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USM Celebrates Achievements in Scholarship, Creativity at Annual Research Day

Thu, 11/14/2024 - 12:16pm | By: Gabriela Shinskie

MEC
MEC

Faculty, staff and students at The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) participated in various research, scholarship and creative activities at the annual Research Day earlier this month at the Marine Education Center (MEC) in Ocean Springs, Miss. The day showcased dynamic insights into marine science, hydrography, forensic science, health and more - living up to USM’s Carnegie R1 research university ranking.

The gathering brought all USM campuses together for a day-long event. Presentations and interactive activities allowed attendees to dive deeper into concepts not familiar to one’s own area of study and come together for the love of science and community. Research showcase awards were presented at the end of the day. 

Dr. Kelly Lucas, vice president of research, was excited to have USM’s dynamic scientists showcase their research to the community. 

“Our annual Research Day highlights the hard work and dedication of our university community. The outstanding work showcased at this year's event reflects our commitment to advancing research and innovation. I’m incredibly proud of this year’s showcase winners, whose projects exemplify creativity and dedication. Congratulations to all for making this year’s event a success,” said Lucas.

The winners of the research showcase awards include:

  • First Place - Angelos Apeitos, Hatchery manager, "Intensive Rearing of Southern Flounder (Paralicthys Lethostigma), in Recirculating Systems: Perspectives, Status, and Future Challenges" 
  • Second Place - Kim deMutsert, associate professor, "End-to-End Modeling Reveals Species-Specific Effects of Large-Scale Coastal Restoration on Living Resources Facing Climate Change" 
  • Third Place - Kevin Martin, senior marine instrumentation specialist - ocean observing manager, "Sampling High Dynamic Shallow Waters, Using an Underwater Glider" 
MEC

 

The day allowed for diverse breakout sessions and research showings, where faculty, staff and students presented their areas of expertise. Other areas of research included presentations from Dr. Cindy Walls, assistant professor of construction and design with “Tiny Homes Southern Charm Initiative,” Dr. Diana Bernstein, assistant professor of marine science with “Coastal Dynamics in a Changing Climate” and Dr. Courtney Luckhardt, associate professor of history with her presentation on “Medieval and Modern Technologies: Understanding the Past Through Virtual Reality.”

Click here to learn more about USM’s lead as one of the nation’s top research universities.