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.

Mississippi State University’s Story State 2025—an annual contest aimed at sharing Mississippi stories—is open for entries for new and original stories from all students enrolled at any Mississippi institution of higher learning.

“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.”