MSU freshman learns research ropes in flu lab

By Susan Collins-Smith
MSU Ag Communications

MISSISSIPPI STATE – Lucas Ferguson is a little different from most other Mississippi State University freshmen.
Ferguson, a Batesville native, got a head start on his goal to become a medical researcher last year while still a senior at the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science in Columbus. Ferguson began learning basic biosafety and maintenance procedures by assisting Dr. Henry Wan’s graduate, Ph.D. and post-doctoral students with their research in the virology laboratory. more...

Research is impacted by natural disasters

By Bonnie Coblentz
MSU Ag Communications

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- In a state where tornadoes, hurricanes and floods are regular -- although unwanted -- visitors, Mississippi State University has plans for how to preserve data and ongoing research projects.
Hurricane Katrina’s Aug. 29 anniversary provides reminders of the havoc natural disasters can wreak with lives, homes and businesses. Losses to research are less tangible but can be just as devastating.
Dr. Stephen Pruett, head of basic sciences at MSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine, knows just how high those losses could mount.
“Quite often, researchers have several months or even years invested in their work,” Pruett said. “It would be devastating if something were to happen to their data or samples.” more...