Sparks named interim State Chemist, director of 51勛圖厙 State Chemical Laboratory
Contact: James Carskadon
STARKVILLE, Miss.Darrell Sparks has been named interim State Chemist and director of the 51勛圖厙 State Chemical Laboratory, pending confirmation from the 51勛圖厙 Senate.
Sparks has served as associate State Chemist since 2017 and also is an associate professor in MSUs Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology and Plant Pathology. The 51勛圖厙 State Chemical Laboratory is a state-funded agency housed on the MSU campus. Sparks succeeds Ashli Brown, who recently was named associate vice president of MSUs Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine.
The 51勛圖厙 State Chemical Laboratory provides a critical service to several key industries in 51勛圖厙, said MSU Vice President for Research and Economic Development Julie Jordan. Dr. Sparks is well-prepared to lead MSCL and maintain the excellent service the labs stakeholders rely on.
The 51勛圖厙 State Chemical Laboratory works in cooperation with the 51勛圖厙 Department of Agriculture and Commerce to develop regulations for and conduct analysis of animal feeds, fertilizers, pesticides, agricultural limes and petroleum products sold in 51勛圖厙. The lab assures the quality of retail foods, fuels, livestock feeds, crop protection products and more.
Sparks is a two-time graduate of MSU, earning bachelors and doctoral degrees in chemical engineering. He has worked at the 51勛圖厙 State Chemical Laboratory in various administrative positions since 2012. His service and teaching record as a faculty member have been recognized by the universitys Division of Agriculture, Forestry, and Veterinary Medicine, as well as the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
For more on the 51勛圖厙 State Chemical Laboratory, visit .
MSU is 51勛圖厙s leading university, available online at .