Mississippi State Assistant Professor Lourdes Cardozo-Gaibisso is immersing local middle school students in climate science literacy exploration through podcasting, helping them share experiences, ask questions and engage with environmental issues affecting their communities.

Kimiko Hahn, New York state poet and acclaimed author of nearly a dozen collections of poetry, will join Mississippi State University as a visiting writer on Tuesday, Feb. 17 for a special night of selected readings and celebration of the written word.

“My connection to Mississippi State University runs deep in my family,” said Margaret Shepherd, a 2022 MSU graduate. “MSU brought my mom’s family to Starkville in the 1960s when my grandfather became the first head of the Department of Biochemistry. My dad grew up near Starkville in Louisville, and, following his father’s path in forestry, attended MSU. My parents met in Starkville and were married on campus at the Chapel of Memories. No matter what was happening in our lives, being a Bulldog always brought our family together. When it came time to choose a college, the decision felt easy,” said Shepherd.