MSU Office of Research and Economic Development

Congratulations to the faculty selected for the 2026–2027 Faculty Leadership Program!

Today’s feature highlights Jenna Altomonte, along with her thoughts on what she hopes to gain from the program.

Sponsored by Mississippi State University's Office of Research and Economic Development and the Office of the Provost, the Faculty Leadership Program is designed to develop the next generation of academic leaders.

During the eight-month program, participants engage with university administrators and leadership experts while participating in sessions designed to strengthen their leadership knowledge and skills.

To learn more about the Faculty Leadership Program, visit: www.ored.msstate.edu › faculty-leadership-development-program

MSU Interim Vice President of the Office of Research and Economic Development, Dr. Scott Willard and MSU Director of the Office of Technology Management, John Walters joined Dr. Colleen Scott as she received the prestigious Bayh-Dole 2026 American Innovator Award in Washington, DC on June 3rd. This is one of the nation’s most prestigious honors given annually to researchers whose federally funded work leads to real-world impact.

Dr. Scott was nominated by U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith for her patented research developing a shortwave infrared (SWIR) dye for the visualization of cancer cells. Her award-winning technology enables safe, high-resolution deep tissue visualization by operating at lower energy levels than traditional imaging methods. Her technology is geared to selectively target cancer cells, allowing clinicians to more clearly identify tumor boundaries.

MSU's Office of Research and Economic Development celebrates Dr. Scott on this notable accomplishment.
To read more about this award and Dr. Scott's research, go to https://www.chemistry.msstate.edu/spotlights/2026/msu-chemistrys-colleen-scott-recognized-2026-american-innovator

Today, Mississippi State University chemist Colleen Scott will be awarded the Bayh-Dole Coalition’s 2026 American Innovator Award, at a congressional briefing and advocacy conference in Washington, D.C. This award is the nation’s most prestigious honors given annually to researchers whose federally funded work leads to real-world impact.

Click below to read about her award-winning technology that targets cancer cells.

Cancer-detecting breakthrough earns MSU’s Scott national ‘American Innovator’ recognition Cancer-detecting breakthrough earns MSU’s Scott national ‘American Innovator’ recognition Colleen Scott (OPA photo) Contact: Sarah Nicholas STARKVILLE, Miss.—Mississippi State University chemist Colleen Scott has been selected for the Bayh-Dole Coalition’s 2026 American Innovator Award, on...

Congratulations to Nazanin Tajik for being nominated for the May Research Impact Spotlight! Scroll to learn more about her outstanding research efforts!

To nominate a MSU researcher for a monthly spotlight, fill out the form linked in our bio!

From MSU to the movies 🎬🐾

Read more about how Holley Muraco’s research helped inspire Pixar’s Hoppers! http://www.msstate.edu/newsroom/article/2026/04/beaver-rescue-big-screen-msu-scientists-work-informs-new-movie-hoppers

Happy Earth Day from ORED! 🌎

We live on such an amazing planet with so much to learn about! Research opportunities are endless as long as the world is still spinning!

Duane McLemore is researching how the art of construction can be reshaped with computational design. Read more about his research here: https://www.research.msstate.edu/blog/2026/04/duane-mclemore

Undergraduate research took center stage at Mississippi State University’s Spring Undergraduate Research Symposium. Over two days in the Colvard Student Union, students from across disciplines shared ideas, presented their work, and connected with faculty, peers, and industry professionals. From engineering and life sciences to business, art, and design, the event highlighted the creativity and impact of undergraduate research at MSU.

Thank you to everyone who presented, attended, and supported this celebration of discovery and academic excellence. We look forward to seeing how these ideas continue to grow beyond campus.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the MSU Undergraduate Research Showcase! From hands-on technology to conversations with student researchers, it was an incredible day of innovation and discovery. 🔬

We’re proud to highlight the impactful work happening across Mississippi State—and the students driving it forward.