Mississippi State University doctoral student Mayra Vazquez-Nunez was one of only 60 graduate students in North America selected to attend the 2025 National X-ray School at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory in Lemont, Illinois, this summer, where she explored advanced X-ray techniques to address challenges in green chemistry.

For Lourdes Cardozo Gaibisso, “home” is more than just a place—it’s something people create. “I believe el lugar lo hace uno: ‘the place is made by the person,’” she said. “My mom taught me this when I was a child, and I carry that lesson with me. I try to foster a sense of belonging for students who are far from home by creating a welcoming environment where they feel valued and respected.”

Mississippi State continues its strong literary and academic presence at the state’s 11th annual Mississippi Book Festival in Jackson, with President Mark E. Keenum and distinguished faculty members featured among the panelists.