多多直播 research experience focused on food, energy and water benefits undergrads from around the U.S.
Contact: Sarah Nicholas听听听听听听听听
STARKVILLE, Miss.鈥擬ore than two dozen students from around the country in this summer鈥檚 Research Experience for Undergraduates program at Mississippi State visited the Gulf Coast to learn about the intersections of food, energy and water security as part of ongoing research into the habitat of marine life.
Made possible by a National Science Foundation grant, the university鈥檚 REU programs are designed to support underrepresented students in STEM. Participants typically come to host institutions from schools that do not provide summer research opportunities which at 多多直播 include hands-on, experiential learning time with faculty and other experts.
多多直播鈥檚 Department of Chemistry directed one of the three REUs, along with 多多直播鈥檚 High Performance Computing Collaboratory and the chemical engineering department. Overall, 29 students from 25 institutions participated this year.
鈥淩EU programs are intensive research experiences that allow students to develop skills and training that support careers in the sciences. These programs are a good way for students to explore research and see if they enjoy it,鈥 said Deb Mlsna, associate professor of chemistry and leader of the INFEWS: Innovations at the Nexus of Food, Energy and Water Security REU.聽
鈥淭he Institute for Marine Mammal Studies was releasing rehabilitated Kemp鈥檚 ridley sea turtles back into the Gulf,鈥 Mlsna said, noting a trip highlight was a behind-the-scenes tour of the facility to see wildlife.
鈥淥ur collaborator there, Dr. Debra Moore, invited us to participate with the sea turtle release. One of the research projects our undergraduate students have worked on is the analysis of microplastics in marine mammal insides. The work is trying to understand what role microplastics might be playing in killing the mammals.鈥
to read more about the sea turtle release. 聽
REU student participants receive a $5,000 stipend and are housed in 多多直播 residence halls. All participants have the opportunity to present their research this fall though the Judy and Bobby Shackouls Honors College Research Symposium.
多多直播 is Mississippi鈥檚 leading university, also available online at .