Mississippi Research Alliance

04/11/2026

Upcoming Webinar!

How to Carve Out Time for Research at Primarily Undergraduate Institutions (PUIs)

Wednesday, April 15, 2026, 3:00 - 4:00 pm Eastern
60-min plus live Q&A

https://mailchi.mp/uky.edu/upcoming-webinar-on-staying-ahead-of-nih-biosketch-changes-anticipating-the-new-common-forms-in-sciencv-10597535?e=43d423b88d

03/17/2026

From our friends at JSU:

The Return of CCTCC!

Dates: November 13 - 14, 2026

Location: Embassy Suites - Jackson-North Ridgeland
200 Township Place
Ridgeland, MS 39157

More details and registration: https://www.jsucompchem.org/events/28th-cctcc

After a hiatus since 2019, we are thrilled to announce the relaunch of the Conference on Current Trends in Computational Chemistry (CCTCC-28).

For nearly three decades, CCTCC has been a premier forum for global scientific dialogue, bringing together researchers—from students to Nobel Laureates—to explore the frontier of computational sciences. We are excited to renew that tradition of collaboration and innovation.

📅 Conference Details:
Dates: November 13 (2PM – 9PM) & November 14 (8AM - 9PM), 2026
Format: Invited & contributed talks, poster presentations, and networking sessions.
Who should attend: Scientists, researchers, and students across computational chemistry and related disciplines.

💡 How to Participate:
We welcome participation through:
Oral Presentations
Poster Sessions
General Attendance

We look forward to seeing you there and building new momentum for the computational chemistry community!

The conference will feature plenary lectures from invited speakers who have made notable contributions to computational and quantum chemistry. We will also hold a poster session for members of our research community to present and discuss their work. The overall focus is computational chemistry. Nov...

03/16/2026

Looking to accelerate nano–bio research? Collaborate with CNBI at Ole Miss!

The Center for Nano-Bio Interactions (CNBI) at the University of Mississippi supports researchers working at the interface of nanotechnology and biomedicine through two user-oriented core suites: the Biomaterials Characterization Suite and the Biomolecular Analysis Suite. https://sites.olemiss.edu/cnbi/research-cores

Core capabilities include:
- Biomaterials characterization: particle sizing/zeta potential, light scattering, ITC, DSC, GPC, and rheology.
- High-resolution biomolecular & cellular analysis: flow cytometry and cell sorting, confocal imaging, single-cell analysis, IVIS imaging, and Seahorse metabolic analysis.

Whether you’re developing new biomaterials or exploring nano–bio mechanisms, CNBI’s staffed cores are designed to help you move efficiently from idea → data → insight.

👉 Explore CNBI’s Research Cores: CNBI Research Cores
📩 Training / Access: All new and existing users needing instrumentation training should complete the CNBI training/access form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSetnzZq3Xr8Y_Jfm0btZQ8Kqx2j37pXdSLIGgBJqDq10jNQLw/viewform

Questions? Contact the Core Manager: Dr. KD Rasamani ([email protected]).

The Center for Nano-Bio Interactions (CNBI) at the University of Mississippi is a thriving center for pioneering advancements in biomaterials and nanobiotechnology research. CNBI's two core suites offer cutting-edge capabilities in materials characterization and biological analysis. The Biomaterials...

02/20/2026

Proud to highlight the upcoming Mississippi Emerging Research Institution Council (MERIC) Symposium at the Mississippi Academy of Sciences! They have an incredible lineup of presenters from across the state sharing insights that drive the research community forward.

🗓 Date: March 20th, 2026
🕐 Time: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
📍 Location: Mississippi Coast Convention Center, Room C4
🔗 Learn more at themeric.org

02/18/2026

MRA Core Spotlight: The Hammer Research Group

Led by Dr. Nathan Hammer at the University of Mississippi, the Hammer Research Group aims to develop a molecular-level understanding of the photophysical properties and effects of noncovalent interactions on the properties of newly-developed materials and important biological and synthetic building blocks.

Research spans from single-molecule studies to bulk materials, with applications in biologically relevant building blocks and the characterization of newly-developed photocatalytic, light-harvesting and emissive materials. Work is conducted using laser-based spectroscopic methods and computational modeling.

Core Equipment & Capabilities:
- $1 million femtosecond transient absorption and excited state fluorescence spectroscopy system: Coherent Astrella fs pump laser, OPAs capable of producing ultraviolet to mid-infrared fs pulses, two Ultrafast Systems transient absorption spectrometers (Helios Fire and Helios-IR), and an Edinburgh Instruments ns Laser Flash Photolysis spectrometer.
- Fluorescence Spectroscopy: Diffuse reflectance and fluorescence emission, lifetimes, and efficiencies from single molecules, solutions, solids, and other environments from the ultraviolet to the infrared. For single-photon counting experiments, Picoquant ps lasers with excitation wavelengths of 375, 405, 485, 650 and 780 nm, a PDM avalanche photodiode detector and a TimeHarp200 single photon counting card. Horiba QuantaMaster 8075-11 Spectrofluorometer can acquire fluorescence from the ultraviolt out to 3 microns.
- Raman Spectroscopy: High resolution and low energy Raman spectroscopy of interacting hydrogen bonded complexes and important materials.

Learn more about our laboratory and current projects: https://thehammerlab.com
-IR

02/10/2026

We’re looking for a Research Development Coordinator!

We are officially hiring for a full-time Research Development Coordinator to join our team in Starkville, MS. If you’re passionate about advancing research we want to hear from you!

Apply here: https://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/cw/en-us/job/510058/research-development-coordinator
Questions? Reach out to us at [email protected].

02/06/2026

Pioneering the Future of the Blue Economy on the Mississippi Gulf Coast 🌊🤖

The Roger F. Wicker Center for Ocean Enterprise at The University of Southern Mississippi is a global hub for Uncrewed Maritime Systems (UMS), ocean data science, maritime cyber research, and blue tech training.

Located strategically between New Orleans and Mobile, the Roger F. Wicker Center features a 62,500 sq. ft. facility with deep water access in the Port of Gulfport and the specialized 18,000 sq. ft. Marine Research Center (MRC). Together, they offer a unique "plug-and-play" environment with:

Advanced Testing: Access to the R/V Ken Barbor with remote and autonomous capabilities (the first in the USM fleet) and the Coastal CUBEnet for real-world environmental modeling.
Rapid Prototyping: A $1.8M fabrication shop featuring CNC 5-axis mills, plasma tables, and expert technicians ready to build, modify, or repair equipment.
Strategic Collaboration: A co-location space where federal, industry, and academic partners work side-by-side to accelerate technology from the lab to the water.

Whether you are a startup looking to refine a prototype or a federal partner needing on-the-water testing sites, we have the infrastructure to support your mission.

🔗 Want to collaborate? Reach out to the team at [email protected] to schedule a visit or discuss a test and validation plan.

02/04/2026

Community Organization Proposal Awards

The Mississippi IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence
(MS INBRE) invites community organizations to apply for the Community Organization Proposal Awards. These awards provide funding to help organizations form community-academic partnerships aimed at tackling Mississippi’s most pressing public health challenges.

Community Organization Proposal Awards are currently being offered to support partnerships addressing Mississippi’s top public health challenges.

Eligible applicants: Community-based, non-federal, non academic organizations servicing Mississippi communities, including faith-based groups, healthcare systems, school districts, social service agencies, and local, Tribal, or state government entities.

Grant Amount: $20,000 for one year

**Academic researchers can be named as collaborators on an application, but academic institutions are not eligible to apply**

What should I submit to be considered for this funding opportunity?

Letter of Intent (LOI) is Due on February 13, 2026!

Don’t miss this chance to make a difference.

For more information visit https://msinbre.org/community-engagement/.

02/04/2026

The Return of CCTCC: Save the Date for 2026!

After a hiatus since 2019, we are thrilled to announce the relaunch of the Conference on Current Trends in Computational Chemistry (CCTCC-28).

For nearly three decades, CCTCC has been a premier forum for global scientific dialogue, bringing together researchers—from students to Nobel Laureates—to explore the frontier of computational sciences. We are excited to renew that tradition of collaboration and innovation.

📅 Conference Details:
Dates: November 13 (afternoon) & November 14 (full day), 2026
Format: Invited & contributed talks, poster presentations, and networking sessions.
Who should attend: Scientists, researchers, and students across computational chemistry and related disciplines.

💡 How to Participate:
We welcome participation through:
Oral Presentations
Poster Sessions
General Attendance

More details regarding the program, location, and logistics will be shared soon. We look forward to seeing you there and building new momentum for the computational chemistry community!

02/02/2026

Precision meets performance at the Mississippi State University Chemistry Service Center!

From identifying crystalline phases in minutes to high-resolution mass analysis of complex biomolecules, we house the tools that turn "what if" into "what’s next."

What’s in the lab?
X-Ray Diffraction: Single-crystal and Powder XRD for rapid phase ID. Phase transition determination with variable temperature from 90 – 300 K.
Mass Spec: High-res UPLC-MS/MS for accurate mass measurements (

01/28/2026

MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY NMR CENTER: OPEN FOR COLLABORATION
The MSU NMR Center is a regional service hub providing advanced magnetic resonance tools to academic and industrial researchers. We offer the precision needed for chemical kinetics, molecular structures, and more.

EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES:
Bruker NMR Systems: 300 MHz to 800 MHz
Bruker EMX-10 EPR Spectrometer
Solid-State NMR Capability (Available Now)
Access Models: Mail-in support, remote access, and expert consulting

Our facility is committed to supporting projects across the Southeast with flexible rates for internal and external users.

VIEW RATES AND SCHEDULE: https://www.chemistry.msstate.edu/facilities/nmr

01/27/2026

Funding opportunities for Mississippi researchers!

I’m thrilled to share that our friends at Mississippi INBRE have officially opened applications for the Project Development Grant (PDG) and the Research Initiation Grant (RIG).

A huge welcome to Tristan Clemons, the new Program Coordinator, who is making the process easier than ever. If you’re a faculty member looking to boost your research competitiveness this is your opportunity! The application process begins with a mandatory Letter of Intent (LOI), take note: the Letter of Intent (LOI) is designed to be non-burdensome and help streamline the application process. This is due on February 15th!

What you need for the LOI: ✅ NIH-formatted biosketch ✅ 1-page NIH-style Specific Aims page ✅ Identification of a research mentor

Mississippi INBRE is committed to supporting biomedical and health-related research across the state. Don’t miss out on this chance to advance your work!

Learn more and apply: https://msinbre.org/funding-opportunities/ Direct Inquiries to: Tristan Clemons @ [email protected]