Welcome to the daily email for media members that includes news and notes from The University of Southern Mississippi. Today's message includes availability of USM Gulf Coast Research Laboratory scientists Jill Hendon and Jim Franks to discuss the controversial opening of the Bonnet Carré Spillway. Also included is a news release about The Children's Center for Communication and Development's 2019 spring graduation.

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

USM Scientists Available to Discuss Bonnet Carré Spillway Opening

USM Gulf Coast Research Laboratory scientists Jill Hendon and Jim Franks are available today to discuss the opening of the Bonnet Carré Spillway. Built in 1931, the spillway is a flood control operation in the Lower Mississippi Valley. Located in St. Charles Parish, Louisiana – about 12 miles west of New Orleans – it allows floodwaters from the Mississippi River to flow into Lake Pontchartrain and ultimately into the Gulf of Mexico. It was opened for second time this year on May 9, marking the only time in history that has happened. It was opened by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to relieve flooding pressure along the Mississippi. However, negative effects from the opening have already been spotted along the Gulf Coast. Last weekend, residents spotted dead dolphins washed up on shore from Bay St. Louis to Biloxi. 

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

News Release

Children's Center Graduation More than Simple Ceremony

In many ways, The Children's Center's graduation held May 22 at The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) looked like a typical preschool graduation. Some children refused to walk down the aisle, some waved like they were in a parade. There were adorable renditions of “The Wheels on the Bus” and “Itsy Bitsy Spider” sung off-key, passionately, or not at all.

http://news.usm.edu/article/more-graduation-usm-children-s-center-families

Did You Know?

Southern Miss has partnered with Boeing to lead research and development on next-generation composite materials to make aircraft lighter and safer.

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 CarnegieClassification 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 36 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships, while also leading Mississippi with 24 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.