Southern Miss Announces New Science Research Facility
Thu, 06/04/2026 - 01:00pm | By: Nicole Ruhnke
Rendering of the new state-of-the-art science research facility at Southern Miss
The University of Southern Mississippi announced today its intention to add a science
research facility in the heart of its Hattiesburg campus.
The state-of-the-art facility will be constructed south of the Walker Science Building
and west of The Hub. Designed to support interdisciplinary work, the 93,000-square-foot
building will strengthen the University’s research enterprise by bringing together
faculty, students and research partners in a collaborative environment focused on
discovery across the biological, biomedical and environmental sciences.
“This new facility will truly be a game changer for life sciences research at Southern
Miss and solidify our standing as a leading Carnegie R1 University,” said University
President Dr. Joseph Paul. “We are especially grateful for our local legislative delegation
for the work they have invested over the past several years, particularly this year,
to secure state funding that brings us near to seeing this facility come out of the
ground.”
Unique to the region, the Center for Molecular and Cellular Biosciences (CMCB) at Southern Miss supports interdisciplinary research that translates discovery
into meaningful, real-world impact. This work will continue in the new facility under
the guidance of Dr. Vijay Rangachari, professor of chemistry and biochemistry, who
leads Southern Miss researchers to investigate the molecular causes of conditions
such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, ALS and frontotemporal dementia.
The development of new approaches to combat infectious diseases is also underway,
contributing to innovations that strengthen public health and expand the University’s
role in addressing global health challenges.
“This facility will enable us to expand the number of gifted faculty and doctoral
students who drive these important funded research initiatives,” added Paul. “Our
faculty and their students deserve a facility that allows them to maximize their talents
in service to the betterment of our state, the nation and the world.”
In addition to housing cutting-edge research, the facility will also become home to
The University of Southern Mississippi’s Biomedical Research Network and support statewide
efforts in leading Mississippi’s IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence.
“The Johnson Science Tower has served us well as the primary teaching facility for
more than five decades,” said Vice President for Research Dr. Kelly Lucas. “However,
science has changed dramatically over the last 50 years, and today’s discoveries require
sophisticated instrumentation, specialized laboratory environments, advanced computational
tools and teams of scientists from different disciplines working together to solve
complex problems. This new research building will provide that environment, while
strengthening Mississippi’s ability to compete and help retain talented students who
want to build their futures in the state.”
This year, the Mississippi Legislature appropriated $30 million to the project, bringing
the total state investment to $87.5 million. In addition to the funds already acquired,
an additional $30 million is needed to complete the project. The University plans
to complete the funding through federal assistance and private fundraising.
“This facility represents far more than a new building – it is an investment in discovery,
innovation and the future of Mississippi,” said Executive Director of the USM Foundation
Stace Mercier. “As we launch the private fundraising phase of this project, we invite
alumni, friends and partners to help us complete a once-in-a-generation opportunity
that will shape Southern Miss and its impact for decades to come."
To learn more about giving opportunities, visit USMFoundation.com/SRF or call 601.266.5210.
About the USM Foundation
Founded in 1959, the USM Foundation is a nonprofit organization committed to serving the University community by overseeing fundraising efforts to raise private support for scholarships and other academic needs at Southern Miss. For more information on supporting The University of Southern Mississippi, call the USM Foundation at 601.266.5210.