Edward (Eddie) Meek has taken a unique path to obtaining his PhD in
Environmental Toxicology, maneuvering a somewhat unconventional route to
complete his studies. It has been a long but rewarding journey for Meek, who
works full-time as a Laboratory Manager for Center for Environmental Health
Sciences at Mississippi State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine
(MSU-CVM).
After completing his undergraduate degree from Mississippi State
University in 1999, Meek went on to pursuing his master’s degree at MSU-CVM.
“At the time, I was looking at four other opportunities and had
intentions of leaving Starkville with a job lined up at a federal laboratory,”
Meek said.
Funding fell through for that federal position at the last minute, and Meek
found himself coming back to MSU, where there were a few research associate
positions available. While interviewing for one of the positions, Dr. Janice
Chambers, William L. Giles
Distinguished Professor and Director of the Center for
Environmental Health Sciences, had a position open up for a research
associate. She suggested Meek apply for that position and he did. After being
offered the job, Meek decided to take it.
“I took the position with Dr. Chambers not knowing what career
opportunities would lie ahead,” Meek said. “It was an opportunity to increase
my laboratory techniques, while still being in the toxicology research field.”
After a few years of working in the position, Chambers encouraged him
to start taking classes again, so Meek applied to a PhD program. Around the
same time, Chambers determined that she needed to hire a laboratory manager.
Meek applied for the position, was offered it, and worked the position while
continuing to take classes and complete research for his PhD on his own time.
“I had to manage my time well and work diligently toward my goal,
because I was working a full-time job and taking classes,” Meek said. “It
fluctuated over time on how much opportunity I had to work on it, and it was a
slow and arduous process.”
While it took him nearly six years to complete his degree, Meek is now
finished with his studies. His dissertation was accepted and will officially have
a PhD in Environmental Toxicology as of August 2018.
“It’s not the typical track that most people take, but the opportunity
was there, and so I have gotten my BS, MS, and PhD all from Mississippi State
University,” Meek said. “I love this university and have dedicated my career
here. It was nice to be able to continue my education while still working.”
After graduation, Meek intends to stay on in his current position,
Laboratory Manager for the Center for Environmental Health Sciences, where he
works with neuro-toxicology.
