(JACKSON, MS) – Jackson State University’s Division of Research and Economic Development, in collaboration with the Delta Research and Educational Foundation, will host the 2024 Research Engagement Week from Oct. 21-25. The event will feature insights from national experts, as well as research presentations from JSU students, faculty, and staff. A clean energy symposium will highlight topics ranging from developing cost-effective energy storage to advancements in high-performance solar cells.
The weeklong event will include various panels, student poster presentations, and a “Walk for Research” featuring performances by the Sonic Boom of the South. A key highlight will be the official signing of a JSU–U.S. National Park Service agreement. The week will culminate in an Awards Ceremony and Reception on Friday, Oct. 25, where undergraduate and graduate students will be honored for their excellence and outstanding research achievements.
ConSandra McNeil, Ph.D., interim vice president for Research and Economic Development, said, “We are excited about this year’s Research Engagement Week because research excellence is a hallmark of Jackson State University. This is an opportunity for us to showcase the exceptional work of our students, faculty, and staff, while engaging with state and national experts on transformative research. We invite the entire campus community to join us for an engaging week filled with innovation, achievements, and breakthroughs.”
Keynote speakers will cover a range of topics:
- Joseph T. Bonivel Jr., Ph.D.: principal consultant and subject-matter expert in Advanced Materials and Manufacturing for Engineering Innovation, LLC
- Gerri A. Cannon-Smith, Ph.D.: founding chairperson of the Mississippi Health Professionals for Climate and Health Equity Board and Pediatric/Public Health Consultant for Innovative Health Strategies
- Leighanne C. Gallington, Ph.D.: assistant chemist at Argonne National Laboratory, specializing in X-ray total scattering and diffraction experiments in the Materials Physics and Engineering group
- Karriem Watson, Ph.D.: chief engagement officer for the “All of Us” Research Program at the National Institutes of Health (Note: “All of Us” team will collect blood samples from donors to help researchers better understand diseases and develop new treatments)
- Rebecca Medina: director of the Department of Homeland Security, Office of University Partnerships
For more information, contact Kenya Hudson (kenya.a.hudson@jsums.edu) or L.A. Warren (la.warren.news@jsums.edu).