Maroon MEMO: Employee News (Mississippi State University)

Earlier this month, Mississippi State and the city of Starkville celebrated receiving an authentic Olympic torch used in the 2024 Olympics in Paris. MSU President Mark E. Keenum, left, and Starkville Mayor Lynn Spruill, right, also were presented an Olympic medallion and plaque for their dedication to displaying the historic keepsake, a symbol of unity which MSU and Starkville share through their successful town-and-gown relationship. Additionally, four Olympians received the medallion: MSU’s Marco Arop; Isaiah Jewett who trains with Arop; and MSU’s Curtis Thompson and Ilana Izquierdo. After making a full state tour, the torch will be available for viewing in Starkville’s City Hall for one year, with dates announced at a later time. The event was made possible by Coca-Cola and local distributor Clark Beverage Company, a longtime university supporter. PHOTO: Emily Grace McCall | Public Affairs

Ambinakudige named Mississippi Academy of Sciences Fellow for contributions to geographical science
Mississippi State Professor of Geography and Geographic Information Systems Shrinidhi Ambinakudige is a new fellow of the Mississippi Academy of Sciences for his significant contributions to geographical science. The designation is one of MAS’s highest honors, awarded in a highly selective process to members who have demonstrated substantial advancements in their field. Fellows undergo a rigorous evaluation process, and this distinction highlights recognition of their professional achievements. His research focuses on the interactions between nature and society, specifically the human dimension of global environmental change.

MSU global research fuels community literacy, learning at International Fiesta
Research with global reach is making a local impact. Mississippi State’s innovative international projects are helping turn cutting-edge ideas into accessible, community-based experiences right here in Starkville. At the recent International Fiesta, an annual campus celebration of cultures, MSU’s International Research Development Office showcased one such initiative: StoryWalk. Adapted from global research led through the Transforming the Education System for Teachers and Students (TESTS) in Liberia, the interactive display demonstrated how international research development work abroad can directly benefit public learning and wellness at home.

MSU to host SEC faculty speaker Ayça Fackler for discussion on language use in science education May 5
Mississippi State University welcomes Ayça Fackler, an assistant professor of science education at the University of Missouri, as an invited speaker through the SEC Faculty Travel Program for a discussion on the importance of supporting multilingual science learners. On May 5, 4 p.m., in Old Main Academic Center Room 2220, Fackler will share her expertise on aiding multilingual learners -- with a specific focus on science education -- in her talk, “An Expansive View of Doing Science and Language.” Faculty and students are encouraged to attend the presentation, which will explore pedagogical approaches to providing multilingual learners with robust linguistic support to ensure meaningful science instruction.

Free learning opportunities via LinkedIn Learning available to faculty, staff and students
Sharpen skills. Explore new interests. Increase professional value. These and other results are now available via no-cost learning opportunities to Mississippi State faculty, staff and students through MSU’s agreement with LinkedIn Learning. A popular, online education platform, LinkedIn Learning’s 20,000-plus courses are available to campus via a quick login using their MSU NetID email addresses. With self-paced learning, courses are presented in various formats, including bite-sized video, audio only and in-depth content. The platform is directly integrated with Canvas, the university’s learning management system. MSU faculty can use it to supplement course material or even develop and load their own content onto the platform.

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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Driving discovery and student success: MSU CALS, MAFES faculty, staff and students honored
Mississippi State’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station annually recognizes outstanding faculty, staff and students for dedication and impact in advancing teaching, research and service. Scott Willard, CALS dean and MAFES director, emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts across disciplines, especially as the university leads national conversations on agriculture, food systems and innovation. “Recent events like the Food and Ag as National Security Conference and the AI in Ag Conference happening at Mississippi State highlight the essential work done by our college and experiment station,” Willard said.

From the farmer’s gate to your plate: MSU symposium focuses on food industry
From the farmer’s gate to your plate -- that’s the short version of what food science is. The longer version? That’s what researchers, industry leaders and policymakers gathered April 22 to discuss at Mississippi State’s “Food Science and Industry in Mississippi-Adding Value and Feeding the World” symposium. “Mississippi is an agricultural leader, but there’s so much untapped potential in our food industry,” said Wes Schilling, director of MSU’s Food Science Innovation Hub. “This symposium is about connecting the dots -- using research, innovation and education to grow the industry and build a stronger future for the state.”

Nature Water study led by Pricope highlights global aridification, threat to agriculture
A long-term shift toward drier conditions is reshaping landscapes and livelihoods across the globe. Known as aridification, this gradual drying trend now affects 2.3 billion people and 40% of Earth’s land, with serious implications for agriculture and water systems -- especially in the U.S. These findings appear in the Nature Water article “Increasing aridification calls for urgent global adaptive solutions and policy action,” led by Mississippi State University Associate Vice President and Professor Narcisa Pricope in collaboration with a team of international scientists. “Aridification isn’t just a global issue with little bearing for our lives in Mississippi and the USA,” Pricope said. “We need to act now to protect our farms, forests and families.”