News Summary
Mississippi State University (MSU) is fostering the next generation of professionals in the wood products industry through research experiences for high school and undergraduate students. Supported by USDA-NIFA, the MSU Department of Sustainable Bioproducts is hosting a five-week Pre-College Summer Internship for five high school students from North Mississippi, focusing on sustainable bioproducts. Additionally, undergraduate students are participating in a 10-week program to enhance their research skills. These initiatives aim to prepare students for careers in the evolving wood products sector.
Starkville, Mississippi – Mississippi State University (MSU) is providing engaging research experiences for high school and undergraduate students through a program supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA-NIFA). This initiative aims to foster the next generation of professionals in the wood products industry by offering hands-on learning opportunities in sustainable bioproducts.
This summer, five high school students from North Mississippi are participating in the MSU Department of Sustainable Bioproducts’ five-week Pre-College Summer Internship Program. The selected students, ranging from sophomores to seniors, include Harrison Ragon from Starkville Academy, Justin Verner from Hamilton High School, Richard Sanches from Nanih Waiya Attendance Center, Ian Mayberry from Noxubee County High School, and Dash Gines from Starkville Christian School.
Led by assistant professor Mostafa Mohammadabadi, the program immerses students in research related to wood-based products, focusing on sustainable materials and eco-friendly composite wood panels. Participants will work with innovative products made from wheat straw and cotton stalks to evaluate them against traditional oriented strand boards in terms of performance and sustainability.
The overarching objective of the initiative is to introduce participants to possible career paths within the wood products sector, equipping them with skills necessary for the industry’s evolving demands for sustainability and efficiency. The program specifically reaches out to counties that house career and technology centers offering carpentry and forestry programs, aiming to inspire young minds interested in these fields.
In addition to the high school program, MSU is also hosting undergraduate students for a 10-week Research and Extension Experiences for Undergraduates program. This component supports the research interests of students from various universities across the nation, many of whom have had limited exposure to conducting research prior to this experience. The undergraduate program is co-led by principal investigators Beth Stokes, Frank Owens, and Jason Street, with mentorship provided by Franklin Quin, Fatemeh Rezaei, and El Barbary Hassan.
Participating undergraduate students include Tariq Gibbs from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Tasifa Hassan from South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Alicia Leem from Cornell University, as well as MSU students Quinton Wiley, Bikal Ghimire, and Cooper Kiel.
The Department of Sustainable Bioproducts urges interested individuals to learn more about their programs and offerings by visiting their dedicated website.
In summary, the partnership between Mississippi State University and USDA-NIFA not only enhances the research capabilities of students but also plays a significant role in cultivating future leaders in sustainable wood products. As the demand for environmentally friendly materials continues to grow, programs like these are vital for ensuring that students are well-prepared to meet industry needs.
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Author: STAFF HERE STARKVILLE WRITER
The STARKVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREstarkville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Starkville, Oktibbeha County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Cotton District Arts Festival, Bulldog Bash, and Mississippi State University homecoming celebrations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Starkville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Mississippi State University Extension Service, plus leading businesses in education and agriculture that power the local economy such as Mississippi State University and Starkville Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
