Southern Miss News Thursday, March 21, 2019
Welcome to the daily email for media members that includes news and notes from The University of Southern Mississippi (USM). Today's message includes news releases about a coverage opportunity regarding a two-day symposium hosted by USM scientist Alan Shiller that will focus on coastal ocean issues. News releases include polymer Professor Joshua Otaigbe earning a Fellowship from the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine, and a preview of USM Jazz Lab Band's upcoming concert featuring percussionist Mike Waldrop.
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.
Special Coverage Opportunity
USM Scientist to Host Symposium Related to Coastal Ocean Issues
USM Scientist Dr. Alan Shiller, Bennett Distinguished Professor in the Sciences and professor at the School of Ocean Science and Engineering's Division of Marine Science, is hosting a two-day symposium focusing on issues affecting the coastal ocean today from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. at USM's Marine Research Center, 101 Sweetbay Dr. in Ocean Springs.
Today's agenda is focused on professionals in the field of marine science with speakers giving 25-minute presentations on a bevy of related topics before a five-minute question and answer period. The second day is for local high school and undergraduate students interested in marine science careers and education. Students will also hear from lecturers but will be given opportunities for “breakout sessions” where they can discuss the topics with their peers.
To schedule coverage, contact James Skrmetta, SOSE Communications Officer, 228.872.4254,James.SkrmettaFREEMississippi.
News Releases
Otaigbe Earns Fellowship from National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine
Dr. Joshua Otaigbe, a professor in The University of Southern Mississippi's School of Polymer Science and Engineering, has been awarded a prestigious 2019-2020 Jefferson Science Fellowship by the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine. Dr. Otaigbe is one of just 14 academic scientists, engineers and physicians selected from institutions of higher learning in the country this year, and the first from USM and other universities in Mississippi.
Mike Waldrop featured in USM Jazz Lab Band Performance March 28
Special guest percussionist and composer Mike Waldrop is set to perform with the University of Southern Mississippi's Jazz Lab Band on March 28 at 7:30 p.m. at the Thirsty Hippo in Hattiesburg. Waldrop's recent release entitled Time Within Itself by the Mike Waldrop Big Band on Origin records was nominated for a Grammy award.
http://news.usm.edu/article/mike-waldrop-featured-usm-jazz-lab-band-performance-march-28
Photo/Video Opportunities
The Southern Miss Gulf Coast Library on the Gulf Park campus presents “Fun-Da-Mental Adventure in Art, Studies from the Last Three Years,” by Gulf Coast artist Milton Williams. The exhibit is on display on the first and second floors of the Gulf Coast Library through April. The Gulf Park and Gulf Coast communities are invited to a reception with Williams today from 4 - 6 p.m. in the Gulf Coast Library. The exhibit includes landscapes, historical sites, imaginative wood grains, islands, fish, crabs and flowers and show the various techniques he uses to get the texture effects that make his work unique. To schedule coverage, Jenny Tate, Gulf Park Campus Communication Officer at 228.865.4574 or jenny.tateFREEMississippi.
Expert Availability
The University of Southern Mississippi provides a wide range of faculty experts who can offer insights on newsworthy topics. 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
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 130 universities in the nation to earn the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education's "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity” designation, 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.