Caroline Hatfield, an assistant professor in the Department of Art, helps students in a sculpture studio class paint and prepare their project's recent installation at the J.L. King Community Center on N. Long St. in Starkville. The abstract design of “Welcoming Wiggles” is meant to convey themes of whimsy and creativity, and students kept in mind their target audience of children and youth served through the center's after-school program. PHOTO: Megan Bean | Public Affairs
MSU-led industrial innovation effort receives $1 million NSF Engines Development Award
The Mississippi State University Advanced Research and Development Corporation has been awarded $1 million from the U.S. National Science Foundation’s Innovation Engines program for the MSU-led initiative, “Advancing autonomous technologies for advanced manufacturing in Mississippi.” “MSU is proud to lead this effort that will accelerate autonomy in Mississippi’s manufacturing sector, increasing productivity and competitiveness,” said MSU Vice President for Research and Economic Development Julie Jordan. “An effort like this is made possible through already strong partnerships among private and public stakeholders who believe in Mississippi’s future and our ability to be at the leading edge of innovation in manufacturing.”
MSU, Toyota Mississippi and Liquid Wire Inc. partner on effort to improve industrial safety through wearable technology
Mississippi State University, Toyota Mississippi and Liquid Wire Inc. are partnering on applied research for the use of smart wearable technology to improve workplace safety and aid in the prevention of injuries. The collaboration was announced last week at the MSU Athlete Engineering Summit, a conference focused on improving human performance for sports, industrial, tactical and at-risk athletes. As part of the project, MSU’s interdisciplinary Athlete Engineering research group will work directly with the Northeast Mississippi auto-manufacturer to implement and assess Liquid Wire wearable technologies inside its facility, providing new insights into ways Toyota can improve job performance and identify potential injury risks.
Mississippi Cyber Initiative hosts statewide cyber faculty retreat
The Mississippi Cyber Initiative once again brought together cybersecurity faculty from across the state in an effort to better connect students with the ever-growing career opportunities in the field, particularly in the Magnolia State. Jim Martin, MSU associate vice president for corporate engagement and economic development and Mississippi Cyber Initiative lead, highlighted the critical importance of cybersecurity to university research and teaching activities, as well as key economic activity. He also noted the significant role educators play in preparing the current and future workforce to adapt to ever-changing cyber threats, as well as the strength of the academic cyber programs housed across the state.
DAFVM Spotlight Employee: Shuwanda Hardy
Early childhood education is personal for Shuwanda Hardy. “I chose this career because I am a product of head start as well as my children,” said Hardy. “Now that my children are grown, I want to give back to my community and the children who need it the most. It's been nothing but blessings,” Hardy explained. Hardy began her career in education as a teacher’s assistant before starting her current position as the Center Operations Coordinator for the Head Start program in the Gaston Point community. She ensures the completion of all required child screenings and assessments for newly enrolled students, as well as quarterly progress assessments for all children.
DAFVM Spotlight Employee: Mallory Pitts
The day Mallory Pitts has been anticipating since childhood is just a few weeks away. This June, she will begin the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program at the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) at Mississippi State University. “It’s surreal; that’s the only way to describe it,” said Pitts. “It’s been a long road and has taken a lot of patience, but it’s in the Lord’s timing. Since graduating from the veterinary technology program at CVM in 2021, Pitts has worked as a vet tech at the MSU Animal Health Center in the neurology department. In her position, she assists veterinarians and students with patient care including physical exams and administering anesthesia.
Exciting summer camps offer a variety of learning options at MSU
From honing athletic skills and discovering academic interests to diving into the pool and launching a new business, summer camps at Mississippi State meet a wide variety of interests. The university’s newest catalog of 2023 camps may be viewed online at www.guestservices.msstate.edu/camps/camp-participants. “We always look forward to hosting a lot of campus guests during this great assortment of summer activities and programs. Many of these visitors are youth, but whether you’re looking for something for young children through high schoolers, and even college age and beyond, take a look at the growing opportunities to learn, be enriched and have fun,” said MSU Vice President for Student Affairs Regina Hyatt.
Summer semester golf memberships now available
The MSU Golf Course’s 2023 Summer Semester Golf memberships are now available. Current students, faculty and staff can now have unlimited green fees and golf car fees for $600 for the semester. A green fees-only option is available for $325. Memberships run from May 15 to Aug. 11. Stop by the golf shop during normal business hours to fill out the membership form and get signed up. Student charge forms are available for this charge. If you have questions, please call 662-325-3028 or email Tim Basel, PGA head golf professional, at tbasel@business.msstate.edu.
Smoke-free policy enhances healthy environment
Mississippi State University is a smoke-free campus. Official policy prohibits the use of any combustible or vapor products anywhere on campus property including university buildings, university grounds, university vehicles, parking areas and sidewalks. The smoke-free campus policy is part of the university's commitment to creating a healthy environment for all members of the campus community. Use of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, pipes, hookah or other similar devices are prohibited by this policy. The complete policy is available at www.policies.msstate.edu/policy/91301.
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