Welcome to the daily email for media members that includes news and notes from The University of Southern Mississippi. Today's email includes media expert availability by USM biology Professor Shahid Karim to discuss the dangers of tick bites and his ongoing research into the effects of Lyme disease and a schedule of upcoming Small Business Development Center workshops.

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.

Media Expert Availability

There are approximately 329,000 cases of Lyme disease reported in the United States annually. This debilitating disease is transmitted to humans through tick bites. Various species of tick are able to transmit more than 20 emerging and resurgent agents, all capable of causing significant diseases in both humans and animals, including livestock, pets, and wildlife. USM biology Professor Shahid Karim is a leading researcher in the field of ticks and Lyme disease. He is available today to discuss his research and offer suggestions to avoid contracting the disease. To schedule an interview, contact David Tisdale or Van Arnold. For a full list of USM media experts visit: http://news.usm.edu/resource/usm-faculty-experts-media-requests.

Did You Know?

As the leading research institution for the Gulf South, The University of Southern Mississippi educates nearly 15,000 students, supports approximately 7,000 jobs, and has an annual economic impact of more than $600 million on the state.

News Release

Small Business Development Center Workshops Scheduled for August

The University of Southern Mississippi's Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in Hattiesburg will join forces with the Gulf Coast center to conduct a series of Business 101 workshops in August.

Photo and/or Video Opportunities
Located near the front entrance of the Hattiesburg campus, the semi-circular All-American Rose Garden consists of 32 separate beds, each containing its own unique hybrid of rose. Planted in 1973 by the Hattiesburg Area Rose Society, the garden was approved as an accredited Public Rose Garden by All-American Rose Selections, Inc. in 1975. To schedule coverage, contact David Tisdale or Van Arnold.

About The University of Southern Mississippi

Founded in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi is a comprehensive doctoral and research-driven university with a proud history and an eye on the future. A dual-campus university, Southern Miss serves students on campuses in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, in addition to five teaching and research sites in Mississippi and through Online at Southern Miss. Since 2006, our students have collected three Truman Scholarships and 18 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships. USM students also lead Mississippi with 21 Goldwater Scholarships, an honor that recognizes the next generation of great research scientists. Our Drapeau Center for Undergraduate Research affords our students meaningful research opportunities, and as a proven leader in innovation, we conduct transformative research that translates into real-world solutions. As one of only 36 institutions in the nation accredited in theatre, art and design, dance and music, we are a haven for creativity and artistic expression. In the classroom or lab, on the playing field, or in the performance hall, we strive to have a positive impact not only on our students, but also the world around us. Further information is found at usm.edu.