Department of Biological Sciences

Congratulations to Rhonda Hannah on being named a recipient of the Mississippi State University Donald W. Zacharias Distinguished Staff Award!

This prestigious recognition honors staff members who demonstrate exceptional dedication, service, leadership, and commitment to the university community. Your hard work, professionalism, and the countless ways you support the Department of Biological Sciences and Mississippi State University do not go unnoticed.

Thank you for everything you do for our students, faculty, and staff each day. We are incredibly proud to celebrate this well-deserved honor with you!

Congratulations to the university staff members who were recognized for their exemplary professionalism and dedication with this year’s Donald W. Zacharias Distinguished Staff Awards!

“This is one of the most dynamic universities anywhere in the nation, and it’s great because of the people I’m looking at—all of you. Y’all run this campus,” said MSU President Mark E. Keenum, who presented the awards and congratulated award winners, as well as all nominees.

🎉 Celebrating Excellence in the College of Arts & Sciences! 🧬

The Mississippi State University College of Arts & Sciences recently recognized outstanding faculty for excellence in research, teaching, and service at its annual Spring Awards ceremony.

👏 We are especially proud to highlight Amy Dapper, associate professor in Biological Sciences, who was recognized for her contributions to research in the natural and physical sciences.

Dr. Dapper’s continued impact in evolutionary genetics and her dedication to advancing scientific discovery reflect the strength and innovation of our department.

Join us in congratulating Dr. Dapper on this well-deserved recognition! 🧪✨



https://www.msstate.edu/newsroom/article/2026/04/msus-college-arts-and-sciences-recognizes-faculty-spring-awards

MSU professor helps uncover widespread genetic exchange in disease-causing parasites

https://www.msstate.edu/newsroom/article/2026/04/msu-professor-helps-uncover-widespread-genetic-exchange-disease-causing

Hey incoming freshmen, how’s your Spring checklist looking? We have some VERY important priority deadlines coming up.

Wednesday, April 1st at 11:59pm is the priority deadline for your Housing Application. Make sure this step is complete ASAP!

Then, April 2nd through April 30th is the time to sign your Housing Contract. Friendly tip: The contract will open at 10:00am CST, but your priority is NOT affected by the time you sign your contract so don’t feel pressured to complete this step as soon as it opens. Just be sure to get it done so you don’t lose your current priority.

May 1st has 2 important deadlines.
1) You must register for Orientation by May 1st as your last step in maintaining your priority and participating in Round 1 of Online Room Selection.
2) The roommate search & selection window will close on May 1st. This step does not affect your priority, and you are not required to select a roommate going into Online Room Selection. Just keep in mind that you will not be able to add or change your roommate after this window closes.

Please come join us to learn more about CLINICAL LABORATORY SCIENCES!!

https://www.instagram.com/p/DTyrqGMCYYj/?igsh=MWs3bHpmeHlpYzA2eA==

Biological Sciences Ambassador applications are now open!!🥳🧬 The application form can be found on cowbell connect. To apply you must turn in a complete application including the application form, a recommendation letter, and your resume to Harned 116. Please contact us if you have any questions!

🦃🍁 Happy Thanksgiving, Bulldogs! 🍁🦃

The Department of Biological Sciences wishes you a wonderful holiday filled with rest, good food, and time with the people who matter most. We’re especially grateful for our incredible students, faculty, staff, and alumni who make our community so special.

Whether you’re traveling home or celebrating here in Starkville, we hope your break is safe, relaxing, and restorative.

Happy Thanksgiving and Hail State! 💛🤍🐾

🌍 Celebrating Dr. Amy Dapper’s Global Recognition! 🌍

Adding to her remarkable list of achievements, Dr. Amy Dapper, Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Mississippi State University, has been named a Kavli Frontier — a distinction awarded by the U.S. National Academy of Sciences to connect outstanding scientists across the globe to tackle today’s most pressing challenges.

Earlier this month, Dr. Dapper participated in the Japanese-American-German Kavli Frontiers of Science Symposium in California — an invitation-only event that brings together exceptional early-career researchers for cross-disciplinary collaboration and innovation. She has also been invited to join the planning group for the 2026 symposium in Germany, where she’ll help organize one of the scientific sessions.

Dr. Dapper shared, “It’s an incredible honor to be recognized among such a diverse and talented group of scientists.”

Her groundbreaking work in evolutionary genetics continues to earn national attention. She was the first MSU faculty member to receive the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) and holds a $740,000 NSF CAREER grant supporting her research on how reproductive traits shape genetic diversity.

👏 Join us in congratulating Dr. Dapper for her outstanding contributions to science and for representing MSU on the international stage!



https://www.msstate.edu/newsroom/article/2025/10/national-academy-sciences-taps-msus-dapper-international-kavli-symposium