Southern Miss College of Arts and Sciences Awards Scholarships through NASA-MS Space Grant Consortium Program

Mon, 01/06/2025 - 11:31am | By: Ivonne Kawas

To advance research and opportunities for students, the College of Arts and Sciences at The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) awarded 27 scholarships through the NASA-Mississippi Space Grant Consortium (MSSGC) program.

This state-wide initiative aims to ignite students’ passion for science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) disciplines while equipping them with the resources and support needed to excel in their academic journey. The scholarships foster academic excellence and empower students by increasing awareness of NASA employment and research opportunities for those pursuing related majors at USM.

“I consider myself fortunate to serve as the Southern Miss coordinator for the NASA-Mississippi Space Grant Consortium,” said Dr. David Cochran, associate dean for Research and Graduate Education in the College of Arts and Sciences. “It’s an honor to be able to participate in a nationwide NASA initiative that promotes STEM and space education and provides funding to some of our most deserving students.” 

Ready to Innovate

Andrew Barbour, a Southern Miss undergraduate polymer science student, is making his mark in the field. Among those honored with the NASA-MSSGC Scholarship, Barbour is a member of Dr. Zhe Qiang’s Research Group, whose research focuses on designing sustainable, high-performance polymer materials that enhance functional properties while reducing environmental impact.

Barbour’s dedication to research has earned him numerous accolades. At the Southern Miss Undergraduate Symposium, he received the Donald Drapeau Prize for Excellence in Research Presentation for his poster titled "Direct Synthesis of Ordered Mesoporous Materials from Thermoplastic Elastomers." Additionally, he claimed first place at the Waterborne Symposium with his award-winning poster, "Ordered Mesoporous Carbon (OMC)."

“Receiving the NASA-MSSGC Grant Scholarship is truly an honor,” said Barbour. “I’ve always admired NASA and the incredible work they do, so this recognition is meaningful to me.”

“My family played a significant role in inspiring my path into STEM. Growing up, I often accompanied my father to work and was intrigued by how his role as an engineer involved solving challenging problems. That experience ignited my passion for tackling tough problems and making a positive impact on others,” Barbour shared.

“This scholarship will support my research efforts and help me pursue graduate school, propelling me to continue exploring innovative solutions and contributing to advancements in science.”

Space Grant Scholarship Recipients

• Andrew Barbour III, polymer science and engineering major from Alabaster, Ala.
• James Barr, computer science major from Gulfport, Miss.
• Reagan Brown, polymer science and engineering major, minor in biological sciences, from Petal, Miss.
• Sandra Cordova, forensics major, minor in criminal justice, from Jackson, Miss.
• Kerianna Courtney, geology major from Purvis, Miss.
• Mark Creel, polymer science and engineering major from Hattiesburg, Miss.
• Brandon Crosby, geography major, minor in sociology, from Ellisville, Miss.
• John Cunningham, polymer science and engineering major from Montgomery, Ala.
• Katilyn Dameron, architectural engineering technology major from Petal, Miss.
• Quanya Gamble, cybersecurity major, minor in information technology, from Mobile, Ala.
• David Garcia, polymer science and engineering major from Hattiesburg, Miss.
• Jessie Gilmore III, polymer science and engineering major, minor in chemistry, from Brookhaven, Miss.
• Amari Harmon, polymer science and engineering major from Poplarville, Miss.
• Jeremy Jones, information technology major from Canton, Miss.
• Michaiah Keyton, biomedical sciences major from Port Gibson, Miss.
• Seth Kummings, geology major from Sumrall, Miss.
• Karla Lalama-Peralta, forensics major from Orlando, Fla.
• Luke Lewis, polymer science and engineering major, minor in chemistry, from Kentwood, La.
• Hunter Mason, geology major from Mandeville, La.
• Madison Mazique, architectural engineering technology major from Hattiesburg, Miss.
• Jalyn Phillips, polymer science and engineering major, minor in chemistry, from Winona, Miss.
• Jakayla Raines, construction management major from Prairie, Miss.
• Kaley Speed, forensics major, minor in biological sciences, from Greenville, Miss.
• Tyra Swann, geology major from Jackson, Miss.
• Melvin Tucker, geographic information technology major from Hattiesburg, Miss.
• Alexandria Wadlington, forensics major from Olive Branch, Miss.
• Ember Wilson, polymer science and engineering major, minor in chemistry, from Madison, Miss.

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About the NASA-Mississippi Space Grant Consortium (MSSGC)

MSSGC supports students, faculty, and institutions across Mississippi by advancing NASA-related science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. The consortium is composed of 17 universities and colleges statewide, with its headquarters at the University of Mississippi. Under the leadership of Dr. Nathan Murray and Dr. Earnest Stephens, MSSGC offers various opportunities, such as scholarships, research programs, and internships, to foster the next generation of space explorers.

For more information, visit msspacegrant.org.