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Writer: Tearanny Street
Three student researchers from The University of Southern Mississippi College of Science and Technology won first place at the 2009 Alliance for Graduate Education in Mississippi (AGEM) Winter Scholar Symposium Jan. 22-24, 2009 in Jackson, Miss.
Southern Miss doctoral students Olivia McNair and Wilfredo Matamoros, along with undergraduate presenter Rupesh Patel received first place in their respective categories. Matamoros and Patel both competed in the biology and environmental sciences category, while McNair presented in the chemistry, polymer science and pharmacy. Around 400 participants attended this year’s symposium titled, “Cultivating Today’s Talent for Tomorrow’s Success,” hosted by Jackson State University and the University of Mississippi Medical Center. "We are proud of our award recipients," said Andre Heath, AGEM site coordinator and COST assistant to the dean for strategic initiatives. "They worked extremely hard to prepare for the competition and their diligence has paid off.” Patel, a microbiology major from Wiggins won for his research on the localization of the Mold Specific gene, M46, in a fungus which causes a respiratory disease and possible future research and applications to determine the function of M46. “I have been conducting my research in Dr. Shearer’s lab for the past two years, and the process itself is inspirational enough for me to participate in this conference and tell others what I do,” said Patel. Matamoros, a biology major from Hattiesburg, ousted the competition with his research on the establishment of the Honduran freshwater fish biogeographical provinces. Major findings are that there are seven major provinces while previously only two provinces were reported. “My advisers have been instrumental in helping me to achieve my research goals,” said Matamoros. He described the conference as a “good place to present your research without the pressure involved when presenting at a professional meeting.” McNair, a sports and high performance materials major from Hattiesburg, won for her research on room-temperature curable resin systems. The main application of the research is on manufacturing boat parts. “When they were handing out awards, I noticed a significant amount of them were products of research done at The University of Southern Mississippi,” said McNair. “This makes me feel I am part of a productive environment. I love that feeling.”
According to the official Web site, AGEM is dedicated to increasing the number of minority students studying science, engineering, math and technology. Every year, a community of students, scientists, and professionals from the state’s departments gather to supply a wealth of information to promote diversity in science.
“AGEM supported me by providing funding for my research as well as my stipend,” said Matamoros.
Next year, the 2010 AGEM Winter Scholar Symposium will be held at Southern Miss.
Three Southern Miss student researchers recently won first place at the 2009 Alliance for Graduate Education in Mississippi Winter Scholar Symposium. Pictured from left are Andre Heath from the College of Science and Technology, and students Olivia McNair, Rupesh Patel and Wilfredo Matamoros. (Submitted photo)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.
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