Research Technician Bertron Hamill removes the case from an axial filter to perform filter media tests at Mississippi State University's Institute for Clean Energy Technology (ICET). This research is one of the many ways that ICET serves clients like the U.S. Department of Energy with the data they need regarding filter efficiency and performance, helping to protect nuclear facility workers and the environment. PHOTO: Megan Bean | Public Affairs
Mississippi Political Collections to dedicate Pickerings' papers
The Mississippi Political Collections unit of the Mississippi State University Libraries will host a public ceremony on Friday [March 31] commemorating the formal opening of the papers of Judge Charles W. Pickering and his son, Congressman Charles W. "Chip" Pickering Jr. The ceremony, scheduled for 2 p.m. in Mitchell Memorial Library’s John Grisham Room, will feature a panel discussion including former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott and former two-term Gov. Haley Barbour, moderated by MSU Chief Communications Officer Sid Salter.
All students, faculty, staff and community members are welcome.
Baldwin and Reichert support renewed DOE-funded efforts on bioenergy and biproducts innovation
Two Mississippi State researchers will continue to support a national initiative on bioenergy and bioproducts thanks to a new round of funding announced this month by the U.S. Department of Energy. The DOE renewed the University of Illinois-based Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation for another five years. MSU’s Brian Baldwin, a professor in the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, and Nancy Reichert, a professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, will continue their work as lead scientists in the center’s feedstock production research area. The team is using the “plants as factories” paradigm, in which biofuels, bioproducts and foundation molecules for conversion are grown directly in crops that are resilient and productive.
Water Warriors: MSU research lab and student organizations host outreach for local students
Students from Starkville Oktibbeha School District’s West Elementary received first-hand experience in water research thanks to Mississippi State University’s associate professor and research associate from the Watersheds and Water Quality Research Lab in the Richard A. Rula School of Civil and Environmental Engineering. John Ramirez-Avila, Sandra Ortega-Achury and students from the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, the Soil and Water Conservation Society and Engineers Without Borders, hosted a Teaching Water outreach event for the fifth graders. “It was a really great experience for the kids, and at the end of the day, we sat down and asked them questions about what they learned, and they really participated in that,” Ramirez-Avila said. “There’s nothing better as a researcher and teacher than to have students engage with you, and that’s what these students did.”
Nominations for Zacharias Distinguished Staff Awards due April 1
Mississippi State’s Staff Council is seeking nominations of outstanding employees for the annual Zacharias Distinguished Staff Awards through 11:59 p.m. April 1. Twelve selected honorees will be announced at the annual Junction luncheon, scheduled for 11 a.m. May 19. They will receive a plaque of recognition along with a $1,000 check from MSU President Mark E. Keenum. The honors are a memorial to the university’s 15th president Donald W. Zacharias. To be eligible for the award, nominees must be classified as a professional or support staff employee, be in good standing, work at least half-time, have a minimum of three years service and have never been a recipient of the award.
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.
Web links are subject to change. Submit news, questions or comments to
Jim Laird.
