Divisions, Units, and Agencies

A. Major Divisions and Staffs

Budget and Planning

http://www.vpbp.msstate.edu/

Responsible for accounts payable, budget, cost accounting, financial records, campus mail services, payroll, procurement and contracts, receiving and property control, sponsored programs accounting, student accounting and receivables, travel and treasury services.

Don Zant, B.S., Vice President for Budget and Planning
 

Controller and Treasurer's Office

http://www.controller.msstate.edu

The Controller and Treasurer’s Office primary mission is to

1. provide financial service to the University community and its customers,
2. protect the University’s financial resources and
3. insure compliance with both internal and external financial regulations, policies and procedures.
    

Kevin Edelblute, M.B.A., Controller and Treasurer
Betty Gentry, M.B.A., Assistant Controller for Treasury Services
Jane Kinard, B.P.A., Assistant Controller for Accounts Receivable and Collections
Denise Peeples, M.B.A., Assistant Controller for Sponsored Programs Accounting
Ken Stewart, M.C.S., Director for Reporting, Planning, & Analysis
June Dempsey, B.P.A., Assistant Controller for Budget & Payroll
Amy Burchfield, C.P.A., Assistant Director for Reporting, Planning, & Analysis

Forest and Wildlife Research Center

http://fwrc.msstate.edu

The Forest and Wildlife Research Center (FWRC) was authorized by the Mississippi Legislature with passage of the Renewable Natural Resources Act of 1994. The FWRC mission is to conduct research and technical assistance programs relevant to the efficient management, utilization, and protection and enhancement of the forest, wildlife, fisheries, aquaculture, and other aquatic resources of the state and region. Within the scope of this mission, the FWRC has responsibilities for developing through research: (1) natural resource management systems which ensure the optimal production of goods and services while protecting, sustaining and enhancing the upland and aquatic environments; (2) harvesting and manufacturing technologies that promote efficient utilization of the state’s timber resources; (3) biological and economic data bases which address specific problems and opportunities related to the state’s forest, wildlife, aquatic and fisheries resources, including environmental issues related to those resources; and (4) policy analyses which provide options for renewable resources management and use in Mississippi.

The research center is composed of the Departments of Forestry: Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture; Sustainable Bioproducts, the Mississippi Water Resources Research Institute, and the Franklin Furniture Institute. The agency’s base research program involves approximately 250 separate research activities and covers project work in 25 research areas in forestry, forest products, wildlife, fisheries, aquaculture, water, and other areas of natural resources. This research program serves a diverse number of clients which includes forest landowners, forest-based industries, federal and state agencies, private agencies and various forest and other natural resources user groups. Faculty in the Forest and Wildlife Research Center hold joint appointments in the College of Forest Resources, Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station, and MSU Extension.

Forest and Wildlife Research Center

George M. Hopper, Ph.D., Director
Wes Burger, Ph.D., Associate Director
Reuben Moore, Ph.D., Associate Director

Forestry
Andrew Ezell, Ph.D., Professor and Head

Sustainable Bioproducts
Rubin Shmulsky, Ph.D., Professor and Head

Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture
Eric Dibble, Ph.D., Professor and Interim Head

 

Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station

http://www.mafes.msstate.edu

The Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station (MAFES) operates under mandates of the U.S. Congress (1862 and 1887) and the Mississippi Legislature (1888) for the purpose of conducting scientific research in agriculture and related sciences. The foundation mission of MAFES is to improve the state’s agricultural and aquacultural industries and the well-being of all Mississippians.

The success of agricultural research in the first 100 years has resulted in a highly complex food, fiber and fuel system that is the envy of the world – but one that is also characterized by the continuing emergence of new problems and opportunities. Thus, the foremost challenge of MAFES is maintaining a continuum of research discovery and education to keep Mississippi’s agricultural producers viable and competitive in a global economy.

MAFES Headquarters (MSU Campus): The Leveck Animal Research Center, the Bearden Dairy Research Center, the R.R. Foil Plant Research Center and the Black Belt Branch Station at Brooksville provide field laboratories for on-campus scientists and represent all of the important plant and animal commodities produced in the State.

On–campus departments conducting research to meet these needs are: Agricultural Economics; Agricultural and Biological Engineering; Plant and Soil Sciences; Animal and Dairy Sciences; Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology, and Plant Pathology; Food Science, Nutrition, and Health Promotion; Human Sciences; Poultry Science; the Social Science Research Center; Landscape Architecture, Veterinary Medicine, Institute for Genomics, Biocomputing and Biotechnology; and Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture.

Off-campus activities are conducted through four regional research and extension centers and associated branch experiment stations in the various soil and types-of-farming areas of the State. Research efforts involve cooperative projects with scientists from on-campus departments and other branch stations, as well as collaboration with state and federal agencies, producers and private industry sponsors.

Central MS Research and Extension Center: The Brown Loam Branch Station near Raymond carries out an extensive program of beef cattle cross-breeding and management, forage, and field crop studies. At the Coastal Plain Branch Station near Newton, long-standing programs of field crops research blend with studies of wildlife management and Natural Resource Conservation. The Truck Crops Branch Station at Crystal Springs serve a populous of urban-rural area with research on both commercial greenhouses and home garden fruit and vegetable crops and ornamentals.

Coastal Research and Extension Center: The Seafood Processing Research Laboratory at Pascagoula was established in cooperation with the National Marine Fisheries Service and operates to develop processing technologies to enhance the utilization of later marine fishery resources and improve seafood quality and safety. The South MS Branch Station units at Poplarville, White Sand, McNeill and Beaumont conduct research on beef cattle, field and forage crops, agro-forestry, ornamentals and vegetables.

Delta Research and Extension Center: The Delta Branch Station at Stoneville employs an integrated, multidisciplinary approach to discover, develop, and demonstrate new technologies and improved germplasm for enhanced profitability and productivity of agricultural enterprises in the Yazoo River-Mississippi River Delta. Its research programs on the major crop and animal production systems of the Delta Counties (cotton, rice, soybean and catfish) are recognized nationally and internationally. Both the Southern Regional Aquaculture Center and the National Warmwater Aquaculture Research Center are located here.

North MS Research and Extension Center. The North MS Branch Station at Holly Springs emphasizes research on soil erosion management, and crop production systems using conservation tillage methods suitable for the soils of the region. The Horticulture Research and Education Unit at Verona conducts cultivar evaluations and cultural practices studies with vegetable, ornamental, and medicinal herbs crops. The Northeast MS Branch Station at Verona conducts conservation tillage systems research and variety evaluations for the major field crops of the regions. The Pontotoc Ridge-Flatwoods Branch Station at Pontotoc emphasizes sweet potato production and field crops. The Prairie Research Unit at Prairie focuses on utilizing forages in the economic and efficient production of beef, with emphasis on herd health management and improved conception and nutrition.

Research programs of MAFES are both basic and applied. Basic research deals with long-range fundamental opportunities or problems in agriculture and the development of new knowledge. Applied research is directed toward early solution of problems of immediate concern facing farmers, processors and marketers of agricultural products, and all citizens of the state, whether urban or rural.

While the primary mission of MAFES is agricultural research for the State, its presence on the campus adds strength to both the teaching and extension programs. Most department heads and many other staff members have joint appointments involving teaching, research, and/or extension activities, and teach or administer instructional programs in agriculture, engineering, and art and sciences. Agriculture students at Mississippi State University have the opportunity to observe and participate in research, and MAFES provides graduate research assistantships and other part-time employment for many students.

Personnel

George Hopper, Ph.D., Director
Wes Burger, Ph.D., Associate Director
Reuben B. Moore, Ph.D., Associate Director

Agricultural Economics
Steven C. Turner, Ph.D., Professor and Head

Agricultural and Biological Engineering
Jonathan W. Pote, Ph.D., Professor and Head

Animal and Dairy Science
John Blanton, Ph.D. Animal Scientist and Dept. Head

Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Entomology and Plant Pathology
Ken Willeford, Ph.D., Professor and Interim Head

Food Science, Nutrition and Health Promotion
Sam Chang, Ph.D., Professor and Head

Human Sciences
Michael Newman, Ph.D., Professor and Director

Plant and Soil Sciences
Mike Phillips, Ph.D., Professor and Head

Poultry Science
Mary Beck, Ph.D., Professor and Head

Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture
Eric Dibble, Ph.D., Professor and Interim Head

Central MS Research and Extension Center, Raymond
Sherry Surrette, Ph.D., Head

Delta Research and Extension Center, Stoneville
Jeff Johnson, Ph.D., Head

North Mississippi Research and Extension Center, Verona
Steve Martin, Ph.D., Head

Coastal Research and Extension Center, Biloxi
Patricia Knight, Ph.D., Head

Mississippi State University Extension Service

The Mississippi State University Extension Service provides research-based information and educational programs in agriculture and natural resources, 4-H youth development, family and consumer matters, and enterprise and community resource development to improve the economic, social, and cultural well-being of Mississippians.

As part of a three-way partnership of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the land-grant university system, and individual counties, it provides information and educational programs in all of the state’s 82 counties. MSU Extension also cooperates with Alcorn State University, Mississippi’s other land-grant institution.

The Extension Service supports positive change for individuals, families, and communities by providing practical, directly applicable information and educational opportunities using the latest information technologies and proven teaching techniques. To achieve its mission, the Extension Service develops and uses volunteers to assist with program delivery, collaborates with many other organizations, and maintains a culturally diverse staff responsive to the needs of people at all socioeconomic levels.

Programs are conducted primarily by county Extension agents supported by specialized area agents and state-level and area specialists responsible for gathering, interpreting, and disseminating information about the latest research findings and technological developments.

Agriculture and its related enterprises are of major economic importance in Mississippi. Also directly affecting quality of life are the relationship between people and their environment and the continuing need for human resource development. The Extension Service directs its programs and resources accordingly and continues to pursue innovative ways to help families, youth, and communities adjust and thrive in an ever-changing world.

Personnel

Mark E. Keenum, Ph.D., President of the University
Gregory A. Bohach, Ph.D., VP DAFVM
Gary Jackson, Ph.D., Director, MSU Extension Service
Joe Street, Ph.D., Associate Director, MSU Extension Service and Interim State Program Leader Ag & Natural Resources, Extension Research Professor
Susan L. Holder, Ed.D., State Program Leader, 4-H Youth Development
Paula Threadgill, Ph.D., State Program Leader, Family & Consumer Sciences; Professor, Human Sciences

Agricultural Economics
Steven Turner, Ph.D., Professor and Head

Agricultural and Biological Engineering
Jonathan Pote, Ph.D., Professor and Head

Animal and Dairy Science
  John Blanton, Ph.D., Professor and Head

Center for Governmental Technology
Sumner Davis, M.A., Extension Professor and Interim Leader

Central Mississippi Research & Extension Center, Raymond
Stephen Dicke, Ph.D., Extension/Research Professor & Interim Head

Coastal Research and Extension Center, Biloxi
Patricia R. Knight, Ph.D., Extension/Research Professor and Head

Computer Applications and Services
Randy Loper, M.S., Interim Department Head

Delta Research and Extension Center, Stoneville
Steve Martin, Ph.D., Assoc Extension Professor and Head

Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology and Plant Pathology
Scott Willard, Ph.D., Professor and Head

Food Science, Nutrition and Health Promotion
Sam Chang, Ph.D., Professor and Head

Forestry
Andrew W. Ezell, Ph.D., Professor and Head

4-H—Youth Development
Susan L. Holder, Ed.D., State Program Leader

Geosystems Research Institute
Robert Moorhead, Ph.D., Director

School of Human Sciences
Michael E. Newman, Ph.D., Director and Professor

North Mississippi Research and Extension Center, Verona
Bill Herndon, Ph.D., Extension/Research Professor and Head

Office of Agricultural Communications
Bob Ratliff, M.S.S. Interim Head

Plant and Soil Sciences
Mike Phillips, Ph.D., Professor and Head

Poultry Science
Mary Beck, Ph.D., Professor and Head

Southern Rural Development Center
Lionel J. Beaulieu, Ph.D., Director, SRDC
Al Myles, Ph.D., Interim Associate Director

Wildlife and Fisheries
Bruce D. Leopold, Ph.D., Professor and Head

County Personnel

Each of the 82 counties has a core Extension Staff to address 4-H youth development and community needs. In addition, there are program assistants working in targeted nutrition programs. The total number of professionals is approximately 200.

University Libraries

http://library.msstate.edu/

The University’s major library collections and functions are housed in the Mitchell Memorial Library, which occupies a central location on the campus. The University Libraries provide access to over 100,000 periodical/journal titles in print and electronically. The Special Collections Department contain materials of historical value, including 491 manuscript collections, church and business records. The Congressional and Political Research Center houses the papers of a number of public figures important to Mississippi - most notably those of U.S. Senator John C. Stennis. The Archives of the University includes papers of the University’s presidents and other officers, college, division and departmental records, faculty papers, records of committees and university related organizations. The Library provides an environment for education technology activities and a learning center of techniques related to digital multimedia in the Instructional Media Center. The Library’s Computer Commons lab is open until 1:45 a.m., Sunday through Thursday, until 7:45 p.m. on Friday, and until 5:45 p.m. on Saturday.

The University Libraries supports branch libraries for the College of Architecture, Art and Design, College of Veterinary Medicine, MSU Meridian Campus and Jackson 5th Year Architecture Program.

Frances N. Coleman, Dean of Libraries

University Registrar

http://www.msstate.edu/dept/registrar

The Office of the University Registrar is responsible for supervising the scheduling of classes, managing the registration of students in courses, recording grades, and maintaining academic records and transcripts of all students and alumni of the University.

John R. Dickerson, Ph.D., Registrar

B. Internal Service Units

Information Technology Services

http://www.its.msstate.edu/

The mission of Information Technology Services (ITS) is "to enable learning, service and research through an advanced information technology environment.” This mission is fulfilled through three operational units within ITS-Information Technology Infrastructure, User Services, and Enterprise Information Systems. ITS supports and operates the university's voice, data, video, and wireless networks and provides a broad array of computing and information technology resources and services for students , faculty,  and staff including Internet, Internet2, and other national and global networks access.  In addition, ITS develops and maintains administrative information systems throughout the university. Support is provided for enterprise applications such as Banner, myCourses, eForms, and myState and for numerous departmental systems and websites. The ITS Help Desk is available to answer questions and help with computer-related problems. A suite of workshops and seminars is offered to meet the information technology training needs of MSU students, faculty and staff. See www.its.msstate.edu for more information.

Mike Rackley, M.S., Chief Information Officer
Rene Hunt, M.C.S., Deputy CIO and Director, Enterprise Information Systems
Timothy A. Griffin, B.S., Deputy CIO and Director, Information Tech. Infrastructure
Steve Parrott, B.S., Director, User Services

Office of Institutional Research and Effectiveness

http://www.ir.msstate.edu

The Office of Institutional Research and Effectiveness (OIRE) provides appropriate and timely information to decision makers at Mississippi State University, the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning, the Federal government, and other constituents. OIRE is also responsible for providing leadership necessary for maintaining Mississippi State University’s accreditation with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and facilitating the development and implementation of assessment programs emphasizing continuous improvement in fulfilling MSU’s overall teaching, research, and service mission.

The Institutional Research staff analyzes and prepares reports relevant to evaluating faculty workload, student credit hours produced and departmental data vital in the allocation of university resources. The staff assists the university community through its research, consulting, and survey activities. Evaluation and Test Service utilizes optical scanning equipment to score and analyze faculty-constructed tests, processes, questionnaires and student evaluation of instruction.

The Institutional Effectiveness staff facilitates the development and implementation of assessment programs emphasizing continuous improvement in fulfilling MSU’s overall teaching, research, and service mission. The staff uses organizational assessment tools to help departments and units improve key processes, assess institutional needs, and develop institutional effectiveness plans that achieve the goals outlined in Mississippi State’s strategic plan

Timothy N. Chamblee, Ph.D., Director

Police Department

http://www.msstate.edu/dept/police/

It is the mission of the Police Department to support the university and its community by providing effective and efficient services that assist in establishing a safe and secure environment.

The department is staffed 24 hours a day with highly trained officers to enforce the laws, and university rules and regulations. Additionally, police officers actively work with the campus community in providing crime prevention information and addressing crime, safety, and security issues.

Georgia Lindley, Chief of Police

 

Schools and Colleges

School of Architecture Research

Office: 240 Giles
http://www.caad.msstate.edu/caad_web/sarc/researchcenters.php

Research in the discipline of architecture aims to improve the quality of life. It ranges from the development of more efficient, safer, less expensive, more durable building materials and components to the design of environmentally sensitive, energy efficient, and economically viable communities.

There are currently three research centers in the School of Architecture; two located on the Starkville campus and one in Biloxi. The Carl Small Town Center provides research and outreach to small towns through downtown redevelopment and other community design initiatives. It addresses quality of life issues, such as economic diversification, town planning, conservation of architectural and historic resources, and affordable housing design and technology. The Design Research and Informatics Lab applies state-of-the-art visualization technology to design problems to yield significant quality of life improvements for the people of Mississippi. The Gulf Coast Community Design Studio works with elected officials, city and regional planning departments, neighborhood groups, and non-profit organizations to provide leadership and design assistance to Mississippi Gulf Coast communities damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Katrina.

Faculty research activities focus on programming, planning and design, anthropometric modeling and evaluation, architectural theory and history, visual imagery, post-occupancy evaluation, and the technological evaluation of materials and methods, energy efficiency, and construction.
David Perkes, M. Arch., Director, Gulf Coast Community Design Studio
John Poros, M.Arch., Director, Carl Small Town Center

College of Arts and Sciences

Biological and Physical Sciences Research Institute

Office: 208 Allen Hall

The mission of the Biological and Physical Sciences Research Institute (http://www.msstate.edu/dept/cas/events/BPS.html ) is to (1) encourage research in the basic and applied biological and physical sciences within the College of Arts & Sciences , (2) assist the faculty and staff in the preparation and submission of research proposals, (3) serve as a liaison between researchers in the College of Arts & Sciences and the Office of Research and Economic Development, and (4) assist faculty and students in attending scholarly meetings. The staff consists of the Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies, who serves as director, and the faculties of the Departments of Biological Sciences , Chemistry , Geosciences , Mathematics & Statistics , and Physics & Astronomy .

Center for Computational Sciences

Office: 2 Research Boulevard
http://www.ccs.msstate.edu

The Center for Computational Sciences (CCS) is part of a coalition of member centers and groups housed at the HPCC (formerly known as the Engineering Research Center) that share a common core objective of advancing the state-of-the-art in computational science and engineering using high-performance computing; a common approach to research that embraces a multi-disciplinary, team-oriented concept; and a commitment to a full partnership between education, research, and service.

The mission of CCS is to foster interdisciplinary research in both the fundamental understanding and application of all the natural sciences. In particular, CCS strives to model and develop integrated computational environments and crosscutting tools which allow a comprehensive, cross-disciplinary approach to problem-solving. The CCS contributes to the state of Mississippi in numerous ways. Firstly, this program generates a better-educated populace and a better-trained work force by educating students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels in interdisciplinary research, providing them with strong skills in computers, modeling, and the application of the scientific method. These skills are required in a multitude of varied industries and businesses. Secondly, the CCS introduces MSU scientists from diverse fields to different research and new methodologies. This uniquely positions our scientists to fashion multidisciplinary proposals. Such multidisciplinary approaches to problem-solving are often requirements in requests for proposals from federal agencies and industries. CCS thus creates new opportunities for leveraging resources within MSU as well as drawing resources to MSU.

Seong-Gon Kim, Ph.D., Director

The Cobb Institute of Archaeology

Office: Cobb Institute Building
http://www.cobb.msstate.edu/

The Cobb Institute of Archaeology was founded in July, 1971, at Mississippi State University by Mr. Cully A. Cobb (Class of 1908) and Mrs. Lois Dowdle Cobb, for instruction and research in Archaeology with emphasis upon the origins of Western European Civilization and the Indians of the South, particularly Mississippi. The Institute was endowed by the Cobbs to complement the university’s activities in archaeological instruction, research and service.

The Institute provides active support for the instructional programs in archaeology offered through the Department of Anthropology and Middle Eastern Cultures. Research and field work are actively pursued, primarily in the Middle East and the Southeastern United States. The Institute actively supports an archaeological field school offered in alternate summers in the Middle East and Mississippi. The Institute is housed in two specially designed archaeological buildings which include classrooms, archaeological laboratories, environmentally controlled artifact storage areas, and a museum in which archaeological exhibits are made available to students and the public.

Joe D. Seger, Th.D. Director

The Mississippi Quarterly

Office: 213 Lee Hall
http://www.missq.msstate.edu

The Mississippi Quarterly is a publication of the College of Arts and Sciences and the Office of Research. Founded in 1948, it is a refereed, scholarly journal which publishes articles on the literature and culture of the South, past and present.

Ted Atkinson, Ph.D., Interim Editor
Robert West, Ph. D.,  Associate Editor
Laura E. West, MLS, Managing Editor

John C. Stennis Institute of Government and Community Development

Office: The Depot Building
http://www.sig.msstate.edu

Founded in 1976, the John C. Stennis Institute of Government and Community Development (Stennis Institute) seeks to integrate research, service, and teaching activities to enhance local communities throughout Mississippi. As a research, training, and outreach unit of Mississippi State University, the Stennis Institute shares the land-grant institution’s mission of extending university resources to local communities to improve their overall quality of life.

The mission of the Stennis Institute is to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of state and local government and promote more desirable and competitive Mississippi communities through governmental assistance, civic education, and community development. The Stennis Institute’s activities relating to governmental assistance include training symposiums such as the State Executive Development Institute (SEDI) for key state officials and comprehensive policy and research generated at the request of state legislators, state agencies, and municipal governments on various topics, such as municipal salaries, taxes, housing, and more. The Stennis Institute’s civic education programs include participation in the Congressional Insight program, as well as a variety of state and national programs. The Stennis Institute’s community development programs and activities focus on such areas as community design; strategic planning; and local capacity building. Through state-wide programs such as First Impressions, Selected to Serve, and YourTown, Mississippi, the Stennis Institute helps community leaders to foster informed decision making and helps build partnerships between local, regional, and state officials and associations to support community development initiatives.

W. Martin Wiseman, Ph.D., Director

College of Business and Industry

Graduate Studies and Outreach

Office: 200 McCool Hall
http://www.business.msstate.edu/bizservices/

Graduate Studies and Outreach is the external liaison for the College of Business. The major function of the Outreach division of this office is to serve as point of contact between the College and the business and public sector.

This office serves a variety of functions. It is the coordinating center of funded research for the College and offers administrative services to faculty in the preparation and development of research proposals. The office also assists faculty in locating organizations for student projects, affording the opportunity to combine real world experience with academic learning.

The Technology Resource Institute (TRI) promotes university public/private partnerships that enhance economic development throughout the state. While housed in the College of Business, TRI is funded by a grant from the Economic Development Administration as part of that agency’s University Center program. This Institute serves as liaison with appropriate faculty or service agencies and assists in resolving business issues.

The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides counseling in Oktibbeha County and surrounding counties to people who own a small business or are interested in starting one. The SBDC assists small businesses through direct counseling, training, and community planning. The Center’s services are provided at minimal, if any, costs.

Sharon L. Oswald, Ph.D., Dean
Preston “Hamp” Beatty, Director, Small Business Development Center

 

College of Engineering

Institute for Clean Energy Technology (ICET)

Office: 205 Research Boulevard
http://www.icet.msstate.edu

The Institute for Clean Energy Technology (ICET) at Mississippi State University is a multidisciplinary group of scientists and engineers focused on measurement technologies and engineering scale testing for energy and environmental systems. Established in 1979, the Institute has a tradition of excellence in diagnostic instrumentation development, including imaging and laser-based techniques, and utilization of these systems in large-scale applications.

Current initiatives within ICET include processing legacy wastes within the US Department of Energy’s national security complex. Filter testing infrastructure at ICET is unique and has become internationally recognized for challenging full-sized HEPA filters under design basis event conditions. ICET also has extensive radiation detection and measurement capabilities. Gamma spectroscopy based survey systems have been developed for the US Army to rapidly and accurately locate and identify areas of radiological contamination.

ICET’s research results and partnerships with industry and federal agencies are designed to reduce risk to public health and the environment. The Institute offers students non-traditional educational experiences through a multidisciplinary approach to research.

Charles A. Waggoner, Ph.D., Deputy Director
 

High Performance Computing Collaboratory (HPC²)

Office: 2 Research Boulevard
http://www.hpc.msstate.edu

The High Performance Computing Collaboratory (HPC²), an evolution of the MSU NSF Engineering Research Center for Computational Field Simulation, at Mississippi State University is a coalition of member centers and groups that share a common core objective of advancing the state-of-the-art in computational science and engineering using high performance computing. Members share a common approach to research that embraces a multi-disciplinary, team-oriented concept, and a commitment to a full partnership between education, research and service. The mission is to serve the university, state and nation through excellence in computational science and engineering.

The HPC² is comprised of four independent centers with the common characteristics of a multi-disciplinary, team-oriented effort that is strategically involved in the application and advancement of computational science and engineering using high performance computing.

Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems (CAVS)
Roger King, Director

Center for Computational Sciences (CCS)
Seong-Gon Kim, Interim Director

GeoResources Institute (GRI)
Robert Moorhead, Director

Northern Gulf Institute (NGI)
Robert Moorhead, Interim Director

Institute for Genomics, Biocomputing, and Biotechnology (IGBB)
Daniel Peterson, Interim Director

The HPC² mission is to serve the University, State, and Nation through excellence in computational science and engineering. Our goal is to become the nation’s premier interdisciplinary high-performance computing research facility.

William B. (Trey) Breckenridge III, HPC² Resources and Operations Administrator
Brandy Akers, Business Manager

Mississippi Transportation Research Center

Office: 235 Walker Hall

http://www.cee.msstate.edu/transportation-research-center1.html

The Mississippi Transportation Research Center (MTRC) was established in 1997 as a partnership between the Mississippi Department of Transportation and MSU. The purpose of the center is to provide an efficient point-of-contact for solicitation, evaluation, execution and administration of selected research and technology development efforts or services to be performed at MSU and other state universities. The center promotes the transportation industry within the state of Mississippi and provides educational opportunities for MDOT personnel in order to advance their professional standing through formal, advanced degrees, professional engineering registration and professional advancement. Research through the center is being conducted at MSU, the University of Mississippi, University of Southern Mississippi, and Jackson State University. Research projects include: pavement materials design, construction and evaluation, transportation issues including intermodal policy planning and design, accident detection, seat belt use, and user cost and training in bridge design.

Dennis D. Truax, Ph.D., Director

Raspet Flight Research Laboratory (RASPET)

Office: Raspet Building 2

http://raspet.msstate.edu

The Raspet Flight Research Laboratory (RASPET) is one of the premier university flight research facilities in the country and an integral part of the Bagley College of Engineering (BCoE). Established at Mississippi State University (MSU) in 1948 by Dr. August Raspet, this aeronautical research laboratory possesses a rich heritage in full-scale flight vehicle development and testing, advanced composites development and fabrication, computer controlled manufacturing and testing of prototype composite applications. In addition to externally funded research, RASPET makes significant contributions to the educational goals of BCoE and the university as a superior training ground and research facility for MSU students at the graduate and undergraduate level. RASPET is one of very few university based laboratories with the capability to design, build, and test prototypes of full-scale manned and unmanned aircraft. RASPET has engaged in a broad spectrum of composite prototyping and flight test activities, ranging from the development and fabrication of the first turbine powered composite aircraft and the first all-graphite turbofan business jet to the development of an Ultra Light UAV sensor platform. RASPET also plays a major role in meeting university goals in the area of economic development.

Ratneshwar (Ratan) Jha, Ph.D., Director

Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems (CAVS)

http://www.cavs.msstate.edu

CAVS is an interdisciplinary center comprised of engineering, research, development, and technology transfer teams focused on enhancing human and payload mobility. The CAVS activities are clustered around material science, manufacturing, process modeling, vehicular systems engineering, design optimization, human factors and ergonomics, alternative powered systems, and intelligent electronic systems. While CAVS projects generate timely solutions relevant to regional manufacturers, CAVS research seeks to expand knowledge that is essential for sustained economic development. Through direct involvement in various activities at CAVS, students gain valuable experience that leverages on their classroom learning. CAVS also serves as the academic department for the college's graduate program in Computational Engineering. In support of its mission, CAVS also offers a direct

Division of Agriculture, Forestry, and Veterinary Medicine

Center for Environmental Health Sciences

Office: r1102 Wise Center
http://www.cvm.msstate.edu/index.php/academics/departments-centers/center-for-environmental-health-sciences

The Center for Environmental Health Sciences provides a research focus for university activities directed towards maintaining and improving the quality of environmental health in Mississippi, the nation, and the world. Its goal is to facilitate the development, implementation, and administration of focused and of multi-disciplinary efforts in research and training in the areas of environmental health, with primary consideration of human health impacts. One of the primary focus areas in environmental health is discerning the effects of environmentally relevant chemicals on organisms, and, conversely, the effects that organisms have on these chemicals. The Center provides an interdisciplinary mechanism for uniting researchers from different MSU administrative units to work on common problems which require interdisciplinary solutions. Participants have appointments in the College of Veterinary Medicine, the College of Arts and Sciences and the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station. Major disciplines represented are biochemical toxicology, neurotoxicology, cardiovascular toxicology, immunotoxicology, endocrine toxicology, analytical chemistry, exposure science and computational toxicology. The Center also has an interest in health disparities research and neuroprotection. The Center unites MSU faculty members with appropriate expertise into teams which can respond to environmental health issues when general or specific needs arise.

Janice E. Chambers, Ph.D., D.A.B.T., A.T.S., Director

D. Other Units

Flow Cytometry Facility

Office: Wise Complex, Room R3200

The Flow Cytometry Facility is a University-wide facility supported by the College of Veterinary Medicine. The facility has a two-fold purpose of providing flow cytometry and high speed cell sorting support of scientists at Mississippi State University and consultation on research problems involving flow cytometry. The facility is staffed by two trained technicians.

John Stokes, Director
Stephen Pruett, Faculty Advisor

Food Science Institute

Office: 105 Herzer Building
http://www.fsnhp.msstate.edu

The Food Science Institute was authorized by the Board of Trustees of the Institution of Higher Learning in 1968 and designated as the “Flagship” for food-related issues in Mississippi. The Institute, located within the Division of Agriculture, Forestry, and Veterinary Medicine, is composed of numerous faculty from various departments to address the many issues related to the broad area food science. The general area of food science encompasses food safety, value-added processing, culinary innovation, nutrition, health promotion, food marketing, sensory analysis, food engineering, and food entrepreneurship. Both undergraduate and graduate programs including Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy programs are available in the Department of Food Science, Nutrition and Health Promotion. Research and Extension programs span numerous departments and disciplines including, but not limited to: Animal and Dairy Sciences; Agricultural and Biological Engineering; Agricultural Economics; Food Science, Nutrition and Health Promotion; Plant and Soil Sciences; Microbiology; Aquaculture; and Poultry Science.

The major goals of the Food Science Institute are:

1. Stimulate and coordinate new innovative fundamental and application research and technology transfer in food science.
2. Serve as an economic engine for the state with constant industry interaction to enhance cutting edge technology adoption.
3. Assist faculty and staff in exploring opportunistic research areas with associated extramural funding potential.
4. Be recognized by the industry, regulatory agencies, and academia as the leader in food science-related matters in the southeast.
    

Sam K.C. Chang, Ph.D., Director

 

Office of the State Climatologist

Office: 214 Hilbun Hall
http://www.msstate.edu/dept/geosciences/stateclimatologist.htm

A State Climatologist for Mississippi was appointed in the Department of Geosciences at MSU in 1983. The State Climatologist serves as the focal point for climatic information and analysis within the state. The State Climatologist communicates data and information, performs research, and monitors current climate conditions and places events in historical perspective. The State Climatologist in Mississippi has the distinction of being an American Association of State Climatologists-Recognized State Climate Office.

Michael E. Brown, Ph.D., State Climatologist for Mississippi

Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce - Bureau of Plant Industry

Office: Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce Building on Stone Boulevard
http://www.mdac.ms.gov

The Bureau of Plant Industry is a division of the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce.

The Bureau is established under the Mississippi Plant Act, Sections 69-25-1 through 69-25-47, Mississippi Code 1972, and is responsible for protecting the agricultural and horticultural interests of the state from the introduction into and dissemination within the state of injurious insects and plant diseases. The Bureau of Plant Industry is the Plant Protection and Quarantine Division of the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce. An Advisory Board is established by law to advise the Commissioner of Agriculture on matters regarding the Bureau, especially in adopting rules and regulations.

The Bureau is responsible for administration and enforcement of:

1. The Mississippi Plant Act - Sections 69-25-1 through 69-25-47.
2. Regulation of Professional Services - Sections 69-19-1 through 69-19-11.
3. Mississippi Pesticide Law - Sections 69-23-1 through Sections 69-23-27.
4. Mississippi Pesticide Application Act - Sections 69-23-101 through 69-23-133.
5. Crop Spraying and Licensing of Aerial Applicators - Sections 69-21-1 through 69-21-27.
6. Mississippi Boll Weevil Management Act - Sections 69-37-1 through 69-37-33.
7. Mississippi Bee Disease Act - Sections 69-25-101 through 65-25-109.
8. Mississippi Commercial Feed Law - Sections 75-45-151 through 75-45-195.
9. Mississippi Pure Seed Law - Sections 69-3-1 through 69-3-27.
10. Mississippi Fertilizer Law - Sections 75-47-1 through 75-47-39.
11. Mississippi Soil and Plant Amendment Law - Sections 69-24-1 through 69-24-27
12. Mississippi Agricultural Liming Materials Act - Sections 69-39-1 through 69-39-19.
     

Headquarters Staff:

John Campbell, M.B.A., State Entomologist/Director
Laura Vollor, B.S., Deputy Director
Fabian Watts, M.S., Director, Seed Division
Kenneth Calcote, B.S. Director, Plant Pest Division
Jenny Bibb, B.S., Branch Director, Plant Pest and Feed
Alanna Scholtes, B.S., Branch Director, Pesticide, Fertilizer, and Lime
Denise Clanton, B.S., Branch Director, Boll Weevil Program
James Dale, M.S., Branch Director, Pesticide Division
Jasper Cobb, B.S., Branch Director, Pesticide Division
Russell Kohler, B.S., Branch Director, Regulation of Professional Services

Mississippi State Seed Testing Laboratory

http://www.mdac.ms.gov

The State Seed Testing Laboratory is a facility operated by the State Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Plant Industry. Its primary function is to test official seed samples submitted by inspectors of the State Department of Agriculture in connection with the enforcement of the Mississippi Pure Seed Law. The laboratory also serves as the official testing laboratory for the Mississippi Crop Improvement Association.

In addition, the laboratory operates as a service department for farmers and seed merchants. Seeds submitted for analysis are tested for purity, germination and noxious weeds. Seed merchants are charged a nominal fee. Resident farmers are entitled to have one sample of each kind tested free in any calendar year, but for each additional sample a small fee is charged.

The State Seed Testing Laboratory is in the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce Building on the west side of Stone Boulevard along with the Bureau of Plant Industry.

Fabian Watts, M.S., Director,Seed Division

Mississippi State Climatology Laboratory

Office: 314 Hilbun Hall

The MSU Climatology Laboratory is the focal point of the Broadcast and Professional Meteorology Programs within the Department of Geosciences. The Climatology Lab is equipped with state-of-the-art meteorological hardware and software systems in support of the teaching, research, and service missions of the department. In support of our broadcast component, the laboratory houses Weather Central and Accuweather graphics production machines, a GR3-level radar system, as well as a full digital studio with linear and non-linear editing capabilities. Daily weather forecasts developed in the Climatology Lab are disseminated through WMSV (FM 91.1), Bulldog Weather (Local TV-18), WOBV-TV (Starkville), and through live “webcasts” (http://www.geosciences.msstate.edu/ ).

The Climatology Lab also serves as a base of operations for the North Mississippi Severe Storms Intercept Team. Members of this group are highly trained operational meteorology students who pursue severe local storms in order to provide the National Weather Service and local community with the most up-to-date severe weather information.

Recent research supported by the Climatology Lab includes topics in Climatic Impacts on Mississippi Agriculture, Suicide and Climate, Population Biases Associated with Tornado Events, The Role of the Earth’s Surface on Climate, and a Thermodynamic Climatology of SE Tornado Events. The Climatology Lab also supports the Office of the State Climatologist and is opened on a limited basis to tour groups.

USDA, ARS, Crop Science Research Laboratory

http://www.ars.usda.gov/main/site_main.htm?modecode=64-06-00-00

In the Crop Science Research Laboratory of the U. S. Department of Agriculture basic and applied research is conducted by scientists representing many scientific disciplines. The major objectives of the research programs are to provide increased crop production with greater efficiency by developing cropping systems, pest resistant strains with improved agronomic traits, and decision-making models to reduce costs and conserve natural resources.

Major research lines include corn host plant resistance, genetics and precision agriculture, waste management and forage research.

Johnie N. Jenkins, B.S., M.S., Ph.D., Director

USDA, Forest Service, Southern Research Station

Two research units of the Southern Research Station, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service are located in the Forestry Sciences Laboratory, 201 Lincoln Green, in the southwest portion of the campus, and one in Thompson Hall. Basic and applied research on the ecology and physiology of seeds of forest tree species as well as the study of hydrologic and forest soil processes are conducted by staff of the Center for Bottomland Hardwoods Research. The Forest Inventory and Analysis Unit personnel conduct the continuous forest resources inventory for the mid-south states. The Wood Products Insect Research Team personnel conduct basic and applied research on termites.

For more information about these Units, the Southern Research Station, or the Forest Service, please visit our web site: http://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/

Center for Bottomland Hardwoods Research
Tracy Hawkins, Ph.D. – Research Ecologist

Forest Inventory and Analysis
David V. Few, B.S. – Supervisory Forester

Wood Products Insect Research
Terence L. Wagner, Ph.D. – Supervisory Research Entomologist

USDA, ARS, Poultry Research Unit

The South Central Poultry Research Laboratory of the U.S. Department of Agriculture was dedicated May 29, 1965. Located on the west side of the campus on Spring Street, it is a center for the study of disease, environmental, and waste management factors that affect the poultry industry. Research facilities include the office-laboratory building, environmental chambers, disease isolation units and seven poultry research houses. The research is being conducted by specialists in the fields of Engineering, Molecular Biology, Poultry Science, and Veterinary Science of Agricultural Research Service, U.S.D.A., in cooperation with Mississippi State University and other interested universities.

Scott L. Branton, D.V.M., Ph.D., Veterinary Medical Officer; Research Leader

USDA/APHIS/WS National Wildlife Research Center

103 Scales Building

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/wildlife_damage/nwrc

The National Wildlife Research Center (NWRC) is the research arm of the Wildlife Services program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture/Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. NWRC is the U.S. federal organization responsible for conducting research to resolve conflicts between humans and wildlife. The NWRC Mississippi field station was established by Congressional mandate in 1988 to develop methods for reducing bird depredations at aquaculture farms in the southern United States. Personnel at the NWRC Mississippi field station study the biology, impact, and management of a variety of captive and free-ranging avian species, including cormorants, pelicans, and wading birds.

Fred L. Cunningham, DVM., Project Leader/Supervisory Wildlife Research Biologist; Fred.L.Cunningham@aphis.usda.gov

USDA/APHIS/ Wildlife Services

200 Thompson Hall

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services (WS) program is legislatively mandated to provide assistance in the prevention and control of wildlife damage. WS programs are directed toward the protection of agriculture, property, industrial resources, and public health and safety, and natural resources. Services include technical assistance or direct operational control. Technical assistance consists of advice, recommendations, training, information transfer, or materials provided to others for the resolution of problems. In contrast, direct operational control activities are conducted by WS personnel through cooperative wildlife damage management programs. These two types of assistance are available upon request to anyone.

Kris Godwin, M.S., State Director, kris.godwin@aphis.usda.gov