Archives
December 2017
Season's greetings from the Office of Research and Economic Development
Season's greetings from the Office of Research and Economic Development. We find ourselves again at the end of another semester at Mississippi State University, but before it draws to a close, please let me share a quick update with you.
David Shaw is vice president for research and economic development at Mississippi State University.
NSF survey: MSU again the highest-ranked research university in state
We were very pleased to see the results of the new NSF Higher Education Research and Development Survey for Fiscal Year 2016, which the National Science Foundation released at the end of November. The survey placed us at 93rd overall among public and private institutions in the country, based on $239.4 million in total research and development expenditures. We're ranked 60th among non-medical school institutions, and 64th among public institutions. The survey found that our research accounts for more than half of the total $455 million of expenditures reported by all Mississippi institutions in FY16. Read more about our research rankings at http://www.research.msstate.edu/rresources/news.php?id=5693.
Research proposals and winter break holiday
As I mentioned last month, please keep in mind that for those of you working on research proposals that may be due during MSU's winter break between Dec. 21-Jan. 1, the Office of Sponsored Projects closes along with the rest of the university. If you have a special need for OSP support over the holidays, please coordinate that with Jennifer Easley prior to the break. Her e-mail address is jeasley@osp.msstate.edu or call 662-325-3751.
Kudos and congratulations
I always look forward to sharing success stories about our faculty and staff with you, and here are a few that have come across my desk the past few weeks:
* Kudos to Jonas King, an assistant professor in the Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology and Plant Pathology, who is receiving a new innovator grant from the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research. Read more at http://memo.msstate.edu/story.php?id=4395.
* Congratulations to Nicole Rader, who has been named associate dean for academic affairs in the College of Arts and Sciences after serving in an interim role. Read more at http://memo.msstate.edu/story.php?id=4397.
* Kudos to George Hopper, MAFES director and dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, who was recently recognized with a 2017 Southern Association of Agricultural Experiment Station Directors ESS Excellence in Leadership Award during the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities' annual meeting. Read more at http://memo.msstate.edu/story.php?id=4388.
* Congratulations to Wendy Herd, an associate professor in the Department of English, who was selected as the university's 2017 Humanities Teacher of the Year. Read more at http://memo.msstate.edu/story.php?id=4374.
* Kudos to Will Evans, the head of the Department of Food Science, Nutrition and Health Promotion, who recently received the Sarah Mazelis Award for outstanding performance by a practitioner at the American Public Health Association annual meeting. Read more at http://memo.msstate.edu/story.php?id=4373.
* Congratulations to Emily Salmon-Wall, a research engineer at the Institute for Systems Engineering Research, who recently received a scholarship for graduate study from the Gulf Region Intelligent Transportation Society. Read more at http://memo.msstate.edu/story.php?id=4379.
* Kudos to MSU's Campus Landscape team, whose work was recognized for the third consecutive year by the Professional Grounds Management Society Green Star Award program for exceptional grounds maintenance. Read more at http://memo.msstate.edu/story.php?id=4361.
Final words
During this special time of year, we wish you happy holidays and all the best in the upcoming new year. If you have any questions, suggestions or concerns about Mississippi State's research and economic development activities, please feel free to contact me at dshaw@research.msstate.edu or visit http://www.research.msstate.edu.
Merry Christmas and Hail State!
November 2017
Valuable faculty feedback for research priorities update
The deadline to provide your feedback on Mississippi State's research priorities is coming up at the end of the week. I encourage you to review them at https://w.msstate.edu/research-focus-areas/priorities/index.php and offer your thoughts before the online survey closes on Friday. We've received very good comments so far, and will be considering all of them as we move toward finalizing the priorities in the next month or two.
Please let me take a moment to give you a brief update on a few of our other activities in the Office of Research and Economic Development.
David Shaw is vice president for research and economic development at Mississippi State University.
Sponsored Projects names new DAWG class
Congratulations to the Office of Sponsored Projects' newest class of Departmental Administrators Working Group (DAWG) class: Latara Arterberry, T.K. Martin Center; Belinda Betts, University Television Center; Natalie Carpenter, Office of Sponsored Projects; Michelle Martin, Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems; Valisa McNeil, Extension-Delta Region; Lester Mitchell, Coastal Research and Extension Center; Lori Staggs, College of Education; Laikyn Starkey, Poultry Science; Kelsey Stewart, Institute for Genomics, Biocomputing & Biotechnology; Yolanda Tate, Center for America's Veterans; Kristen Thompson, Delta Research and Extension Center; and Stephen Williams, Student Leadership and Community Engagement. The primary goal of DAWG is the development and application of knowledge and skills in the area of sponsored project administration. It also helps departmental administrators grow professionally and create relationships with their peers across campus.
Research proposals and the winter break holidays
It's that time of the year when we need to remind those of you working on research proposals that may be due during MSU's winter break between Dec. 21-Jan. 1 that the Office of Sponsored Projects closes along with the rest of the university. If you have a special need for OSP support over the holidays, please coordinate that with Jennifer Easley prior to the break. Her e-mail address is jeasley@osp.msstate.edu or call 662-325-3751.
New biosafety officer joins team
Please join me in welcoming Trent Peacock as the university's new biosafety officer. Dr. Peacock earned a Ph.D. in microbiology from N.C. State, and has worked for the Army as a clinical and research microbiologist in a variety of national and international locations. He replaces Patricia Cox, who announced her retirement earlier this fall. We appreciate her outstanding service to Mississippi State, and wish her the best as she begins a new chapter. Thank you, Pat!
Delay in Common Rule changes announced
An update from September's letter: Revisions to the human research regulations known as the Common Rule came out in January 2017. They gave institutions like MSU a year to prepare for the changes. Soon thereafter, the White House implemented a regulatory freeze to review all last-minute rules released by the previous administration. Based on information posted in October on the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs website -- https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/eoDetails?rrid=127614 -- it appears that the effective date of the revised policy may be delayed by one year. Additional information isn't available at this time, but our Office of Research Compliance will update MSU's research community as the situation moves forward.
Kudos and congratulations
I always look forward to sharing success stories about our faculty and staff with you, and here are a few that have come across my desk the past few weeks:
* Kudos to Dave Marcum, chief scientist at the Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems and a professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, who was recently honored with the International Meshing Roundtable 2017 Fellow Award. Read more at http://memo.msstate.edu/story.php?id=4317
* Congratulations to Kari Babski-Reeves, Wes Burger, Will Evans and Leslie Hossfeld for selection to the Southeastern Conference Academic Leadership Development Program. Read more at http://memo.msstate.edu/story.php?id=4345.
* Kudos to Dongmao Zhang, an associate professor in the Department of Chemistry, who was recently named Chemist of the Year by the American Chemical Society's Mississippi Section. Read more at http://memo.msstate.edu/story.php?id=4337.
* Congratulations to Jeffrey Leffler, an assistant professor in the Division of Education at MSU-Meridian, and Brad Skelton, a project manager for the Research and Curriculum Unit, who are participating in the Mississippi Education Policy Fellowship Program. Read more at http://memo.msstate.edu/story.php?id=4341.
* Kudos to Dan Petrolia, an associate professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics, who has been named an editor of Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy. Read more at http://memo.msstate.edu/story.php?id=4331.
* Congratulations to Brent Funderburk, Giles Distinguished Professor of Art and 2015 Ralph E. Powe Research Excellence Award winner, whose watercolor "Angelus Vitae" was recently featured in the Rocky Mountain National Watermedia Exhibition in Evergreen, Colorado. Read more at http://memo.msstate.edu/story.php?id=4328.
* Kudos to the Northern Gulf Institute team for their work with the Mississippi River-Gulf of Mexico Hypoxia Task Force that was cited recently in a report to Congress -- www.epa.gov/ms-htf/hypoxia-task-force-reports-congress?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery.
Final words
As we look forward to a short break next week, I hope that each of you enjoys a very happy Thanksgiving. Please feel free to contact me at dshaw@research.msstate.edu if you have any questions, suggestions, or concerns about any of our research and economic development activities or visit www.research.msstate.edu.
October 2017
Faculty, staff feedback wanted for research priorities
Over the course of the past few months, discussions have been underway about how Mississippi State will invest its resources in research in the future. We've developed an initial draft with input from deans, associate deans, and center directors. That draft is now available online, and I invite you to share your thoughts and concerns about the university's research priorities. Please visit https://w.msstate.edu/research-focus-areas/priorities/index.php and leave your feedback. As I mention on the website, this is the next and most important step in the process. This is similar to the process we used five years ago, and last time we received invaluable input from faculty that substantially revised the initial version. I expect the same this time, and I encourage you to share whatever ideas you have.
David Shaw is vice president for research and economic development at Mississippi State University.
Proposal Services celebrates new location
It was great to see many of you at our ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house for the new Office of Proposal Services at 140 Morgan Avenue last month. As part of the Office of Sponsored Projects, we've set up Proposal Services to assist researchers throughout the development of compelling funding proposals. Proposal Services can help identify funding opportunities; manage large, multi-collaborative projects; locate internal and external collaborators; offer learning opportunities relating to grant writing, proposal components, letters of support or commitment, data management plans and formatting; as well as provide individual proposal assistance through mentoring and peer review. Read more at http://memo.msstate.edu/story.php?id=4279.
RCR training opportunity in November
As I've mentioned in previous letters, the progress of our research enterprise depends on maintaining integrity in the process of conducting research. The next opportunity for Responsible Conduct of Research training is coming up on Nov. 2. Jeremy Clay, director of the Office of Technology Management, will lead a session on "Student Intellectual Property Rights: University Policy and Procedures" from 3-4:30 p.m. in Colvard Student Union's Fowlkes Auditorium. Attendees can earn one hour of RCR credit, and you can register at www.orc.msstate.edu/training.
Institutional Repository: MSU Libraries building central digital archive
The popularity and reach of the digital environment and internet of things (IoT) or Internet of Everything (IoE) are impacting many aspects of academic and educational practices because of their central responsibility and significant role in supporting research, learning, information, and knowledge activities in our universities and libraries. One aspect of this is the transformation from closed to public access in an effort to capture, preserve, and freely disseminate intellectual knowledge. As researchers and faculty try to determine their approach to public access, I encourage you to contact our MSU Libraries experts. They can provide guidance and information about storing, sharing, and preserving scholarly research, data, and history through our MSU Institutional Repository (IR). Any MSU-affiliated faculty member, researcher, clinician, staff member, or student may submit their original material for inclusion in this central digital archive. The advantages to using the IR are many, and you can learn more by contacting Claudia Holland at 662-325-8548 or cholland@library.msstate.edu and by visiting http://ir.library.msstate.edu/page/about.
Kudos and congratulations
I always look forward to sharing success stories about our faculty and staff with you, and here are a few that have come across my desk the past few weeks:
* Congratulations to the College of Business, which has been ranked at No. 6 in the world for the impact of its entrepreneurship research, and to Jim Chrisman, who has also been ranked as the No. 6 leading individual contributor to entrepreneurship research, by the Journal of Small Business Management. Read more at http://memo.msstate.edu/story.php?id=4309.
* Kudos to Chief Communication Officer Sid Salter, who is among this year's selections for an MSTop50 Award. Read more at http://memo.msstate.edu/story.php?id=4304.
* Congratulations to Jay McCurdy, an assistant professor in the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, who has been honored by the Crop Science Society of America with its 2017 Early Career Award. Read more at http://memo.msstate.edu/story.php?id=4286.
* Kudos to Dongmao Zhang, an associate professor in the Department of Chemistry, who was recently recognized as one of the most prolific contributors to an international professional publication: the Journal of Physical Chemistry C. Read more at http://memo.msstate.edu/story.php?id=4259.
* Congratulations to Merrill Warkentin, a professor in the Department of Management and Information Systems, who was recently named the James J. Rouse Professor of Information Systems in the College of Business. Dr. Warkentin is also one of five scholars worldwide recently awarded an International Federation for Information Processing Outstanding Service Award -- http://www.ifip.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=85&Itemid=475.
* Kudos to Younghan Lee, an assistant professor in the Department of Kinesiology, who is the overseas research collaborator for new research funded by the National Research Foundation of Korea titled "Investigation of Leisure Sport Participants' Well-being and HIP (Holistic Intervention Program) Development: An Interdisciplinary Approach."
Final words
My office is taking nominations for the Southeastern Universities Research Association's 2018 Distinguished Scientist Award. The nomination deadline is November 3, and you can learn more at www.research.msstate.edu/limitedsubmissions.
Thank you for taking the time to read this month's letter. Please feel free to contact me at dshaw@research.msstate.edu if you have any questions, suggestions, or concerns about any of our research and economic development activities or visit www.research.msstate.edu.
September 2017
Join us for Proposal Development ribbon-cutting and open house
We've had a great start to the fall semester in the Office of Research and Economic Development, and I'd like to take just a few minutes of your time for a brief update.
David Shaw is vice president for research and economic development at Mississippi State University.
Cross-college research grant, undergrad research programs deadline
As I mentioned last month, we are accepting proposals for ORED and the Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine's cross-college research grant program and ORED's undergraduate research program. Proposals for either program must have a signature of approval from the Associate Dean for Research for each participating college. To apply, faculty should submit an application to the Associate Dean of Research for the college of the principal investigator no later than this Monday, Sept. 11. Additional information is available at http://www.research.msstate.edu/funds or you may contact Special Assistant Vice President David Thompson at dthompson@research.msstate.edu or 662-325-3570 with any questions.
Faculty Leadership Program kicks off
Members of the 2017-18 Dean Wallace Colvard Faculty Leadership Program at Mississippi State have started this year's program, which honors the memory of our 12th president, and I believe it will be a very valuable experience for each one of them. The program -- a partnership between ORED and the Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President -- is designed to help develop the next generation of campus academic leaders, and I am pleased to be a part of this initiative. This year's participants are Shrinidhi Ambinakudige, Brian Baldwin, Cindy Bethel, Guihong Bi, Stephen Brain, Jenny Du, David Hoffman, T.J. Jankun-Kelly, Bindu Nanduri, Michael Seymour, Lesley Strawderman and John Wyatt. Learn more about the Faculty Leadership Program at http://www.msstate.edu/newsroom/article/2017/08/leadership-program-taps-dozen-msu-faculty
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RCR training and oversight essential
In August, the National Science Foundation posted a notice -- https://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=in140 -- to remind institutions submitting proposals of the requirement set forth in the 2007 America COMPETES Act to provide appropriate training and oversight in the ethical conduct of research to all undergraduates, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers who will be supported by NSF to conduct research. The National Institutes of Health and USDA-NIFA also have RCR training requirements. The progress of our scientific research enterprise depends on maintaining integrity in the process of conducting research. Please help the university foster research integrity in the new generations of researchers and stay in compliance with these funding agencies by ensuring appropriate training for your project personnel. If you have any questions about these requirements or resources available, don't hesitate to contact Kacey Strickland at kstrickland@orc.msstate.edu or 662-325-7474.
Are you ready for Common Rule changes?
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and 15 other federal departments and agencies in January issued final revisions to the Common Rule to update the regulations that safeguard individuals who participate in research. Most of the provisions in the new rule go into effect January 19, 2018. In anticipation of the pending changes, the MSU Human Research Protection Program is updating its policy and procedures for determining an exemption. Federal regulations state that when an exemption has been granted, further oversight by the HRPP is not required. Therefore, when an exemption has been granted, the HRPP will inactivate that study in the university's system. While the study has been inactivated, it means that recruitment, enrollment, data collection, and/or data analysis can continue, but personnel and procedural amendments to the study are no longer required. However, if at any point the risk to participants increases, you must contact the HRPP immediately with that information. Please contact the Office of Research Compliance at 662-325-3294 with any questions.
Reminder: International activities survey underway
If you are currently engaged in international activities or have plans to do so, I encourage you to take the survey at https://msudafvm.co1.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_8BSMx84RpTtfBs1&Q_JFE=0 that is collecting feedback about administrative processes, policies, technologies, and opportunities to identify barriers and improve the support infrastructure for international activities. The survey deadline is Wednesday, September 13.
Frequent flyer: TSA pre-check enrollment at Golden Triangle Regional Airport
Here's some good news if you're a frequent flyer like me: the Golden Triangle Regional Airport is taking enrollment for the TSA Pre-Check expedited screening program September 18-22. This popular program enables identified low-risk air travelers to enjoy a smart and more efficient screening experience. Enrollment is available at GTRA between 8 a.m. and noon and then 1-5 p.m. on the second floor of the aiport terminal. Call 662-327-4422 or visit http://gtra.com to learn more or make an appointment to enroll.
Kudos and congratulations
I always look forward to sharing success stories about our faculty and staff with you, and here are a few that have come across my desk the past few weeks:
* Congratulations to Lei Chen, an assistant professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, who is one of only 37 recipients of the prestigious Ralph E. Powe Junior Faculty Enhancement Award from Oak Ridge Associated Universities. The award provides $5,000 in seed money for research by junior faculty at ORAU member institutions, along with a matching $5,000 contribution from MSU. Very well done! Read more at http://memo.msstate.edu/story.php?id=4220.
* Kudos to the Research and Curriculum Unit, which is beginning the next phase of career and technical education assessments for the state's public schools as part of a 10-year, $13.6-million Mississippi Department of Education contract. Read more at http://memo.msstate.edu/story.php?id=4249.
* Congratulations to Rocky Lemus, an associate Extension and research professor, who recently received the 2017 Achievement Award from the National Association of County Agricultural Agents. Read more at http://memo.msstate.edu/story.php?id=4236.
Final words
I hope you can join us at 2 p.m. on Sept. 19 for an official ribbon-cutting and open house at the Office of Sponsored Projects' new Proposal Development unit at 140 Morgan Ave. We're really excited about this new initiative, and I'm confident it will be a terrific resource for anyone writing a funding proposal.
Thank you for taking the time to read this month's letter. Please feel free to contact me at dshaw@research.msstate.edu if you have any questions, suggestions, or concerns about any of our research and economic development activities or visit www.research.msstate.edu.
August 2017
Kicking off new Research Seminar Series this month
Like many of you, we've had a very busy and productive summer in the Office of Research and Economic Development, and we're looking forward to the start of a new academic year. Please let me take a few minutes of your time for an update.
David Shaw is vice president for research and economic development at Mississippi State University.
Research Seminar Series kicks off this month
I hope you'll be able to join us for this year's Research Seminar Series. The fall lineup kicks off Aug. 28 with "Campus Resources Necessary for Research Success." Assistant Vice President for Research Teresa Gammill will lead this overview of the resources available to Mississippi State's research community, and she'll also introduce you to the Sponsored Projects, Research Compliance, Research Security, Technology Management, Environmental Health and Safety, and Sponsored Programs Accounting teams. Additional information about the seminars and online registration are available at http://www.research.msstate.edu/workshops and you can download a series brochure at www.web.ur.msstate.edu/web/temp/newsfiles/ORED_Seminars_Fall_2017_Web.pdf.
Register today for fall Responsible Conduct of Research sessions
In addition to the Research Seminar Series, registration is now open for this fall's Responsible Conduct of Research live sessions. The Office of Research Compliance and my office are here to assist you with special training needs, research planning meetings, and protocol completion assistance, among other services. Please do not hesitate to contact us. We are committed to helping you achieve success in your research endeavors. Learn more about RCR training opportunities at www.orc.msstate.edu/training.
Cross-college research grant program returns
ORED and the Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine are again soliciting proposals from Mississippi State faculty who desire to create interdisciplinary, cross-college research groups on campus. The objective of this program is to improve research competitiveness by fostering interdisciplinary collaboration that is focused on a common research theme and leads directly to the submission of a competitive proposal to an external funding agency. The proposal must have signature of approval from the Associate Dean for Research for each participating college. To apply, faculty should submit an application to the Associate Dean of Research for the college of the principal investigator no later than Sept. 11. Additional information is available at www.research.msstate.edu/funds.
Faculty proposals sought for ORED undergrad research program
In addition to the cross-college grant program, we are soliciting proposals from faculty to create innovative, faculty-directed research opportunities for talented undergraduate students. A wide range of projects will be considered as long as the budget explicitly supports undergraduate research. The ideal project will produce results that can be incorporated into a publication or serve as preliminary results for a proposal submission. To apply, faculty should submit an application with an attached description of the proposed research not to exceed two pages in length, including the budget, to the appropriate Associate Dean for Research no later than Sept. 11. Learn more about this opportunity at www.research.msstate.edu/funds.
Kudos and congratulations
I always look forward to sharing success stories about our faculty and staff with you, and here are a few that have come across my desk the past few weeks:
* Kudos to Lei Chen, an assistant professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, who has received the prestigious Ralph E. Powe Junior Faculty Enhancement Award from Oak Ridge Associated Universities. Since joining the Bagley College of Engineering in 2015, Dr. Chen has already won two competitive National Science Foundation external funding awards for his cutting-edge research. Well done! Read more at www.msstate.edu/newsroom/article/2017/08/msu-engineering-professor-receives-ralph-e-powe-junior-faculty-enhancement.
* Congratulations to Wes Burger, associate director of the Forest and Wildlife Research Center and MAFES, who is one of only three selections this year for a National Quail Symposium Award of Excellence -- a career tribute from the Tennessee-based National Bobwhite Conservation Initiative and Bobwhite Technical Committee. Read more at www.msstate.edu/newsroom/article/2017/07/wes-burger-msu-honored-again-quail-science-leadership.
* Kudos to Checky Herrington, a senior member of the Office of Public Affairs, who was inducted into the Southern Public Relations Federation's Hall of Fame this summer. Read more at www.msstate.edu/newsroom/article/2017/07/herrington-msu-public-affairs-inducted-southern-public-relations.
* Congratulations to Dongmao Zhang, an associate professor in the Department of Chemistry, who was recently recognized by the Journal of Physical Chemistry C as one of its most highly prolific authors. Read more at www.chemistry.msstate.edu/news/dr-dongmao-zhang-recognized-journal-physical-chemistry-c.
* Kudos to Drew Hamilton, interim director of the Distributed Analytics and Security Institute and a professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, who's been busy recently with an NSA-sponsored cyber certification workshop. The 40-hour program included participants from the Mississippi National Guard, U.S. Navy and academia.
* Congratulations to Lakiesha Williams, an associate professor in the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, and Eric Hill, director of the Center for Entrepreneurship and Outreach, who are on the Mississippi Business Journal's 2017 "Top in Tech" list. Read more at www.msstate.edu/newsroom/article/2017/07/mbj-top-tech-list-includes-msu-engineering-professor-entrepreneurship.
Final words
As I've mentioned, my office works closely with the MSU Foundation on a number of important initiatives, and I was pleased to see last month that the university had another outstanding year of fundraising -- raising $108.6 million in FY2017. It marked the second highest fundraising year in school history, as well as four years running in which institutional fundraising surpassed $100 million. Read more at www.msstate.edu/newsroom/article/2017/07/msu-fiscal-year-giving-tops-100-million-four-successive-years.
Thank you for taking the time to read this month's letter. Please feel free to contact me at dshaw@research.msstate.edu if you have any questions, suggestions, or concerns about any of our research and economic development activities or visit www.research.msstate.edu.
July 2017
Funding opportunity: SEC Visiting Faculty Travel Grant Program
I hope you're having a great summer -- recharging, preparing for the upcoming academic year, and taking advantage of new opportunities. While many of you are away from campus right now, I'd encourage you to think about applying for the SEC Visiting Faculty Travel Grant Program. We can award eight grants of $1,250 each for transportation, room, board, etc., to use for travel to another SEC campus. Assistant, associate and full professors are eligible. The conference created the program to
enhance faculty collaboration that stimulates scholarly initiatives between SEC universities. Unfortunately, we have a very tight application deadline -- July 28. This is a great program, and you can find additional information about it at http://www.research.msstate.edu/rresources/news.php?id=5498 or contact Assistant Vice President for Research Teresa Gammill at tgammill@research.msstate.edu with questions.
David Shaw is vice president for research and economic development at Mississippi State University.
'Research United' theme for SRA chapter's annual meeting
And speaking of great opportunities, we host the Society of Research Administrators International Alabama-Mississippi Chapter annual meeting on Friday with a theme of "Research United." And then on Saturday, we'll host a Certified Research Administrator (CRA) review session. Learn more about the SRA annual meeting at www.msstate.edu/newsroom/article/2017/06/mississippi-alabama-research-administrators-coming-campus-july and checkout www.msstate.edu/newsroom/article/2017/07/certified-research-administrator-exam-prep-session-july-22 for information about the review. Contact Jennifer Easley, the director of our Office of Sponsored Projects, at jeasley@osp.msstate.edu with any questions.
In early August, we'll also be hosting a regional IRB conference at the Hunter Henry Center. Experts will examine the proposed regulation changes to the "Common Rule," and how these changes may impact your research. Registration for the conference is available at www.eventbrite.com/e/ready-or-not-here-it-comes-revised-common-rule-understanding-the-changes-registration-35637232923 or contact Jodi Roberts at jroberts@orc.msstate.edu with questions.
New leadership for CAVS and OTM
In June, we bid farewell to Roger King, the outstanding director of the Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems, Giles Distinguished Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and a great colleague and friend. We wish Roger the best in retirement, and I'm very pleased to announce that Clay Walden is the new director at CAVS. Dr. Walden did a terrific job as leader of CAVS Extension, and I believe he will provide outstanding leadership of one our most productive research centers. I'd also like to welcome Jeremy Clay as the new director of the Office of Technology Management after serving a very successful stint as interim director. Please join me in welcoming Clay and Jeremy to their new roles with the university.
Cappe's opening second location in the Research Park
In another change, I'm pleased to report that Cappe's will be opening in the Thad Cochran Research, Technology and Economic Development Park in early August. They'll be in the space previously occupied by the Cake Box, and we believe Cappe's breakfast and lunch options are a perfect match for patrons in the Research Park, campus and local community.
Kudos and congratulations
I always look forward to sharing success stories about our faculty and staff with you, and here are a few that have crossed my desk:
* Kudos to Drew Hamilton, professor of computer science and engineering and director of the Center for Cyber Innovation, who has been elected chair of the ACM Special Interest Group on Ada. Dr. Hamilton will serve a two-year term as chair. Dr. Hamilton is also currently serving as interim director of the Distributed Analytics and Security Institute at MSU.
* Congratulations to David Perkes, professor and director of the Gulf Coast Community Design Studio, who has been awarded a $100,000 grant from the Knight Cities Challenge for "Witnessing the Beach" in Biloxi. This project is one of 33 winners selected from more than 4,500 applicants.
* Kudos to David Nadorff, assistant professor of psychology, who recently received the Art Spielman Early Career Distinguished Achievement Award from the Society of Behavioral Sleep Medicine.
* Congratulations to Alicia Musselwhite, the university's fire and life safety officer, who was recently honored as Fire Code Official of the Year by the Building Officials Association of Mississippi.
Final words
As many of you know, I recently had surgery, and I appreciate very much your thoughts and prayers during this time -- and a special word of thanks to the outstanding ORED team that covered for me while I was out. I'm happy to report that the procedure went extraordinarily well, and my recovery is progressing quickly. I'm looking forward to being back at full speed in the next few weeks.