Magan Green
Magan Parrish Green
B.S. Microbiology, 2001 | M.S. College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, 2021
“I often joined Dr. Lewis R. Brown for lunch at the Perry Cafeteria, and I remember how he would stop to chat with so many professors and students he knew. Those interactions made me feel connected to the department,” said Magan Green, 2001 MSU graduate, majoring in microbiology. “Dr. Brown was an incredible teacher and invested a lot of time in my life and career.”
For Green, MSU was an easy choice. “I was born in Starkville and moved away at the age of 9. We would come and visit our family several times a year and we are all Bulldog fans. I decided to transfer to MSU from Southeastern Louisiana University after completing my sophomore year so that I could graduate as a Bulldog.”
During her time as an undergraduate student, Green was able to gain valuable experience and also a valued mentor. “I worked for Dr. Brown as a student for two years and was then hired as a research associate in his laboratory. He taught me so much, from microbiology and general lab skills to understanding grant budgets and even managing personal finances. He genuinely wanted his students to succeed, and I’m so grateful I had the chance to know him and to work alongside him as a full-time employee for ten years.”
Since graduation, Green has continued her academic and career journeys at MSU. “I graduated from MSU in 2001 and then worked in Dr. Brown’s lab, housed in the basement of Harned Hall, until 2011. After Dr. Brown’s retirement, I worked as a research associate in the Dave C. Swalm School of Chemical Engineering at MSU until 2015. From August of 2015 to the present, I have worked at the Mississippi State Chemical Laboratory housed on MSU’s campus in Hand Lab. In 2021, I completed my master’s degree in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.”
Remaining on campus has allowed her to stay connected to MSU and its students. “I have worked on campus for almost 25 years and have seen many changes on campus through that time. I have worked with many students over the years and continue to do so now. I enjoy hearing where they end up after graduation, and I still communicate with some of them through text or social media.”
When asked to describe her MSU experience in one word, Green chose “memorable.”
“My experience in college prepared me for my future employment thanks to my position as a student worker under Dr. Lewis R. Brown,” said Green, who encourages students today to take advantage of every opportunity they find at MSU.
“Work hard, be self-motivated, and realize you don’t know everything. Be a lifelong learner!”