HATTIESBURG, Miss. – When asked about her career plans after graduation, University of Southern Mississippi student Jessica Shackleford points to her mentor, chemistry professor Dr. Doug Masterson.

“I want his job,” she said, before quickly qualifying her statement to reassure him. “At a different university, of course.”

And with her recent selection as an honorable mention selection to USA Today’s 2008 All-USA College Academic Team, Shackleford appears well on her way to a successful career as a professor conducting organic chemistry research.

Those selected are featured in today’s Life section of the national newspaper. Judges selected a total of only 60 students from hundreds nominated by universities and colleges across the country for the first, second and third teams, along with 20 honorable mentions.

The honor is just another testament to the academic success of the junior chemistry major from Senatobia, one of few chosen to be part of a university research team normally the turf of graduate students. Shackleford was invited to join the Masterson Research Group as a second-semester freshman.

“It’s not that often that an undergraduate gets this kind of opportunity,” she said. “But he (Masterson) took a chance on me, and I really appreciate it.”

Shackleford has been involved in two Masterson Research Group projects and will be making presentations on her work at conferences hosted by the Mississippi Academy of Sciences and the American Chemical Society this year.

Last year, she was selected as an undergraduate recipient of a Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship for 2007-08, a prestigious national scholarship program for future scientists, mathematicians and engineers.

Also a Presidential scholar at Southern Miss, Shackleford is enrolled in the university’s prestigious Honors College, and serves as one of its student ambassadors. She is president of the American Chemical Society Student Affiliate, is an Ambassador for the College of Science and Technology, and the founder and director of an extensive tutorial project at Hattiesburg High School, known as Project FANTASIA.

“Jessica is simply an exemplary Honors College student,” said Dr. David R. Davies, dean of the Honors College. “She represents the best of what our students can do. She's involved in research and she's involved in community service through her tutorial project at Hattiesburg High."

Masterson said he wasn’t surprised when he learned of the honor USA Today bestowed on Shackleford. “She’s one of our hardest working students,” he said. “She’s definitely a plus for our research group, a joy to have as part of our team.”

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About The University of Southern Mississippi
The University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities.  In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world.  Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu.