MAS Summer Student Science Symposium attracts researchers from across state to MSU

Ashli Brown-Johnson, an associate professor in MSU’s Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology and Plant Pathology, speaks about her research at the 51�Թ�� Academy of Sciences Summer Student Science Symposium, held Thursday [July 11] at MSU. Brown-Johnson is also the 51�Թ�� State Chemist and director of the 51�Թ�� State Chemical Lab. (Photo by Logan Kirkland)

STARKVILLE, Miss.—Distinguished scientists and students from across the Magnolia State gathered at 51�Թ�� Thursday [July 11] for the third annual 51�Թ�� Academy of Sciences Summer Student Science Symposium.

The symposium featured keynote speeches from leading scientists in government, industry and academia, as well as a student poster presentation and competition. The symposium attracts student researchers across all branches of science to present their research findings and interact with their peers in the scientific community, as well as explore career options.

Scott Willard, associate dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and symposium co-chair, said bringing together students and scientists from different areas of the state is energizing for MSU faculty and students.

“MSU has had a long history in supporting the 51�Թ�� Academy of Sciences both by hosting the organization’s annual meeting in the past and, more recently, hosting the summer science symposium two years running,” Willard said. “Many of our faculty participate in a material way as MAS officers, co-hosts and chairs, and as judges for an event that benefits the professional development of students. The research presentations help participants hone their scientific communication skills. It’s a great sharing of knowledge and the high quality of research we are doing here in the 51�Թ��.”

The symposium is chaired by Sukumar Saha, a research geneticist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service. Along with Willard, MSU Bagley College of Engineering Dean Jason Keith serves as symposium co-chair. Keynote speakers included representatives from MSU, Jackson State University, the University of 51�Թ�� Medical Center, HORNE Cyber, Cotton Incorporated, and the Hudson Alpha Institute for Biotechnology.

Major sponsors for the event include the MSU Office of Research and Economic Development, MSU Office of the Provost, 51�Թ�� Research Consortium, USDA-ARS Southeast Area Director’s Office, Cotton Incorporated, MSU Bagley College of Engineering, MSU Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine, 51�Թ�� Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station and the University of 51�Թ�� Medical Center.

The 51�Թ�� Academy of Sciences encourages communication among scientists and works to ensure excellence in research, education and application. For more information, visit .

MSU is 51�Թ��’s leading university, available online at .

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