Research Day Highlights Impressive Work by USM Faculty, Staff, Students
Wed, 11/17/2021 - 10:13am | By: Van Arnold
The outstanding work generated by faculty, staff, and students at The University of
Southern Mississippi (USM) received special recognition during Research Day held Friday,
Nov. 12 at the Thad Cochran Center on the Hattiesburg campus.
The annual event enables the campus community to gather in celebration of the remarkable array of achievements in research, scholarship, and creative activities. In addition, faculty members were invited to present research-related poster presentations.
“Research Day provides a wonderful opportunity to showcase innovative and transformative
research across our campuses, with presentations from outstanding researchers at all
stages of their professional careers,” said Dr. Gordon Cannon, Vice President for
Research. “Bringing together faculty member experts from across our vast research
enterprise, Research Day celebrates innovation and provides a forum for inspiring
new projects and collaborations. What an exciting day once again for our colleagues
and the University.”
The morning session featured 18 oral presentations and 26 poster presentations from various disciplines. The afternoon session included presentations by the 2020 and 2021 Lifetime Research awardees. Those included:
- Jameela Lares (2020 awardee) – “Research in the Humanities: One Scholar’s Story.” Dr. Lares is a Professor of English, Charles W. Moorman Distinguished Professor, and 2020 Lifetime in Achievement Innovation Award winner.
- Alan Shiller (2021 awardee) – “Trace Elements Dissolved in Natural Waters: How the Small Picture Matters for the Big Picture.” Dr. Shiller is a Professor of Marine Science, Bennett Distinguished Professor in the Sciences, and 2021 Lifetime Achievement Innovation Award winner.
Poster session winners included the following:
Dr. Gordon Cannon, left, and Dr. Zhe Qiang (Masks were removed for photo opportunity
only)
Dr. Gordon Cannon, left, and Dr. Donald Yee (Masks were removed for photo opportunity
only)
Dr. Gordon Cannon, left, and Dr. Traci Hayes (Masks were removed for photo opportunity
only)
Faculty presenters expressed gratitude and appreciation for their participation in the Research Day program.
“Research Day was maybe the happiest I've been at USM in my 6-plus years here,” said Dr. Dan Capron, Associate Professor of Psychology. “I absolutely loved seeing the diverse and interesting research going on, especially from faculty at the other USM locations. I offer my sincere thanks for making Research Day happen.”
Added Dr. Joshua Hill, Associate Professor, Criminal Justice and Forensic Science:
“Research Day was an amazing opportunity to see what other faculty around the institution
are engaged in. It is also a great chance to begin collaborations with faculty from
across fields and areas of study. It is truly amazing to see the diversity of research
going on at USM.”
Dr. Leslie Acton, Assistant Professor, Coastal Sciences, noted: “Research Day was an excellent opportunity to learn about the fascinating work that USM is producing across disciplines. Since I’m stationed on the coast, I appreciated the chance to connect and share ideas with other researchers and potential collaborators that I don’t cross paths with day-to-day. I look forward to similar events in the future.”
To learn more about research at USM, visit: https://www.usm.edu/vice-president-research/index.php