School of Polymer Science and Engineering

09/29/2026

It was great to see two Southern Miss School of Polymer Science and Engineering alumni, Emily Hoff and Brooks Abel, featured together in the Summer 2026 issue of Arete, the Southern Miss Graduate School magazine. https://lnkd.in/gwKtB9Qe

I had the opportunity to work closely with both Brooks (McCormick lab) and Emily (Patton lab) during their time at Southern Miss, and it has been rewarding to watch the paths they have taken since leaving Hattiesburg. Brooks is now an Assistant Professor at the University of California, Berkeley, while Emily is a Staff Scientist at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Along the way, both completed postdoctoral appointments at Cornell University.

What I particularly enjoyed about this article is that it captures something beyond where they are today. Both reflect on the importance of mentorship, collaboration, research experiences, and the relationships they developed at Southern Miss in shaping their careers.

Emily and Brooks are two of the most creative, capable, and self-driven graduate students I have had the opportunity to work with over the years.

Very proud to see both of them representing the Southern Miss School of Polymer Science and Engineering so well!

09/28/2026

Ready to enhance your expertise in the coatings industry? Join us for our 2027 Short Courses, part of The Waterborne Symposium - hosted by the School of Polymer Science & Engineering at The University of Southern Mississippi.

Dive deep into cutting-edge topics, from advanced formulating techniques to the latest in smart coatings.

Our expert-led sessions offer invaluable insights and hands-on experience with high-solids, UV, nano, and powder coatings technologies. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the field, these courses are designed to elevate your knowledge and skills.

Visit our website to learn more and register today: waterbornesymposium.com

Stay ahead in the and move towards a sustainable future with us. We can't wait to welcome you!

09/24/2026

Meet Our Plenary Speaker: John Keramidas!

The coatings industry is built on innovation—but behind every advancement are the people, relationships, and shared passion that move our industry forward.

We’re excited to welcome John Keramidas as a Plenary Speaker at the 2027 Waterborne Symposium!

In his presentation, “Passion and Paint: A Journey of Connection, Collaboration and Purpose in the Surface Coatings Industry,” John will draw on more than two decades of experience in the coatings sector to explore how meaningful connections, collaboration, mentoring, networking, and international cooperation help drive innovation and strengthen the global coatings community.

As Past President of both Coatings Societies International (CSI) and the Surface Coatings Association Australia (SCAA) and Business Development & Export Manager at Tri-Tech Chemical Company, John brings a unique global perspective on the people, partnerships, and purpose behind our industry.

Join us in Hattiesburg as John shares his journey—and challenges us to consider how investing in relationships and community can create opportunities, inspire growth, and leave a lasting impact on the coatings industry.

📍 The University of Southern Mississippi | Hattiesburg, MS
📅 February 7–12, 2027

Learn more about John and his presentation:
waterbornesymposium.com/plenary-speaker

09/23/2026

Over at HPSD STEAM Academy STEAM Science Club attended a field trip to USM’s Polymer Science Building to explore the many applications of polymers. The day was filled with excitement and discovery as students engaged in hands-on activities and experiments.

They learned about the fascinating properties of polymers, including their versatility and importance in everyday life. The visit included guided tours of state-of-the-art laboratories, where students observed cutting-edge research in progress.

By the end of the trip, students were left inspired and eager to apply their newfound knowledge.

09/23/2026

09/23/2026

09/23/2026

09/22/2026

What happens when university researchers and innovators work directly with the people who may one day use the technologies they’re developing?

That’s research translation in action, and it’s at the heart of a growing collaboration between The University of Southern Mississippi and Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center.

The partnership connects USM researchers and students with Service Members, operators and end users, creating opportunities to address real-world challenges across STEM, advanced materials, autonomous systems, biomedical technologies and workforce development.

One example of this collaboration is the work underway with Dr. Derek Patton, Director of USM’s School of Polymer Science and Engineering and Todd Rushing with USM’s Office of Innovation Management.

Dr. Patton’s team is developing a trauma-care device designed to work with standard emergency bandaging to concentrate and maintain pressure at an injury site. USM students Jacob Davis, Emily Kilgore, Aliya Puryear, and Jessica Shrestha, with mentorship from graduate student Amy Coronado, helped prototype and test the technology.

During a recent visit to Camp Shelby, combat medic instructors evaluated the prototype and provided direct feedback on usability, versatility, field conditions, and compatibility with existing trauma-care practices. Their hands-on perspective is helping shape the next stage of development and demonstrating the value of bringing researchers and end users together early in the innovation process.

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09/22/2026

Abstracts due October 1, 2026!

We are honored to announce the 54th Annual International Waterborne, High-Solids, and Powder Coatings Symposium on February 7-12, 2027.

For the FIRST time in our 54 year history, we will not be in New Orleans, but are inviting you to visit our home at the University of Southern Mississippi in beautiful Hattiesburg!

https://www.visithburg.org/

More information can be found at waterbornesymposium.com.

08/11/2026

Mark your calendars! The call for papers is now out - Abstracts due October 1, 2026. We are honored to announce the 54th Annual International Waterborne, High-Solids, and Powder Coatings Symposium, to be held on the campus of The University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, MS. More information at waterbornesymposium.com.