In summer 2007, Avis Simms, Erica McInnis, and Quiana Hunter did internships with the LSBI's Daniel Peterson.

Promoting Diversity

Mississippi has the highest proportion of black Americans of any state, and is #3 overall with regard to total proportion of inhabitants in minority populations (www.census.gov).  Consequently, academic researchers in Mississippi have the opportunity, privilege, and responsibility to create educational/career opportunities that engage and empower individuals from the State's (and region's) minority populations. 

The LSBI and its affiliated organizations have worked hard to foster the growth and development of groups traditionally under-represented in molecular biosciences, academia, and agricultural research. For example:

• LSBI Associate Director, Daniel Peterson, has developed a highly-successful program aimed at training talented students from "historically black colleges and universities" (HBCUs).  Since 2003, Peterson has hosted 13 African-American HBCU students in his laboratory.  Of these, three have gone on to graduate school and one recently started dental school.  This program has been expanded to broaden the research backgrounds of HBCU faculty and foster long-term collaborative research.  For additional details, see www.mgel.msstate.edu/diversity.htm.
• LSBI Distinguished Fellow, Mark Lawrence, is the director of the Veterinary Summer Research Experience Program.  He has developed a strong collaboration with the vet school at Tuskegee University, an HBCU in Alabama.  Through this research experience program, 1-3 Tuskegee students conduct internships in the labs of MS State faculty each year.  LSBI Director Shane Burgess has hosted students from Tuskegee including one who co-authored a paper with Burgess' research group.
• More information COMING SOON...