Current Research and Programs:
Links to More Research
Supporting STEM Pathways and Research Experiences
REU-INFEWS Program
The National Science Foundation supported REU-INFEWS program exposes undergraduate students to research experiences related to Innovations at the Nexus of Food, Energy and Water Security (INFEWS) issues. We offer a fertile training ground for our country’s future leaders in areas of renewable energy, water purification and the science of soil amendment to enhance food security. Targeted students for this program include undergraduates in the majors of chemistry, biochemistry, engineering, and other related STEM fields. Co-PI Deb Mlsna coordinates all aspects of the program; co-PI Todd Mlsna supervises the research component. This program primarily targets undergraduate institutions and community college programs within the Southeastern United States that have limited research opportunities. Professor mentors and research groups from 4 colleges and 7 departments coordinate at Mississippi State University to offer research experiences. Our ten-week summer program includes seminars on career paths and entrepreneurship with a focus toward small business and regulatory concerns in environmental industries.
NSF Program #1659830
Students work with Middle School and High School Science Teachers on a developed experiment from the REU program.
2018 REU students celebrate at a local restaurant.
Undergraduate students present their work each year at the NSF Epscor- CSI teacher training workshop. (2017- Tulane University, New Orleans, LA; 2018- University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL). Students have also presented their work at multiple regional and national conferences. The program has established a strong track record of publishing undergraduate work in nationally recognized journals.
NSF S-STEM Program: Mathematics as a Common Language in Science
The National Science Foundation supported S-STEM Program: Mathematics as a Common Language in Science is a scholarship and mentoring program designed to support students majoring in Chemistry, Math and Physics to enter graduate school in the physical sciences. Co-PI Deb Mlsna (Chemistry) is in charge of all academic mentoring activities along with the recruiting and outreach component. Currently in its 3rd year of funding, the program supports 17 students with scholarship funds, salary and funding for research activities, provided tutoring and academic support structure, and additional mentoring activities designed to support academic success at the undergraduate level and support students to develop needed skills for continuance at the graduate school level. Additional professors Seth Oppenheimer (PI; Math) and Donna Pierce (Co-PI; Physics) coordinate program components.
S-STEM scholar Annie Snyder participating in Iceland and Scandinavia- Renweable Energy Study Abroad program, 2018.
S-STEM Scholar Annie Snyder with S-STEM Tutor and Physics Major Christian Kingery.
NSF Program #1458449
MURPS: Mlsna Undergraduate Research Program Summer
2018 REU and MURPS Summer Undergraduate Research Participants and faculty mentors. Nine (9) REU students, 22 MURPS students presented their research at the Shakouls Honor's College Undergraduate Research Symposium, Aug. 2018.
Deb Mlsna and Todd Mlsna have supported Summer Research Experiences for Chemistry Undergraduate Students since 2014 (titled the MURPS program). Funded through curriculum and lab manuals developed by Deb Mlsna, the Chemistry department has allocated funds to pay summer research students a stipend of $2500 for work with faculty mentors. Thirteen (13) students were supported via the MURPS/ Chemistry department program in 2018. An additional 9 student participants were supported through external programs, including the Jackson Heart Scholar program for Tougaloo students, the NSF S-STEM program, NSF-Epscor program, additional NSF funding and external, private scholarships. Student participants enjoy research support and additionally participate in workshops and seminars that emphasize graduate school career pathways.
MURPS and REU student cohorts 2015-2017.