Project Summary / General Information:

PI-Contact: Prof. Dr. Jeff Winger (jaw19@msstate.edu)
Co-Advisor-Contact: Dr. Prajwal Mohan Murthy (ptm39@msstate.edu)

Na22, with a half-life of 2.6018y undergoes an allowed beta+ decay 99.944% of the time to the 2(1+) state in Ne22 with a Q value of 1568.79 keV. This is one of the lowest Q(beta+) values known. We are looking into the feasibility for an experiment where the overarching goals in re-measuring the beta+ decay spectra of Na22 are twofold: (i) to remeasure the beta-decay Fierz interference term, b, to higher precision; and (ii) improve on one input for the test of CKM unitarity.
By examining the shape for the beta-decay spectra of Na22, the Fierz interference term was previously measured to be b=0.0008(28). The most recent measurement of the Fierz interference term was performed by the UCNA collaboration obtaining b=0.067(91) using free ultracold neutrons. The Fierz interference term measurement from the beta+ decay spectra of Na22 is almost 6 decades old, underestimates the uncertainties, and needs to be updated.
Lastly, the precise determination of the Na22 mass also contributes to understanding the 0+->0+ superallowed beta+ decay of Mg22, which is included in the determination of the CKM-matrix element Vud, that in turn is used to test CKM unitarity.
A novel technique for measuring the beta+ decay spectra of Na22 by embedding it in a semiconductor detector will be simulated, and corresponding technique demonstrated at the Texas A&M University's cyclotron facility.

A. Summers: Paid positions can be arranged through the URCD/HURP programs
B. Fall, Spring: 1-3h of PH 4000 can be arranged, could count towards degree

College & Department:

College of Arts & Sciences...038400 - Physics & Astronomy
393400 - Shackouls Honors College - Jointly in collaboration with Massachusetts Institute of Technology - MIT
Other - Jointly in collaboration with Massachusetts Institute of Technology - MIT

Description of Responsibilities and Position Duties:

*Initial calculations done!!
*Simulations using LISE++: lise.nscl.msu.edu
*Analyze data using Mathematica or your choice of software
*Write a report
*Present at an [expense paid] APS Conference (April, DNP, SESAPS)
*Publish in a open access journal (Eg.: IOP-New Journal of Physics, Elsevier-Results in Physics, AIP-Physics Advances)
*Possible topic for Senior Thesis: HON-4093 / PH-4000
*For additional info, refer to: meetings.aps.org/Meeting/APR22/Session/T11.4

Desired Qualifications and Skills:

Physics majors preferred. Other STEM majors are encouraged to apply.

Analysis toolkit: Mathematica

Coursework -
Pre-requisite: Calculus 1-2, Physics 1-2
Co-registration: Physics-3
Preferred: Calculus 3, Differential Equations 1, Modern Physics
Most aligned with: Nuclear and Particle Physics

How to Apply:

Write an email expressing your interest.
Submit a resume or CV (LinkedIn is acceptable) to both:
PI-Contact: Prof. Dr. Jeff Winger (jaw19@msstate.edu)
Co-Advisor-Contact: Dr. Prajwal Mohan Murthy (ptm39@msstate.edu)

Project Summary / General Information:

I have a couple of positions available for the Junior, Senior undergraduates, and Graduate students (ASE, ME, and CSE) who are willing to gain hands on experience on materials and structures research. This is an opportunity to apply your engineering education to real world challenges in space research.

College & Department:

College of Engineering...060100 - Aerospace Engineering
College of Engineering...062900 - Computer Science and Engineering
College of Engineering...061700 - Mechanical Engineering

Description of Responsibilities and Position Duties:

The duties and responsibilities include design and computational assessment of materials and structures with multifunctional properties such as strain-sensing and self-healing etc.

Desired Qualifications and Skills:

Junior, Senior Undergraduates, or Graduate students.

How to Apply:

Via email (vkhare@ae.msstate.edu)

Project Summary / General Information:

Opportunity for student researchers to design, develop, and analyze composites and shape memory effect based materials and structures customized for the space applications. Physics informed and ML based models and material design ideas will be developed and explored for various use cases in the ongoing space missions.

College & Department:

College of Engineering...060100 - Aerospace Engineering
College of Engineering...192600 - Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems
College of Engineering...062900 - Computer Science and Engineering
College of Engineering...061700 - Mechanical Engineering

Description of Responsibilities and Position Duties:

Physics informed and ML based models and material design ideas will be developed and explored for various use cases in the ongoing space missions.

Desired Qualifications and Skills:

Junior or Senior Undergraduate, Graduate Students in ASE, ME, CSE, CAVS

How to Apply:

Submit resume to my email.

Project Summary / General Information:

This research lab involves all things related to parenting emerging adults, including parental psychopathology, parent-child relationships, discipline, maltreatment, and many other relevant factors. We focus on how aspects of parenting during emerging adulthood are associated with various psychological outcomes.

College & Department:

College of Arts & Sciences...038600 - Psychology

Description of Responsibilities and Position Duties:

Students typically participate through joining a directed individual study course (typically 3 credits) and attend weekly lab meetings to complete work. Participating students most often develop a research idea, learn how to complete moderation and mediation analyses, and submit their findings to conferences for presentation. Students gain valuable experience in a research lab, products to put on their resume, and access to a strong letter of recommendation if they perform well in the lab.

Desired Qualifications and Skills:

Course work in statistics, research design, and psychology are desired but not required.

How to Apply:

Students should contact Dr. Cliff McKinney at cm998@msstate.edu to express their interest. Send a brief statement expressing what interests you about the lab and your career goals along with your resume that shows your current overall GPA.

Project Summary / General Information:

This project will characterize the dynamics of important commensal and pathogenic bacteria using comparative genomics and investigate how different strains are distributed across animal species. The overarching goal is to elucidate the mechanisms underlying host–microbe interactions.
Visit our lab website at: https://www.fanmicrobiomelab.com/

College & Department:

College of Ag & Life Sciences...011300 - Animal & Dairy Science

Description of Responsibilities and Position Duties:

The specific tasks include:

1. Assisting with laboratory procedures such as DNA extraction from microbial samples, RNA extraction from animal tissue samples, library preparation, and sequencing.

2. Supporting bioinformatic analyses, including processing whole-genome sequencing data, metagenomic datasets, and RNA-seq data.

3. Performing additional duties as needed.

Desired Qualifications and Skills:

1) Positive attitude and strong self-motivation
2) Responsible and highly organized

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should send their CV to Dr. Peixin Fan (pf324@msstate.edu)

Project Summary / General Information:

I am working on a book about the medieval origins of the university, the role of honors colleges in America, and about higher education reform. The book explores such topics as educational theory and pedagogy, college admissions practices, funding mechanisms for higher education, and the role of government (state and federal) in higher education. I will be conducting case studies of six colleges and universities in America that were founded in the liberal arts and how they have grown, confronted issues like racism and STEM research, and struggled to maintain a sense of community.

College & Department:

393400 - Shackouls Honors College -

Description of Responsibilities and Position Duties:

Interested students will be able to take on one of the following areas and conduct independent research, while also working as part of a research team:

1) history and philosophy of liberal arts education
2) types of colleges and universities in America
3) funding mechanisms (tuition, public funding, private gifts, etc.)
4) athletics and student activities
5) admissions practices and abuses
6) state and federal higher education policy

Academic credit available as well as funding for conference/research travel (Honors students only).

Desired Qualifications and Skills:

Ability to use MSU library resources as well as basic internet research, write short papers/reports, interest in conference travel/presentation/publication. Preference given to students in the Shackouls Honors College at the sophomore level or above.

How to Apply:

Submit statement of interest to csnyder@honors.msstate.edu.

Project Summary / General Information:

Join our dynamic research team in the Weed Science Innovators Undergraduate Research Program, where you'll engage in cutting-edge projects ranging from herbicide resistance to sustainable weed management. This opportunity allows you to delve into diverse areas such as abiotic and biotic stress tolerance, allelopathy, molecular techniques, plant microbiome interactions, and advanced analytical methods like HPLC and GC-MS. Gain hands-on experience, mentorship from graduate students, and contribute to significant research outcomes.

College & Department:

College of Ag & Life Sciences...010300 - Ag & Bio Engineering
College of Ag & Life Sciences...011900 - Agricultural Science & Plant Protec
College of Ag & Life Sciences...011500 - Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
College of Ag & Life Sciences...018800 - College of Ag & Life Sciences
College of Ag & Life Sciences...012500 - Horticulture
College of Ag & Life Sciences...012600 - Landscape Architecture
College of Ag & Life Sciences...011100 - Plant and Soil Sciences
College of Ag & Life Sciences...012900 - Plant Pathology & Weed Science
College of Arts & Sciences...038300 - Bio & Phys Sciences Rsch Inst
College of Arts & Sciences...031100 - Biological Sciences
College of Arts & Sciences...031900 - Chemistry
College of Arts & Sciences...038800 - College of Arts & Sciences
College of Arts & Sciences...038802 - Pre-med Program

Description of Responsibilities and Position Duties:

As a participant in our program, you will engage in a wide array of research projects, including herbicide resistance studies, stress tolerance in crops, molecular weed science, plant microbiome interactions, machine learning, plant imaging, and integrated weed management strategies. Your responsibilities will extend to assisting with data collection, analysis, and management. Additionally, you will operate and maintain laboratory and field research equipment. Collaboration is key, and you will work alongside a team of researchers, contributing to scientific discussions. You will also prepare findings for presentations at scientific meetings and contribute to writing peer-reviewed journal articles. This role provides a comprehensive experience in the field of weed science, offering both practical and theoretical insights.

Desired Qualifications and Skills:

Current enrollment in an undergraduate program with a focus in Biology, Agronomy, Plant Science, Chemistry, or a related field; Strong interest in plant science, weed science, or agricultural technology; Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team; Excellent written and verbal communication skills; Experience in laboratory or field research is preferred but not required
Curiosity and eagerness to learn and apply new skills.

How to Apply:

Please submit your resume and a list of relevant courses you have completed to tt1024@msstate.edu. Highlight any previous research experience or projects related to plant science or agriculture in your application. We welcome students from diverse academic backgrounds who are passionate about contributing to innovative research in weed science.

This broad, inviting description is designed to attract a wide range of interested students, encouraging those with varying skills and academic focuses to apply and join a leading team in advancing weed science research.