Feature Story from 2014

RIDGELAND -- Two Mississippi State University apparel, textiles, and merchandising students recently took home honors from the 2014 Project Rezway fashion show in Ridgeland.

Laura Richardson, a sophomore from Madison, won best in show and first place in the high fashion category. Jesse Newton, a sophomore from Eupora, won first place in evening couture.

The annual fashion show focuses on the use of recycled materials. Richardson and Newton based their designs on materials donated by their sponsor for the event, Southwire Company.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- When Mississippi State University senior Will Gentry went to Africa in 2013 for a short visit to expand his academic horizons, he ended up staying longer and working to conserve popular big-game animals.

MISSISSIPPI STATE – When Raja Reddy came to Mississippi State University from India 25 years ago, he saw opportunities for his family and for his research. As an agricultural scientist, he understands the concept of reaping what he sows.

But he did not expect his career to take him back to India to give those same opportunities to other curious students.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- A Mississippi State University graduate student recently took part in an elite group meeting with policymakers in Washington, D.C.

Jesse Morrison, a doctoral student and research associate in the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, was one of 16 graduate students and scientists from around the country who participated in Future Leaders in Science, a program designed to raise awareness and support in Congress for science and research funding.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Mississippi State University has a new source for health-related programs.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Mississippi State University and 11 other land-grant universities recently joined a national effort to improve water quality in one of the nation’s most significant watersheds.

The Mississippi River/Gulf of Mexico Watershed Task Force partnered with nongovernmental agencies for the first time when it invited university scientists and Extension specialists to share their research findings and ideas for reducing water pollution.

STONEVILLE -- Researchers will provide farmers and consultants with insight into crop studies and listen to ideas for future projects during the June 17 field day at the Mississippi State University Delta Research and Extension Center.

Corn, cotton, peanuts and soybeans will be the focus of this event, which begins with registration at 10 a.m. at the Charles W. Capps Building and is followed by a sponsored lunch at noon. Farmers registered for the field day will be eligible for door prices during the meal. Vendors will have displays and be available to answer questions.

GOODMAN -- Farmers and gardeners can learn how to control insects, weeds and diseases at the Alliance for Sustainable Agricultural Production Demonstration Farm field day on June 20.

Blake Layton, an entomologist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, will explain how to identify, monitor and control insect pests.

Alan Henn, an Extension plant pathologist and research professor with the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station, will tell how to identify and manage weeds and diseases.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- A woodpecker may not make a good football mascot, but Mississippi State University researchers think this bird’s shock-absorbing beak may help them design a better football helmet.

Lakiesha Williams, assistant professor of agriculture and biological engineering in the university’s Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station, led the study of the woodpecker’s beak. Researchers found that the shock a woodpecker absorbs while pecking is typically 10 times greater than anything a football player is likely to experience.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- A July 17 workshop in Hattiesburg will help landowners recognize the income-generating potential of using their land in natural resource enterprises.

The Mississippi Forestry Commission, the U.S. Forest Service and the MSU Extension Service are offering the Natural Resources Enterprise Advanced Workshop. The event will be held at the Forrest County Extension Office on July 17 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- A program that provides equine therapy to children and adults with special needs recently received special recognition from an international organization.

The Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH International) accredited the Mississippi State University Extension Service’s Elizabeth A. Howard 4-H Therapeutic Riding and Activity Center (TRAC).

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Area forage and livestock producers are invited to Mississippi State University July 10 for half-day program on warm-season forage production.

Registration for the Warm-Season Forage Tour begins at 8:30 a.m., and the tour lasts from 9 a.m. to noon at the Henry H. Leveck Animal Research Farm at MSU. It is sponsored by the MSU Extension Service Forage Program and the Oktibbeha County Extension office.

STONEVILLE -- Researchers at the Mississippi State University Delta Research and Extension Center believe a new research project can help farmers reduce their number of pesticide applications without reducing peanut yield.

Jeff Gore, an Extension entomologist and assistant research professor with the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station at the MSU Delta Research and Extension Center in Stoneville, said Mississippi peanut producers soon will have pesticide recommendations tailored specifically to the local climate.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- As graduates transition from enrollment to employment, they face challenges in the workplace that can leave them asking, “Now what?”

Leslie Corey, a Mississippi State University human resources professional, said learning does not stop once the caps and gowns are issued.

“One of the best things you can do for your job is continue to learn,” Corey said. “A willingness to learn helps you be professional, which is essential for your success.”

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Area forage and livestock producers are invited to the Broadhead Cattle Farm July 8 for a half-day program on forage issues.

The Simpson County Forage Field Day is from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the farm in Mendenhall. It is sponsored by the MSU Extension Service Forage Program, the Simpson County Extension office and the Simpson County Soil and Water Conservation District.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- The Mississippi State University Extension Service is taking steps to reduce the number of accidents and fatalities involving all-terrain vehicles, or ATVs.

Larry Alexander, 4-H youth development specialist with the MSU Extension Service, said national ATV Safety Week, June 8-15, is the perfect opportunity to highlight the importance of properly using these powerful vehicles.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- A 66-year-old piece of forestry equipment on display at Mississippi State University is being restored by the company that built it.

The Logger’s Dream is a 1948 log loader manufactured by Louisville, Mississippi-based Taylor Machine Works. The equipment has been on display at the biennial Mid-South Forestry Equipment Show at the university’s John W. Starr Memorial Forest since 2005.

J. D. Massey of Starkville was the loader’s original owner and operator. His son Paul donated the loader to the equipment show.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Cancer kills nearly 600,000 Americans each year, and a team of researchers at Mississippi State University is developing new and better ways of fighting back.

Dr. Cody Coyne, professor of molecular pharmacology and immunology in the Department of Basic Sciences at the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine, and his team of scientists are researching more effective ways to kill cancer cells.

While his work is incredibly complex, he has a simple analogy.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Exploring the wonders of nature does not have to be time-consuming, expensive or complicated.

June is National Great Outdoors Month and is an ideal time to encourage kids to explore the world around them, said Marina Denny, a research associate with the Mississippi State University Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture.

NEWTON -- The Mississippi State University Extension Service and Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station welcomed a plant materials specialist on June 16.