President Mark E. Keenum presents an engraved cowbell to Camille Scales Young, keynote speaker for the university’s 30th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Breakfast at The Mill Conference Center. PHOTO: Jonah Holland | Public Affairs
Iglay designated fellow by international wildlife organization
Ray Iglay, an assistant professor in Mississippi State’s Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture, is among a handful of wildlife professionals throughout the U.S. and Canada newly recognized as a fellow of The Wildlife Society. The Wildlife Society was founded in 1937 and includes more than 11,000 leaders in wildlife science, management and conservation across North America. TWS Fellows are wildlife professionals engaged with the international organization with more than a decade of service. Iglay has been a TWS member for more than 20 years. As a Certified Wildlife Biologist and scientist in the Forest and Wildlife Research Center, his research focuses on wildlife restoration, wildlife damage management and the application of precision technologies in wildlife conservation and science.
DAFVM Spotlight Employee: Becky Hamilton
When it came to choosing a career, Becky Hamilton says she found inspiration close to home. “I learned from my father that when you do something you love, you never work a day in your life,” Hamilton said. “I wanted to teach agriculture but not in a traditional setting, and that is why 4-H has been such an amazing fit for me. I couldn’t ask for a better career.” As the county coordinator and Extension agent in Attala County, Hamilton’s focus is family and consumer science and 4-H. She teaches programs such as Mississippi Youth Preparedness, Walk-A-Weigh for adults, Lego Club for youth and Science in the Kitchen. “I love working with both the youth and the adults of Attala County. There are days that I get to facilitate a walking class for senior adults in the morning and then turn around and play with Legos or potting soil that afternoon with our youth.”
DAFVM Spotlight Employee: Mohammad Muntasir Rahman
What if a smartphone could diagnose and monitor cardiovascular disease? As a postdoctoral associate within the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering at Mississippi State University since July 2022, Mohammad Muntasir Rahman’s research is focused on making this a reality. He is investigating how computer vision and machine/deep learning can extract vital signals from smartphone videos. “My work at Mississippi State University allows me to collaborate with experts to develop technologies that have practical applications in health care,” said Rahman. “Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, which imposes a significant burden on public health and economies. My research aims to mitigate this challenge by paving the way for a novel, low-cost method of diagnosing and monitoring cardiovascular disease.”
Spring semester golf memberships now available
Mississippi State Golf Course memberships are now available for the spring semester. 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 Jan. 8 through May 8. 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, call 662-325-3028 or email Tim Basel, PGA head golf professional, at tbasel@business.msstate.edu.
Reminder: University policy addresses employee political activity
With qualifying and campaigning for elected offices underway this year, Mississippi State's Office of General Counsel offers the following reminder of the university’s policy on political activities. There are several basic guidelines that university employees should keep in mind when engaging in any form of political activity. MSU employees are encouraged to review OP 01.14: Political Activities in its entirety and to understand their rights and responsibilities.
Smoke-free policy enhances healthy environment
Mississippi State University is a smoke-free campus. Official policy prohibits the use of any combustible or vapor products anywhere on campus property including university buildings, university grounds, university vehicles, parking areas and sidewalks. The smoke-free campus policy is part of the university's commitment to creating a healthy environment for all members of the campus community. Use of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, pipes, hookah or other similar devices are prohibited by this policy. The complete policy is available at www.policies.msstate.edu/policy/91301.
The Office of Public Affairs provides Maroon MEMO as a general information
resource for Mississippi State University employees.
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Jim Laird.
