Gulf South Center

06/23/2026

Something is brewing... ☕🔬

Built on partnerships.
Driven by collaboration.
Focused on one goal.

We've been quietly working on a new research initiative, and while the details are still under wraps, we're excited about what's ahead.

More to come soon. Until then, consider this your official teaser. 👀

06/01/2026

🎓 The Southern Miss GTEC Program is Officially Underway!

Following Orientation on May 29, our 2026 Southern Miss GTEC Scholars began their first full day of the summer intensive program today! From May 29 through July 31, scholars will live and learn on campus while participating in college coursework, academic enrichment, professional development, and hands-on experiences designed to prepare them for future success.

The day began with engaging classes led by our dedicated GTEC staff and faculty, providing scholars with a strong foundation for the summer ahead. In the afternoon, scholars had the opportunity to hear from guest speaker Dr. Leremy Colf, Associate Professor at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center and Donna L. Wong Professor in Pediatric Nursing.

Dr. Colf presented "Environmental Disasters Impact Cardiovascular Health and Healthcare Utilization," exploring how environmental disasters influence cardiovascular health outcomes and healthcare utilization. His presentation offered scholars valuable insight into a growing public health challenge and highlighted the importance of research in addressing complex health issues affecting communities.

We are excited to watch our scholars learn, grow, and make the most of this transformative summer experience.

Welcome to Southern Miss GTEC!

05/29/2026

We're excited to see our upcoming conference on Southern Miss News!

If you would like to attend our Mississippi Health Disparities Conference on June 17-18, please register before June 5th.

Here is the link: https://www.mhdconnect.com/

The Mississippi Health Disparities Conference will take place June 17-18 at the Hospitality Resort Management Center in Biloxi, bringing together researchers, healthcare professionals, policymakers, educators and community leaders focused on improving health outcomes across Mississippi and the Gulf....

05/27/2026

🎉 Please join us in congratulating Dr. Felix Twum on his appointment as the Associate Director for Research at the Gulf South Center for Community-Engaged Health Research and Innovation! 👏📚

Dr. Twum brings a wealth of knowledge, leadership, and research expertise that will help advance the Center’s mission of community-engaged, solutions-driven research across the Gulf South. In this new role, he will help lead strategic research initiatives, foster collaborative partnerships, and support innovative projects that create meaningful impact in the communities we serve.

We are excited for this next chapter and look forward to the continued growth and innovation his leadership will bring to the Center. 💡🤝

05/22/2026

EPSCoR Summit pt✌🏽

Our Director, Dr. Jennifer Lemacks, presented our ASPIRE Project in her workshop “From Polymer Science to Public Health: ASPIRE to an Interdisciplinary EPSCoR Research Hub.”

05/21/2026

We’re at the EPSCoR Annual Summit in New Orleans!!

Our Assistant Director for Research Operations Sermin Aras, Community-Engaged Research Coordinator Lanena John and Graduate Assistant Gayuthri Kongara presented their posters highlighting their research of the ASPIRE project.

05/14/2026

🚨 CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS 🚨

The Mississippi Health Disparities Conference is seeking enthusiastic volunteers to help make MHD 2026 a success!

📅 June 17–18, 2026
📍 Hospitality Resort Management Center | Biloxi, MS

Volunteers play a vital role in creating a welcoming and impactful conference experience for attendees from across Mississippi and beyond. Opportunities include:

✅ Registration & Check-In
✅ Session & Workshop Support
✅ Time-Keeping
✅ Logistical and General Event Support

This is a great opportunity to:
✨ Network with professionals
✨ Gain professional experience
✨ Contribute to advancing health disparities
✨ Be part of meaningful community impact

Interested in volunteering? Scan the QR code or click the link here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C044AABA828ABFFCE9-64013522-mhdvolunteer

05/09/2026

Congratulations to Sermin Aras, our Assistant Director of Research Operations, on receiving the Southern Miss Research Advocate Award!

This award recognizes an administrator or staff member who has made significant contributions to fostering research at the university. Sermin’s dedication, organization, and commitment to supporting faculty and research teams have strengthened our research environment and helped advance our shared mission.

We are grateful for her leadership and proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition!

04/27/2026

🚨 ATTENTION USM STUDENTS – WE’RE HIRING! 🚨

The Gulf South Center for Community-Engaged Health Research and Innovation is offering two exciting opportunities for USM students to gain hands-on experience and make a real impact:

💻 Graduate Assistant – Data Infrastructure & Software Development
Work on building and maintaining a health and community research data platform. Ideal for graduate students interested in data systems, coding, analytics, and software development.
Apply here: https://redcap.usm.edu/surveys/?s=LRRA3HPRH8JT73D8

📱 Social Media Intern
Bring your creativity to life! Help create content, manage social media platforms, and support community outreach efforts.
Apply here: https://redcap.usm.edu/surveys/?s=EHFDX37WN3PKJ43F

✨ Gain real-world experience, build your resume, and contribute to meaningful community-engaged work—all right here at USM.

📅 Apply by: May 15, 2026
📲 Click the links above or scan the QR code on the flyer to apply!

04/17/2026

🌟 Celebrating Excellence at the 2026 Susan A. Siltanen Graduate Student Research Symposium! 🌟

We are incredibly proud of our graduate assistants, Gayathri Kongara, Bindu Sharma, and Abdelrahman Khader, for presenting their research at USM’s Susan A. Siltanen Graduate Student Research Symposium on April 16, 2026. Their hard work and dedication continue to elevate our program and inspire those around them.

A special congratulations to our former Public Health and Community Outreach Intern Salwa Musarikandy for earning 1st place in the Life, Health, and Environmental Sciences Poster Presentation. An outstanding achievement and well deserved!

👏 Keep shining!