15Fall Graduate Candidates for Degrees

Dr. Candis Pizzetta Interim Dean, College of Liberal Arts

Dr. Wilbur L. Walters, Jr Dean, College of Science, Engineering and Technology

Sibyl Bibbs Baugh, Carrolton, MS Brooke Farabee Mapp, Jackson, MS

Laquana Brumfield, McComb, MS

Tia Jackson, Lexington, MS

*Dedrick D Parker, Baton Rouge, LA Cayla L. Harris, Milwaukee, WI

Thesis: ‘Studying the Role of IGF2BP1 in Basal Cell Carcinoma Development Advisor: Dr. Felicite Noubissi

*Markie’Sha James, Jackson, MS

Thesis: Bioavailability of Depleted Uranium in U.S. Army Shooting Ranges Advisor: Dr. Fengxiang X. Han

Javelyn D. Stubbs, Jackson, MS

Kyeisha T. Dennis, Canton, MS

Thesis: Vernonia Amygdalina Induces Cytotoxic Effects and Oxidate Stress in Acute Promyelolocytic Leukemia (HL-60) Cells Advisor: Dr. Clement Yedjou

*Tsige Gidey Gebretsadek, Jackson, MS

Thesis: Effects of IGF2BP1 Inhibition on the Sensitivity of HCT116 Cells to Irinotecan Advisor: Dr. Felicite Noubissi

Parkisha C. Davis, Jackson, MS

Project: ‘Have It Your Way’: New Media’s Fast-Food Approach to Church Advisor: Dr. Li-Jiang A. Chang

Alexus Hunter, Clarksdale, MS

Thesis: Stereotypes of Women’s Body Images in the Media Advisor: Dr. Li-Jiang A. Chang

LaKeisha S. Watson, Ypsilanti, MI

Project: The Glorification of Alcohol in the Media: Does it Really Matter? Advisor: Dr. Li-Jiang A. Chang *Tekeydra Clay, Boyce, LA

Thesis: Vernonia Amygdalina Shows Promise for the Treatment of Acute Promyelolocytic Leukemia Advisor: Dr. Clement Yedjou

*Cord M. Carter, Haworth, OK Kaelin Anthony Gates, Jackson, MS

Thesis: Designing Graphene Oxide-Polydopamine Nanoparticles Composites for Pathogens and Toxic Metal Separation and Disinfection Advisor: Dr. Paresh C. Ray

Moeshia L. Harmon, Mobile, AL

Thesis: Non-Peptidic Inhibitors of Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus’s Cysteine Protease Advisor: Dr. Ifedayo V. Ogungbe

Ronnal Boyd, Kosciusko, MS *Karandeep Singh Minhas, Punjab, India Shawndon Portis, Cuba, AL

Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India

*Garth Cahill, Durban, South Africa Henry Kini Chia, Bamenda, Cameroon *Chidiebere Maduka, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria *Adam Quintin Swanier, Gardena, CA

Thesis: Sorption and Degradation of Insecticides Imidacloprid and Dinotefuran in Agricultural Soils Advisor: Dr. Yadong Li

*Anthony Michael Wright, Jr., Chicago, IL

Charity La’Verne Thomas, Jackson, MS

*Elvis M. Robinson, Jackson, MS

*Karen V. Dudley, Jackson, MS Letha Johnson Gray, Jackson, MS Litonya Na’ Shai Kirksey, St. Louis, MO Devonte Lee, Brandon, MS Alicia E. Taylor, Monticello, MS Sherree T. White, Gary, IN

Jamie Mariama Cavett, Jackson, MS

- Tommie “Tonea” Stewart, ’69 Dean of Visual and Performing Arts, Retired Alabama State University

- Dr. James T. Minor Former Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Office of Postsecondary Education in the U.S. Department of Education

Dr. Fidelis M. Ikem Dean, College of Business

Terrence Ladon Rash, Cleveland, MS

Dissertation: An Empirical Analysis of the Role of Altruism in Organizational Commitment and Turnover Intentions Advisor: Dr. Palaniappan Thiagarajan

Phylicia G. Taylor, Lauderhill, FL

Dissertation: The Effect of Subjective Well-Being and Workplace Characteristics on Millennial Employee Job Satisfaction Advisor: Dr. Palaniappan Thiagarajan

Dr. Roosevelt O. Shelton Interim Dean, College of Education and Human Development

Mark L. Anthony, Toomsuba, MS

Dissertation: Graduate Faculty Perceptions of University Leadership at Ivy League Colleges and Universities to Include Historically Black Colleges and Universities Advisor: Dr. Lou H. Sanders

Ivy Celeste Archie, Canton, MS

Dissertation: Teachers’ Perceptions of the Effects of High Stakes Assessments and Accountability on Lower Performing Schools Advisor: Dr. Barbara Howard Dr. Ingrad Smith

Rodney G. Denne’, New Orleans, LA

Dissertation: An Investigation of Staff Employee Perceptions of Training and Development and Job Satisfaction at an Urban Historically Black College and University in Mississippi Advisor: Dr. Carrine Bishop

Jasmine LuAllen-Hannah, Bolton, MS

Dissertation: Evaluating the Impact of Leadership on Teachers Administering the Alternate Assessment in Mississippi Advisor: Dr. Lou H. Sanders Jeremy K. Morris, Mound Bayou, MS

Dissertation: Perceptions of African American Teachers in a Select School District in Bolivar County, Mississippi: Obstacles and Catalysts to Becoming and Remaining Teachers Advisor: Dr. Sidney McLaurin Dr. Lou H. Sanders

Margaret Enowagbor Sanders, Kepelle, Cameroon

Dissertation: Principals’ Sources/Resources of Acquiring Current Knowledge of Special Education Law Advisor: Dr. Bettye Graves Dr. Ronald Walker

Stephanie Michelle Smith, Meridian, MS

Dissertation: School Counselors’ Perceptions of their Effectiveness in Dropout Prevention and their Role to Increase Student Achievement Advisor: Dr. Bettye Graves Dr. Dorris Robinson-Gardner

Louise Rena Vaughn, Hazlehurst, MS

Dissertation: Faculty Perceptions of the Efficacy of the Flipped Classroom in a University Setting Advisor: Dr. Benjamin Ngwudike

Lavell Williams, Clinton, MS

Dissertation: The Effect of Strength and Conditioning on Student-Athlete Leadership Development and Team Cohesion Advisor: Dr. Ronald Walker

Janieth F. Wilson-Adams, Ridgeland, MS

Dissertation: Students’ Awareness and Perceptions of Student Loan Indebtedness Advisor: Dr. Sidney McLaurin

Shirley McDaniel Williams, Jackson, MS

Dissertation: Impact of the Accelerated Learning Program on Academic Success of First-Year Students Advisor: Dr. Nychole Campbell-Lewis

Kanesha Bennett, Ridgeland, MS

Dissertation: Parental Perceptions on Kindergarten Readiness in a Historically Black College and University-Based Preschool Program Advisor: Dr. Tony Latiker Trashonda Campbell Dixon, Brandon, MS

Dissertation: An Analysis of Kindergarten through 3rd Grade Literacy Coaching and Teacher Implementation of Literacy Instruction Advisor: Dr. Tracy Harris

Leontyne Henderson-Snell, Jackson, MS

Dissertation: Central Mississippi Early Childhood Educators’ Perceptions of the Mississippi Educator Professional Growth System Advisor: Dr. Tracy Harris

Ricardo Hill, Macon, MS

Dissertation: Perceptions of African-American Male Teacher Efficacy in Early Childhood Settings Advisor: Dr. Tony Latiker

Whitney D. Perkins, Bolton, MS

Dissertation: An Analysis of Head Start Teachers’ Preparation and Knowledge of the Speech and Language Referral Process Advisor: Dr. Tony Latiker

Bianca Marie Shelly, Mount Clemens, MI

Dissertation: Young Learners in a Homeschool Setting in Central Mississippi: Benefits and Challenges Advisor: Dr. Jianjin Yin

Alicia Nicole Tinsley, Hermanville, MS

Dissertation: Exploring the Relationship between Neighborhood Violence and Behavioral Problems in Head Start Students: A Pilot Study Advisor: Dr. Jianjin Yin

Sheena Taylor White, Ridgeland, MS

Dissertation: The Impact of Student Discipline and Administrative Support on Teacher Attrition among Early Childhood Educators Advisor: Dr. Tony Latiker

Dr. Girmay Berhie Dean, College of Health Sciences School of Public Health; School of Social Work

Raymond Dewayne Adams, Monroe, LA

Dissertation: The Effects of Mental Health, Social Networks, and Spirituality on PRCA Survivorship among Rural African-American Men: A Pilot Study Advisor: Dr. Belinda Davis Smith

LaVonne Denise Brown, Jacksonville, FL

Dissertation: Testing the Efficacy of an Intervention Based on the Behavior Change to Increase Fruit and Vegetable Consumption among a Sample of AfricanAmerican Women Advisor: Dr. Manoj Sharma

Ahfiya Johari Howard, Jackson, MS

Dissertation: Compassion Fatigue and Compassion Satisfaction among Mental Health Professionals in Central Mississippi Advisor: Dr. Emeka Nwagwu

Sean Suzettte Lenard, Greenville, MS

Dissertation: Factors Influencing Opioid Use and Misuse among College Students in Mississippi: Strategies for Informing Public Health Policy Advisor: Dr. Emeka Nwagwu

Fatoumatta Sisay, Banjul, The Gambia

Dissertation: A Multi-Level Analysis of Neighborhood SES, Stress, and Coronary Heart Disease among African Americans: Jackson Heart Study Advisor: Dr. Jung Lee

Jaelrbreiret Laurine Williams, Jackson, MS

Dissertation: Using Multi Theory Model (MTM) of Health Behavior Change to Explain Fruits and Vegetables Consumption among African American Men in Barbershops in Mississippi Advisor: Dr. Manoj Sharma

Dr. Candis Pizzetta Interim Dean, College of Liberal Arts

Christopher R. Roby, Shelby, MS

Dissertation: Impact of Program Cost-Sharing on Medical Treatment Adherence for Persons Living with HIV/Aids: Program Evaluation of Ryan White Part C Program Advisor: Dr. Chester Robinson Dr. Wilbur L. Walters, Jr. Dean, College of Science, Engineering and Technology

Salma Begum, Madison, MS

Dissertation: Development of Theranostic NanoMaterials for Biological Detection and Targeted Therapy Advisor: Dr. Paresh Chandra Ray

Md. Mehedi Hasan Khan, Jackson, MS

Dissertation: Weak Interaction Energy and Reaction Pathways: A Computational Study Advisor: Dr. Jerzy Leszczynski

Mahzabin Akhter, Bangladesh

Dissertation: Spectral Analysis of Node Associations in Complex Networks Advisor: Dr. Natarajan Meghanathan

Yohn Jairo Parra-Bautista, Bucaramanga City, Colombia

Dissertation: Sentiment Analysis of Consumer Complaints: An Examination of Lexicon-Based and Deep Learning Approaches Advisor: Dr. Ning-Ning Wang

Md Atiqur Rahman, Bangladesh

Dissertation: Application of Centrality Metrics for Complex Network Analysis Advisor: Dr. Natarajan Meghanathan

ENGINEERING Shihui Liu, China

Dissertation: Durability of MICP-Treated Geomaterials and Reinforcement Advisor: Dr. Farshad Amini

Junke Zhang, Henan Province-China

Dissertation: Modification of Industrial Byproducts by Microbially Induced Calcium Carbonate Precipitation for Beneficial Uses Advisor: Dr. Yadong Li

Ridgeland, MS

Dissertation: The Impact of the Home Investment Partnership Program on African American Homeownership Rates: A Comparative Analysis of Four Funded Cities Advisor: Dr. Joan Marshall Wesley Heather Ann Denné, Topeka, MS

Dissertation: Historic Preservation: The Case To Be Made for Mt. Olive Cemetery – A Pilot Study Advisor: Dr. Joan Marshall Wesley

Dr. Roosevelt O. Shelton Interim Dean, College of Education and Human Development

Gloria Adams, Brandon, MS Christy D. Atkinson, Jackson, MS Brenda Artis-Cleark, Clarksdale, MS Renessa K. Barton, Walnut Grove, MS Charna L. Bates, Brookhaven, MS Demetria Rena Blakes, Sharpsburg, GA Dionne Shida Bullock, Belzoni, MS Gretchen Flores-Carter, Natchez, MS Michelle Denise Chandler, Brandon, MS Kelsie Young Cruse, Pontotoc, MS Markita Davis, Cary, MS Ashleya R. Blair Edwards, Jackson, MS Sharon J. Elverton, Jackson, MS Tiffany Green, Jackson, MS Rosalyn K. Griffin, Clarksdale, MS Monica L. Harper, Belzoni, MS Bonnie J Hoppe-Colle, Foley, AL Markela S. Horton, Cary, MS Reann Dahlberg Hudson, Daphne, AL Deondra J. Jefferson, Hattiesburg, MS Jamie Nicole Lewis, Jackson, MS Avis Lloyd, Jackson, MS Monique L. Lucious, Houston, TX Shamekia K. Parker, Natchez, MS Millicent Smith Porter, Wesson, MS Brittany Rhodes-Parker, Jackson, MS Lachada Robie-Purnell, Carrollton, MS Brittney Alicia Russell, Lexington, MS Tiffany Ross, Byram, MS Bridgette L. Thomas, Jackson, MS Kenneth Wayne White, Jr., Fayette, MS Christine Williams, Greenville, MS Kellye R. Woodard, Starkville, MS

Dr. Fidelis M. Ikem Dean, College of Business

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION KaTina Evans-Gibbs, Jackson, MS Cynthia Richelle Jones, Jackson, MS Darnetia Raynelle Melvina Martin,

Slidell, LA Alexis D. Stevenson, Vicksburg, MS

Dr. Roosevelt Shelton Interim Dean, College of Education and Human Development

Whitney L. Blanchard, Jackson, MS LaPortia Franks Hence, Prairie, MS India Sade Johnson, Jackson, MS Ryshine Alasia Lucas, New Orleans, MS Lamarcus Lyles, Camden, MS Starece Nicole Westheimer, Richland, MS

Bethany Bridges, Ridgeland, MS Aralynn Brinee Davis, Lutcher, LA

Annitra Yvette Cotton, Louise, MS Kimberly LeKay Davis, Jackson, MS Ciesha Genous, Yazoo City, MS Gayla James Haymer, Yazoo City, MS Mary Louise Taylor Morris, Yazoo City, MS

Shaneka Sha’ron Jones, Jackson, MS Xavia Johnson, Prince George, VA

Japonica Brown, Mobile, AL Veronica Arlene Frizell, Durant, MS

Tyesha Sha’Nique Bynum, Gautier, MS Sanchavia Shuntae Haymon, Pickens, MS

Jackson, MS Charla Johnson, Vicksburg, MS Comelia L. Walker, Canton, MS Rose Marie Williams, Jackson, MS

David E. Brooks, Jackson, MS Juavon Brown, Baton Rouge, LA Latedra Christian, Ridgeland, MS LaShonda S. Cousin, Jackson, MS Raisa Anansu Ford, Vicksburg, MS Corbin Dwayne Jamison, Bolton, MS Brianna Johnelle May, Jackson MS Timothy Moffett, II, Kenner, LA Cameron B. Murray, Cisco, TX Cayla Diana Fox, Jackson, MS Javancy Jones, Canton, MS Kori Smith, Okolona, MS Tye’Reshina Q. M. Taylor, Canton, MS

Christian, Jonestown, MS

Yazoo City, MS Danita Guinn, Milwaukee, WI Donika Mariva Hale, New Orleans, LA Tiffany Hobson-Thomas, Houlka, MS Kimberly Lashay Holmes, Brooksville, MS April D. Jackson, Anguilla, MS Takeia Jenkins, Miami, FL Latrisha C. Jones, Jackson, MS Shanea LaShay Joseph, Gulfport, MS LaKese’a Larry-Martin, Byram, MS Chervantis Lee, Magnolia, MS Sherette Michea Lee, McComb, MS Sigma Machelle McKenzie, Rosendale, MS Michael T. Mozee, Byram, MS Vanessa Cameron Nathaniel, McComb, MS Dianna M. Parker, Mendenhall, MS Pamala A. Parker, Philipp, MS Renata Preston, Collins, MS Tiffany N. Robertson, Magnolia, MS Andrea Smith, McComb, MS Rosie Ree Smith, Lexington, MS Madessia L. Willis, Jackson, MS

Veronica Roshunda Boose, Canton, MS Jeffrey Orlando Clark, Columbus, GA LaSonya F. Drake, Lexington, MS

Kevin L. Harris, Jackson, MS Xavia Nicole Johnson, Prince George, VA Hope A. Robinson, Jackson, MS

Dexter Lacareo Brim, Canton, MS

Jeffery Orlando Clark, Columbus, GA

Ashley N. Adams, Jackson, MS Charo B. Graham, Hazlehurst, MS Rita Maureen Gray, Jackson, MS Keidra Lynette Hooks, Jackson, MS Raphael Svante McDonald, Jackson, MS Renada Nichols, Canton, MS Brittney Me’Chelle Shelby, Raymond, MS Leola Spann-Gibson, Macon, MS Constance S. Thompson-Riley, Laurel, MS Mary L. Tucker, Bolton, MS Vicki Adams-Gamble, Jackson, MS Phyllis Drakeford, Gulfport, MS Shetericia Elmore, Indianola, MS

Dr. Girmay Berhie Dean, College of Health Sciences School of Public Health; School of Social Work

Latoya Shada Brantley, Carthage, MS Alexis Sherise Brown, Madison, MS Nusrat Kabir, Ridgeland, MS Antonio Tremayne Lowell, McComb, MS

Ramachandrapuram, Hyderabad Amber Lashae Washington, Woodville, MS Obearia Williams, Ridgeland, MS

Port Gibson, MS Nastocia T. Bafford, Aberdeen, MS Briänna Brishé McField, Yazoo City, MS Jamey B. Morris, Jackson, MS Austine Uzobinma Onyia, Dangriga, Belize

Shelby Louise Bourgeois, Biloxi, MS Mikayla N. Clouse, Mantachie, MS Hayden Claire Coleman, Madison, MS Ashton Diane Curtiss, Sardis, MS Natalie Brooke Daley, Carson, MS Paige Marinette Griffin, Houston, TX Morgan Aarionne Mays, Byram, MS Ashley Nicole McCallister, Algonquin, IL Najla Muhammad, Jackson, MS Marie Nasekos, Starkville, MS Lydia Carol Pittman, Brandon, MS Raeanna Bray Reynolds, Vancleave, MS Brianna Lynn Smith, Jackson, MS Myrah Elizabeth Taylor, Birmingham, MS

Byram, MS Breia S. Armstrong, Jackson, MS Tomeka Lafawn Bethea, Mendenhall, MS Kortney Bolton- Cooper, Bolton, MS Lamekia L. Bowman, Vicksburg, MS Jasmonique Shantel Boyd, Greenwood, MS Tecola M. Bradley, Clinton, MS Dominique Bullocks, Lexington, MS

Natchez, MS Laquita Shuntia Butler, Jackson, MS Jessica L. Chapman, Jackson, MS Shirley T. Courts, Belzoni, MS

Winston-Salem, NC Kimberly Carr Cullum, Meridian, MS Felicia Renae Garner, Pearl, MS Jervarkia Latrissee Handy, Canton, MS Anna Nicole Higginbottom, Iuka, MS Khadijah Jaunea Hubbard, Brandon, MS Erica Nicole Jenkins, Pearl, MS Chasidy Tiara Johnson, Clinton, MS Ashley Danielle Johnson, Vicksburg, MS Brenda Williams Johnson, Clinton, MS Sherlandria R Johnson, Clinton, MS Chris Mercedes Johnson, Moss Point, MS Jasmine Qwaunta Jones, Canton, MS JeFria Jones, Vicksburg, MS

New Orleans, LA Takia Mays, Hattiesburg, MS Louis De’Shaun McGowan, Bolton, MS Kawana McGowan, Fayette, MS Robin E McNeil, Meridian, MS Shenika Fields Montgomery, Byram, MS Sanetria B. Moore, Madison, MS

Chesterfield, VA Tiffany Roshell Paige, Jackson, MS

Jackson, MS Precious Janay Rice, Winona, MS Jasmine Keirra Robb, Rosedale, MS Ciara Raquel Roy, Jackson, MS Lyser Nicole Selmon, Jackson, MS Wessie Sims, Jackson, MS Latise Johnson Strong, Byram, MS LaKeshia L. Sutton, Jackson, MS Sonya LaShann Taylor, Columbus, MS Jeffery L. Turner, Lake Providence, LA Mary Katherine Vaughn, Clinton, MS Gary Dwight Waller, Kiln, MS Shavondra Washington, Ruleville, MS D’Antwonique M. Watson, Jackson, MS Kelli Shanel Williams, Jackson, MS Zari Danielle Zanders, Greenville, MS

Dr. Candis Pizzetta Interim Dean, College of Liberal Arts

Devonte J. Collins, Jackson, MS

Project: The Perceived Impact of Video Games on High School and College Students Advisor: Li-jing A. Chang

Cordarius D. Hill, Memphis, TN

Project: Athletes and Concussions Advisor: Li-jing A. Chang Jasmine Catherine Thomas, Atlanta, GA

Project: Broken Reflections: The Influence of Social Media on the Depiction of Women Advisor: Li-jing A. Chang

Curtis Lurvell Luckett Jr., Jackson, MS Carroll L. McLaughlin, Jackson, MS

Michael McKnight, Sr., Jackson, MS

Thesis: Ronald Reagan’s War on Drugs and its Effect on Minorities Advisor: Dr. Janice Brockley

Jason M. Gibson, Jackson, MS

Project: Student Activism and Organizing During Freedom Summer: An Examination of Mentorship and Organizing in Mississippi through Tougaloo College Advisor: Dr. Robert Luckett

Zachary Wolszon Gleaton, Dade City, FL

Thesis: King Beef: The Florida Cattle Industry During the Civil War Advisor: Dr. Mark A. Bernhardt

April Banks, Pinola, MS Gabrielle E. Brown, Edwards, MS Shikira P. Gray, Chicago, IL Derrick Hicks, Jackson, MS

Diandra Singleton, Bolton, MS Kathleen Smith, Jackson, MS