“Curiosity is the foundation for every scientist’s motivation to understand complex problems,” said Chandler Woo, a senior chemistry major at Mississippi State. “Exploring the uncharted and finding answers to a problem that has not been successfully solved is what excites me about research in general.”

Torn between two compelling career paths, Mississippi State junior Anthony Mattina is navigating the intersections of faith and science—a journey shaped by a love for both the mysteries of the universe and the traditions of the Catholic Church.

After Mississippi State University’s two-year term leading the Southeast Journalism Conference (SEJC), it officially passed the torch of leadership to Georgia Highlands College on March 24. The college will host SEJC in 2026.