Minorities in Natural Resources Conservation Fellow during the 77th annual Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies conference. Schultz is a doctoral student studying forest resources in Mississippi State University’s College of Forest Resources.

To qualify for the fellowship, applicants must be current undergraduate students, graduates within

the past 12 months or enrolled in a post-graduate program in select Southeastern states. Applicants also must have a career interest in conservation and natural resources and minimum 2.5 GPA and be at least 18 years old.

MINRC accepts approximately 25 fellows per year, and the application process is highly competitive. Fellows participate in discussions and gain

information on selected topics relevant to seeking employment in the natural resources field.

Andy Kouba, professor and head of MSU’s Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture, said the CFR aims to increase diversity in the field of natural resources and promote opportunities including the MINRC fellowship.

SEAFWA cultivates friendly relations and mutual understanding among officials engaged in natural resources conservation. It also promotes public understanding and appreciation of the importance of conserving natural resources and encourages the management of fish and wildlife resources. For more information about SEAFWA, visit seafwa. org. For more information about MSU’s College of Forest Resources, visit www.cfr.msstate.edu.

MSU GRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCHES ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, MACHINE LEARNING TO GLEAN VITAL AG INFO

By Samuel Hughes | photo by Grace Cockrell

Collecting valuable agricultural and environmental information from the ground can be challenging, but a Mississippi State graduate student is improving the ability of artificial intelligence to effectively use remote sensing data for better insight.

Dakota Hester, a first-generation doctoral student in MSU’s Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, is completing a competitive,

six-month internship as a machine learning scientist at multinational healthcare and agriculture corporation Bayer.

Hester’s expertise is specifically concentrated on improving deep-learning land cover mapping, which can have powerful implications in agriculture and forestry. Hester’s Bayer Crop Science research has similar goals to his ongoing graduate research at MSU:

improving the ability of remote sensing—satellite data and aerial photographs—to cost-effectively increase understanding of agricultural processes and natural resources. While collecting data from the ground can be expensive, cumbersome and time-consuming, satellite imagery is readily available.

“Remote sensing is the best way to increase our understanding of natural resources and how crops and plants grow, without necessarily needing someone on the ground monitoring every single crop day in and day out,” Hester said. “Once we hit a certain resolution, we can extract much more information than what has previously been available in the past 10 to 15 years because of new technologies in satellites, remote sensing and artificial intelligence.

“Bayer has given me access to and experience with novel tools and technology. I’m excited to return to our research lab and leverage some of the techniques they use,” Hester said.

While Hester’s Bayer research primarily relates to agriculture, his work in MSU’s Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering hopes to use deep learning to map entire states.

“Being at MSU has definitely opened up a ton of different opportunities for me. I don’t think I would have gotten this internship had I not been involved in the research that is being done at Mississippi State,” Hester said. “I’ve gotten to meet so many wonderful scientists and researchers from across the globe, and honestly that’s the highlight for me—it’s the people.”

The Tishomingo native credits his interest in agricultural science to his father, a field mechanic for a logging equipment supplier.

“Particularly during the summers when school was out, he would take me into the field with him. I got a

firsthand look at what the natural resources industry looks like,” Hester said. “That definitely shaped what I wanted to pursue later in life as I was going through undergrad, and my focus has shifted away from programming and software engineering toward sciences and natural resources—how we can extract the most value from what we have naturally growing in Mississippi.”

After completing his bachelor’s degree in computer engineering at MSU in 2021, Hester worked as a graduate research assistant in MSU’s Department of Sustainable Bioproducts, where he researched a fully automated, artificial intelligence application that identifies species of wood with high accuracy using scans of the wood’s surface. Hester then moved in 2023 to the agricultural and biological engineering research lab of Assistant Professor Vitor S. Martins, where he conducts current research on deep machine learning. He hopes to continue this after obtaining his doctorate, which he expects to complete in 2025.

The MSU Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering focuses on engineering and technology for agriculture and natural resources, including autonomous agricultural systems and precision agriculture, as well as ecological engineering and sustainable energy. The department has split responsibilities in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Bagley College of Engineering, Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station and MSU Extension Service. For more on the department, visit www.abe.msstate.edu.

Mississippi State University is taking care of what matters. Learn more at www.msstate.edu.

COMMENCEMENT

CEREMONY

CONGRATULATIONS!

CONGRATULATIONS!

New GSA Officers Elected

Lilli Harris Assistant Director, Graduate Student Development

Patricia Marie Cordero-Irizarry President

Trinity Baynham Vice President

LaMareshia Johnson Vice President of Meridian Affairs

Bala Subramanyam Sivarathri Secretary

Kya Davis Treasurer

Ana Valencia

Service and Outreach Coordinator

Farbod

Ghiasi Technology and Marketing Coordinator

Congratulations, Dr.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Robbie Salters, Assistant Director School, for successfully earning a Doctor of Philosophy in Human Development look forward to the continued contributions and

Dr. Robbie Salters!

Director of Graduate Admissions at Mississippi State University’s Graduate Development and Family Science. We are proud to celebrate this milestone and success that Robbie will bring to our institution.

MSU MCNAIR SCHOLAR MEMORIES

Our Mississippi State University McNair Scholars, including Alexis Jackson, Ph.D., MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Sciences, Courtney Welch Master of Science in Counselor Education and McNair Alumna, Timothy Sellers Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Tyrone Tolbert Jr. Master of Business Administration enjoyed a dinner at Harvey’s, marking the completion of another successful semester. The McNair Scholars Program is dedicated to supporting underrepresented students in pursuing advanced degrees and research, fostering a community of scholars committed to making a difference in their fields. Click here for more information on our scholars.

Introducing MEGHAN WOLF

Enhancing Graduate Student Development at Mississippi State University

The Graduate School at Mississippi State University is excited to introduce Meghan Wolf, the new Program Coordinator for Graduate Student Development.

Capturing Grad Bulldog Spirit THE GRADUATE SCHOOL’S COOKOUT AT LEFT FIELD LOUNGE, featuring Dr. Brien Henry on the Grill

CONFERENCE OF SOUTHERN

Graduate School Staff Present at Conference of Southern for First-Generation Graduate Students

Three staff members from Mississippi State University’s Graduate School were selected to present at the Conference of Southern Graduate Schools (CSGS) in Greenville, South Carolina, in March 2024.

Lauren Benton, Assistant Director of Graduate Enrollment Marketing, and Lilli Harris, Assistant Director of Graduate Student Development, collaborated with representatives from the University of Texas at San Antonio on a presentation

titled “Don’t Stick to the Rivers and Lakes You’re Used To: Strategies for Success with Hispanic Serving Institutions and First-Generation Graduate Students.” Their session concentrated on the FirstGeneration Graduate Student Series, providing invaluable guidance for navigating graduate school for firstgeneration students and implementing marketing and communication strategies to enhance participation among this group.

SOUTHERN GRADUATE SCHOOLS

Southern Graduate Schools, Focusing on Success Strategies and Admissions and Enrollment Insights

The program, accessible to all firstgeneration graduate students, includes “how-to” sessions, workshops, guest speakers, and panels designed to equip students with essential skills and resources. Additionally, the program offers networking opportunities and peer mentorship, sponsored by the Division of Access, Opportunity, and Success through the Innovation in Inclusion Grant.

Dr. Lindsey Shelton, Director of Graduate Admissions and Enrollment Marketing, also made a significant impact at the CSGS conference. She co-presented with representatives from North Carolina State University, sharing insights into factors impacting students’ enrollment decisions. Dr. Shelton specifically focused on domestic students’ perspectives while her co-presenters addressed considerations for international applicants.

MSU STUDENTS SHOWCASE PROJECTS AT GRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM

By Carl Smith

More than 50 Mississippi State graduate students won prizes for their cutting-edge work during the spring 2024 Graduate Student Research Symposium.

Over 130 students participated in the symposium, a bi-annual event allowing students to showcase their faculty-guided research and creative activity. The GSRS featured students from diverse departments and colleges who participated in poster and oral presentation sessions, sharing their research with the MSU community. Student projects were evaluated by 53 judges, who provided feedback that can be useful in improving current research and preparing for future endeavors.

Research projects were divided into four categories-Agriculture and Life Sciences; Education, Arts and Sciences, and Business; Engineering; and Forest Resources and Veterinary Medicine-and the event featured 15 oral and four poster sessions, and 22 moderators and volunteers.

Winning students received $150 for first-place, $75 for second-place and $50 for third-place entries.

The event was hosted by the MSU Graduate Student Association in collaboration with the Graduate School. For more information about the GSRS, visit www.grad. msstate.edu/students/graduate-development/graduate-research-symposium.

Photos submitted by Graduate Student Association

Spring GRADUATE SYMPOSIUM

2024

RESEARCH

WINNERS

Union Art Gallery

March 18 to March 28, 2024

The Image of Research competition gives students the opportunity to engage creatively with their research, share behind-the-scenes views of their research processes, or portray their academic study in visual form.

Recognizing Excellence

MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY’S

2024

IMAGE

OF RESEARCH WINNERS

First place

Larra Diboyan

Second Place

Felicity Kleitz-Singleton

People’s Choice Award

Charlyn King

3MT AT THE CONFERENCE OF SOUTHERN GRADUATE SCHOOLS

Daniel McCormick: 3MT Grand Champion Shines at Regional Competition

In an impressive display of research and communication skills, Daniel McCormick, a Ph.D. student in Civil Engineering Online at Mississippi State University, was named the 3MT Grand Champion. His research titled “An Experimental Investigation of Performance-Coated Low-Iron Glass for Use in Airport Traffic Control” focuses on improving safety and efficiency in airport operations.

The 3MT competition challenges students to explain their research in just three minutes, making complex topics understandable to everyone. Daniel’s presentation stood out among 63 competitors, earning him a spot in the regional finals hosted by the Conference of Southern Graduate Schools (CSGS) in Greenville, South Carolina, where he was one of 12 finalists.

To learn more about Mississippi State University’s 3MT competition and upcoming events, visit here.

BCoE Student Hall of Fame 2024

TIMOTHY SELLERS

What is your name, age, classification and major?

My name is Timothy Sellers, and I am 27 years old. I am a fourth-year Ph.D. student majoring in electrical and computer engineering.

What year did you begin studying at MSU, and when is your expected graduation date?

I began my studies at MSU in the fall of 2020 and am expected to graduate in the fall of 2024.

Why did you choose to attend MSU, and why did you choose an engineering field of study?

I chose MSU because of its reputation for developing and conducting research and being well known as an amazing engineering school. I chose the engineering field for a multitude of reasons, one being it was the field in which I could do the most good by helping society solve difficult problems and helping the younger generation find interest in STEM-related fields. I have found that it was the right decision to join MSU and one of the important decisions of my engineering career.

What are your favorite campus organizations you have become a part of?

My favorite organizations on campus would first be the Robotics Club, then the IEEE Student Club, and lastly the Society of Black Voices Club because of their concert and performances every year. Additionally, I really do enjoy the variety of cultural associations on campus because it allows me to learn and experience diverse cultures

and their practices around the world. An example is the Caribbean Student Association, where I have attended their events and learned multiple things about Caribbean countries.

What has been your favorite course you have taken at MSU and why?

Out of the courses I have taken, I would say it would be ECE-8743 Advance Robotics and CSE-8990 Advance AI Robotics because they both deal with improving my understanding of autonomy and AI, and they help me to further my research on robotic systems. I enjoyed these classes because of the instructors’ ability to communicate clearly and illustrate the material to the students, thus allowing me to gain firsthand experience in how to conduct technical classes since it is my goal to become a professor.

Which course has been your most challenging at MSU and why? What was something you learned about yourself after taking that course?

My most difficult class at MSU was Machine Learning and Soft Computing because it focused on fuzzy logic or non-exact computing. I am truly fascinated by the concept but found it hard to implement in the task given in class. With the help of the professor and fellow classmates, I was able to gain a full understanding of fuzzy logic systems and develop a fuzzy logic-based robotic path planning application.

What is one thing you have learned related to engineering during your time at Bagley College of Engineering?

I have learned so much from BCoE and ECE, but if I had to choose, I would say how to conduct research and the process of journal and conference paper writing.

How has MSU, specifically the Bagley College of Engineering, prepared you for professional life after college?

Both have greatly prepared me for my professional life after college as they have pushed me to be a better instructor and introduced me to companies and organizations that I could either partner with to conduct research or have a fulfilling career in the industry. Specifically, through the various career fairs that MSU holds every year, I was able to meet many companies and have a variety of career options in the near future. Through the BCoE mission statement, I have found courage and perseverance to continue my studies and achieve my goals.

What are your plans after graduation?

I plan to become a professor and teach robotics at R1 and R2 universities. I would also like to spend some time in the industry to gain more connections and experiences to pass on to my future students.

What will you miss most about MSU after you graduate?

When I graduate from MSU, I will miss the friendships that I’ve made the most, as well as the various engineering organizations. I will also miss working with ECE faculty, staff, and students to develop new research ideas, meeting with students for the senior design II projects, and attending the guest lectures ECE hosts throughout the year. I will also miss the Senior Design Showcase event at the end of each semester. I find that it is a great way to inspire younger students and help them showcase what they have learned during their time at the MSU ECE department.

CALS Honors Dean Peter Ryan with Prestigious Dean’s Award

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) Dean Scott

Willard presents the Dean’s Award to Executive Vice Provost and Mississippi State University Graduate School Dean Peter Ryan for his outstanding support during the CALS Super Bulldog Weekend

Breakfast sponsored by Mississippi Farm Bureau in April.

THE GRADUATE STUDENT

HALL OF FAME SCHOLAR AWARDS

COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND LIFE SCIENCES

Ramandeep Kumar Sharma, Plat & Soil Sciences Sharma has 15 peer-reviewed journal publications with seven as first author. He has presented his research in various meetings with over 40 research abstracts to show that work. He is active in mentoring undergraduate students in research activities and serves as a teaching assistant for PSS 4123/6123 Grain Crops. He served as the President of MSU’s Indian Student Association in the 20212022 academic year, as well as, serving as an Associate Editor for AgroSystems, Geosciences, and Environment. Here, Sharma provided 33 manuscript reviews for seven different journals, and served as a judge for student contests on 10 different occasions. He was awarded the Gerald O. Mott Meritorious Student Award for the Crop Sciences Society of America, as well as several professional

Advancement of Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT), and the American Psychological Association (APA). She has also given her time to volunteer work at the First Orlando Counseling Center and the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children.

COLLEGE OF BUSINESS

Junnatun Naym, Finance and Economics

Naym has five publications and one peer-reviewed publication since joining the doctoral program in 2019. She was given the honor of presenting her job market paper, “Delinquent Insider Trade Reporting and Corporate Misconduct” at the 2024 Southwestern Finance Association conference, where she won the Best Doctoral paper Award in Corporate Finance. Her award-winning paper is currently under review at the Journal of Banking and Finance, a

College of Arts and Sciences, Psychology, Junnatun Naym, College of Business, Finance and Economics, Brantley Ballenger, College of Education, Kinesiology, Md Mehedi Farhad, College of Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Emma Schultz, College of Forest Resources, Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture, Monzur Chowdhury, College of Veterinary Medicine, Comparative Biomedical Science

including the University of Montevallo Outstanding Alumnus Award in Exercise Nutrition Science as well as placing in the 2021, 2022, and 2023 Mississippi State University Research Symposium for his Poster Presentation. He is currently a member of eight professional organizations including Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, the International Federation of Adapted Physical Activity, and the American College of Sports Medicine.

BAGLEY COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

Md Mehedi Farhad, Electrical and Computer Engineering Farhad has four published journal papers, two as first author, and is the co-author of two ongoing journal papers that will be submitted soon, bringing his total number of publications to seven journal papers and 15 conferences. He has played a pivotal role in several projects funded from NASA, USDA, and NSF, where he helped develop a fleet of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and ground rovers that deployed multiple sensor platforms for field-scale data collection. His research has afforded him several awards including NASA’s prestigious Future Investigators in NASA Earth and Space Science Technology (FINESST22) Early Career Award (ECA) as well as a full travel grant to participate in the NASA-JLP SMAPVEX22 field campaign. Farhad is a member of three technical societies, IEEE, IGRSS (IEEE International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium), and AP-S (IEEE Antenna and Propagation Society). He is an active mentor for numerous undergraduate, master’s and Ph.D. students.

COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE

Monzur Chowdhury, Comparative Biomedical Science Chowdhury has published one peer-reviewed journal article and submitted two for his research on Listeria monocytogenes pathogenesis. He has actively presented his research at scientific meetings, including the American Society for Microbiology

(ASM) general meeting (ASM Microbe), the Conference of research Workers in Animal Diseases (CRWAD), and the Mississippi Academy of Science Annual Meeting. He serves as the ASM Young Ambassador to Mississippi and spearheaded the revitalization of the ASM MSU Chapter. Chowdhury has received several honors and awards including the 3MT Presentation at the 87th Mississippi Academy of Sciences Annual conference as well as 2nd pace in their Poster competition, Best Poster Award in the Mississippi State University Graduate Research Symposium, and numerous travel grants to share his ongoing research. He is currently a member of the Phi Kappa Phi Honors Society, the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), the Bangladesh Veterinary Council (BVC), as well as many other professional organizations.

COLLEGE OF FOREST RESOURCES

Emma Schultz, Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Schultz has eight peer-reviewed papers published with six more in various stages of review, as well as authorship on 25 total abstracts. During her time as a student, she has received over 15 awards and recognitions ranging from travel grants, such as The Wildlife Society- Out in the Field Travel Grant, funding to attend the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (Agriculture Genome to Phenome Initiative) and winning the WFA Ernest Gluesing Outstanding Graduate Student Award (Ph.D. Level). Schultz’s leadership abilities gained her positions such as the President of the MSU Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture (WFA) Graduate Student Association, as well as being the Dean’s Council Representative for MSU WFA and the Co-Coordinator for the 1st Annual MSU/USDA Graduate Summer Research Experience Program. She is a current member of the Phi Kappa Phi Honors Society, American Fisheries Society, and the Wildlife Society. Schultz is active in the surrounding community and has volunteered for Habitat for Humanity, Starkville Rec. League 8U Softball, and is a Mississippi Aquarium research volunteer.

Hall of Fame recipients from left to right: Ramandeep Kumar Sharma, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Plant and Soil Sciences, Jenna Russo,

Three MSU students named

By Carl Smith | Photos by Grace Cockrell, Jonah Holland, and Submitted

Three Mississippi State students, all from the College of Education, are 2024 Fulbright finalists—the university’s 11th, 12th and 13th finalists in the last eight years.

Hanna Clark, a master’s student from Chelsea, Michigan, and two graduates—Jenny Baldwin of Madison, Alabama, and Valencia Epps of Starkville— are receiving Fulbright U.S. Student Program awards for the 2024-2025 academic year.

MSU President Mark E. Keenum lauded the students for this prestigious achievement.

“Mississippi State students establish a strong educational

foundation, and we encourage them to learn without boundaries. They can go anywhere as they pursue their goals and work to achieve their dreams,” Keenum said.

“I have every confidence these outstanding students will represent our university with great distinction as members of this elite group of scholars. I also appreciate the members of our faculty who have taught, mentored and prepared them for this wonderful experience.”

Clark, who is studying educational leadership, will be paired with a secondary school in Thailand through the Fulbright English Teaching Assistant, or ETA, program. A 2020 graduate of Central Michigan University, she previously served as an English as a Second Language teacher at the Al’iikhwa School in Israel and an intern at The Foundation for Older Persons’ Development in Thailand. The 20202021 Fulbright semi-finalist and Teaching English to

JENNY BALDWIN

VALENCIA EPPS

named Fulbright finalists

Speakers of Other Languages-certified teacher is expected to graduate in May.

Baldwin, a current English as a Second Language and substitute K-12 teacher in Alabama, will be paired with a secondary school in the German state of Hesse through the ETA program. She previously taught English to German students as a counselor and leader for the Munich, Germany-based Camps for Friends and visited the Netherlands, United Kingdom and Germany on individual study-abroad trips as an undergraduate. Baldwin, a former Dean’s and President’s Scholar, graduated from MSU in 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in secondary English education and a minor in linguistics. Epps, a Stephen D. Lee Scholar and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society member, will partner with South Korea’s Mokpo National University and study English-Korean

co-teaching in hopes of improving collaboration and occupational well-being of Korean natives and English-speaking ex-patriots from other countries. She previously served as an afterschool English teacher in South Korea through the Teach and Learn in Korea program from 2018-2020 and earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in elementary education from MSU in 2022 and 2023, respectively.

“Our continued success with the Fulbright U.S. student program really shows how MSU’s educational programs, study abroad opportunities and research endeavors truly prepare our students to engage with the Fulbright program’s core mission of building mutual understanding between nations through exchange,” said David Hoffman, director of MSU’s Office of Prestigious External Scholarships. “It is particularly exciting to see that the three selected are students from the College of Education, as they are certain to bring what they learn from their international experiences back to classrooms, students and educational institutions in Mississippi and beyond.”

The Fulbright Program is the U.S. government’s flagship international educational exchange program and is supported by the people of the U.S. and partner countries around the world. It is funded through an annual appropriation made by the U.S. Congress to the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Participating governments and host institutions, corporations and foundations around the world also provide direct and indirect program support.

Since 1946, the Fulbright Program has provided more than 400,000 participants from over 160 countries the opportunity to study, teach, conduct research, exchange ideas and contribute to finding solutions to shared international concerns.

For additional information about the Fulbright Program or the U.S. Department of State, visit eca.state. gov/fulbright.

HANNA CLARK

GRADUATE STUDENT AWARDS BANQUET

OUTSTANDING GRADUATE STUDENT ADVISOR OF THE YEAR

Dr. Brandon Cline

The 2024 Graduate Awards Ceremony was held on April 19th, at the Bost Conference Center Ballroom. The ceremony celebrated the many accomplishments of our graduate students, as well as the outstanding faculty that supported them throughout the year. MSU Vice President for Research and Economic Development, Dr. Julie Jordan, served as the keynote speaker for the evening, providing those in attendance with encouragement and accolades as they continue to leave their mark on MSU.

AWARDS WERE PRESENTED TO:

GRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANT OF THE YEAR

Master’s Level

Gabe Nyen

PhD Level

Jiaxin Wang

DONALD ZACHARIAS GRADUATE TEACHING ASSISTANT OF THE YEAR

Master’s Level

Caroline Ferrell

PhD Level

Junnatun Naym

GRADUATE SERVICE ASSISTANT OF THE YEAR

Master’s Level

Carley Hand

PhD Level

Mallie Donald

GRADUATE STUDENT ASSOCIATION EXCELLENCE AWARD

Emma Schultz

Seto Ogunleye

Catalina Revelo

OUTSTANDING GRADUATE STUDENT ADVISOR OF THE YEAR

Dr. Brandon Cline

Gabe Nyen

Junnatun Naym

Emma Schultz

Jiaxin Wang

Carley Hand

Seto Ogunleye

Caroline Ferrell

Mallie

Donald

Catalina Revelo