Welcome to the daily email for media members that includes news and notes from The University of Southern Mississippi. Today's message includes a news release about a seminar sponsored by USM's Center for Communication Engagement designed to help faculty participants gain a better understanding of how to engage students in service-learning projects. In addition, physics and astronomy Professor Chris Sirola is available to discuss the recent landing of the InSight robot on Mars.

Media inquiries can be directed to Van Arnold at 601.266.5568 or van.arnoldFREEMississippi or David Tisdale at 601.266.4499 or d.g.tisdaleFREEMississippi.

Today's Top Story

Spring Seminar Helps USM Faculty Gain Better Understanding of Service Learning for Students

In an effort to help faculty acquire more productive ways to engage student in service learning opportunities, The University of Southern Mississippi's Center for Community Engagement (CCE) is sponsoring an educational seminar in spring, 2019.

Held each spring since 2001, the seminar is designed to foster discussion on best practices for involving students in meaningful projects or research that positively impact the Hattiesburg community.

https://news.usm.edu/article/spring-seminar-helps-usm-faculty-gain-better-understanding-service-learning-students

Expert Availability

USM physics and astronomy Professor Chris Sirola is available today to discuss the recent landing of the InSight robot on Mars and what scientists back on Earth hope to glean from the mission. Dr. Sirola has conducted extensive research involving Mars. To schedule an interview, email mediaexpertsFREEMississippi. For a full list of USM media experts visit: http://news.usm.edu/resource/usm-faculty-experts-media-requests.

Photo/Video Opportunity

The de Grummond Children's Literature Collection is one of North America's leading research centers in the field of children's literature. The Collection holds the original manuscripts and illustrations of more than 1,300 authors and illustrators, as well as 180,000+ published books dating from 1530 to the present. The collection is located on the second floor of Cook Library on the Hattiesburg campus. To schedule coverage, call Van Arnold or David Tisdale. To schedule coverage, contact Van Arnold or David Tisdale.

Did You Know?

The University provides a boost to start-up companies with The Accelerator, a 60,000-square-foot business incubator. 

About The University of Southern Mississippi

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) is a comprehensive public research institution delivering transformative programs on campuses in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites in central and southern Mississippi, as well as online. Founded in 1910, USM is one of only 76 public universities in the nation to earn the Carnegie Foundation's "higher research activity" designation for doctoral universities, and its robust research enterprise includes experts in ocean science and engineering, polymer science and engineering, and sport venue safety and security, among others. USM is also one of only 40 institutions in the nation accredited in theatre, art and design, dance and music. As an economic driver, USM generates an annual economic impact of more than $600 million across the state. USM welcomes a diverse student body of approximately 15,000, representing 71 countries, all 50 states, and every county in Mississippi. USM students have collected four Truman Scholarships and 35 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships, while also leading Mississippi with 21 Goldwater Scholarships, an honor that recognizes the next generation of great research scientists. Home to the Golden Eagles, USM competes in 17 Division I sports sponsored by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). For more information, visit usm.edu.