MSU College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

10/19/2026

Student Spotlight⭐️

Meet Alyssa Miller, a Ph.D. candidate in Plant and Soil Sciences at Mississippi State University specializing in w**d science!

Miller’s research focuses on improving w**d management and protecting sweetpotato crops. By evaluating herbicides, exploring new w**d-management strategies and studying potential virus reservoirs, she hopes to help growers find practical solutions to challenges in crop production.

Her accomplishments include first- and third-place awards at the MSU Graduate Research Symposium and induction into the CALS Hall of Fame in 2026. She also served as president of the MSU Graduate Student Association from 2025 to 2026 and recently completed a government relations internship with CropLife America in Washington, D.C.

Through research, leadership and agricultural policy, Miller is passionate about helping growers succeed and supporting the future of agriculture. 🌱

We’re excited to highlight Alyssa and the impact she’s making on agriculture!

10/16/2026

Once a Bulldog, always a Bulldog! 🐾

For more than 50 years, alumnus Dr. Marty Fuller has helped strengthen Mississippi State University through leadership, advocacy and lasting partnerships.

What began as a student worker position at just 14 years old, grew into a career dedicated to advancing the university he calls home.

Read how Fuller continues to make an impact on MSU from the link in the comments!⭐️

10/14/2026

What if the way our bodies are built could affect how we breathe? 🫁

Former postdoctoral associate, Dr. Oladayo Apalowo and his research team are exploring the connections between obesity, genetics and chronic respiratory diseases like asthma and COPD.

Their findings identified two genes that could help researchers better understand respiratory disease risks and develop more targeted approaches to prevention and treatment.

Read the full article at the link in the comments below! ⬇️

10/13/2026

Congratulations Anslee!

Two Mississippi State students are among seven nationwide named to the prestigious Gateway to Ag Careers program!

Anslee Boyd, a plant and soil sciences graduate student from Sandhill, and Ella Britt, a biosystems engineering junior from Macon, Georgia, will represent MSU at the AgGateway Annual Meeting and Conference Nov. 9-11 in Nashville.

Congratulations, Anslee and Ella!

Read more about them and their goals. Link in the comments.

Mississippi State University Robert A. Green

10/12/2026

Student Spotlight⭐️

Esther Stonecypher is pursuing her love of florals and nature through a Master of Science in Plant and Soil Sciences at Mississippi State University. Based in Indianapolis, Indiana, Stonecypher works for the City of Indianapolis as the Risk Administrator. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and international studies from Indiana University and a Master of Science in Threat and Response Management from the University of Chicago.

Before beginning her studies at Mississippi State, Stonecypher served eight years in the United States Navy. Throughout her life, her love of nature has remained a consistent passion. After completing her military service, she wanted to pursue her interest in flowers, plants and nature in a more formalized way, leading her to MSU.

Stonecypher combines her passion for nature with her creativity through floral design. Her research focuses on consumer reactions to event flowers, exploring how emotional connection, memory, and design influence the way people remember meaningful events. Her work aims to help florists, event planners and other creatives use floral design to enhance some of life’s most memorable moments.

She is also excited to partner with the Harrison Center, a local gallery and art center in Indianapolis, for an installation event exploring viewers’ responses to event florals. The installation will be part of the center’s First Friday festivities.

We’re excited to follow Esther’s research and see how she continues to combine science, creativity and her love of nature!🌺

10/09/2026

Alumni Spotlight💡

For alumnus Bennett Pope, nutrition education is about more than healthy eating. It's about empowering families and building healthier communities.

As a dietitian and nutritionist for the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, Pope helps more than 500 families develop healthier habits through cooking classes, educational resources and community outreach.

Now, he's expanding his impact nationally through a leadership role with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Full story in the comments!⭐️

10/09/2026

Make the holidays extra special with ! 🧀 Give the gift of artisan cheese and check everyone off your list. Online ordering is open, but supplies are limited. Shop your holiday favorites today at msucheese.com!

10/09/2026

Congratulations to our alumni fellow Christian Hart Preus of Fairhope, Alabama. Preus earned his bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture at MSU in 2002, graduating magna cm laude.

10/09/2026

We are so fortunate to have Robin on our team! MSU Food Science Innovation Hub

Robin Wright’s path to becoming a business manager with the MSU Food Science Innovation Hub at Mississippi State University was not something she planned. Instead, the career opportunity grew from someone recognizing her strengths and encouraging her to take the next step.

In her role with the Hub, Wright manages financial responsibilities while building relationships with potential industry partners, creating flyers and newsletters, and researching topics for upcoming projects and grant opportunities. Her research helps prepare for potential grant applications and has included everything from ready-to-eat meals and millet to NASA space food research and the One Health Initiative.

One of her favorite parts of the job is working with staff and students and helping people however she can.

“I’ve lived in Starkville for 38 years, and I love when people come to me needing help,” Wright said. “Whether it’s getting tires or needing a doctor recommendation, I enjoy being someone people can come to.”

Her work with industry partners also allows her to connect university resources with businesses looking for ways to grow and solve challenges. She reaches out to companies and business owners, including those with existing connections to MSU, to learn more about their needs and explore how the Food Science Innovation Hub can help.

Wright credits her career path to Kevin Edelblute, associate vice president for finance, who recognized her skills while she was working in the Controller’s Office and encouraged her to develop them further.

“He was gracious to ‘train me up’ and let me fly,” she said. “I really appreciate his confidence and support for my professional development that led me to being a business manager.”

Some of Wright's favorite memories come from the MSU Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine's Annual Summer Summit, particularly the annual dress-up days she has shared with friends and colleagues.

“I really enjoyed the circus theme this year and so many people actually dressed up,” she said. “Kudos to the forestry department—they brought their best for sure!”

Outside of work, Wright enjoys traveling with her husband, Bob, especially to sporting events and to visit family and friends. She also serves as the current president of the Oktibbeha County Chapter of the MSU Alumni Association. Her connection to MSU runs deep, with both of her children, Davis and Janiece, graduating from MSU with degrees in forestry and agricultural education, leadership and communication.

Business Manager I
Food Science Innovation Hub
Years in Position: 11
Years of Service to MSU: 15

10/07/2026

Could a compound found in pomegranates help protect cartilage from osteoarthritis?

scientist Dr. Steven Elder and an interdisciplinary Mississippi State University research team are investigating how compounds found in pomegranates may help protect cartilage from deterioration and lead to more effective long-term treatments for osteoarthritis.

Their research is helping uncover what happens at the molecular level and bringing scientists one step closer to understanding new possibilities for protecting joint health.

Full story in comments!⬇️