The 90th Annual Mississippi Academy of Sciences (MAS) Meeting, held March 19–20, 2026, at the Mississippi Coast Convention Center in Biloxi, brought together over 1,400 researchers, students and professionals from across the state. Sponsored by the Mississippi IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (Mississippi INBRE), the meeting featured more than 550 research abstract submissions and broad participation, once again demonstrating the strength and continued growth of Mississippi’s scientific community.

Participation from Mississippi’s Primarily Undergraduate Institutions (PUIs) remained strong, with representation from institutions including Belhaven University, Mississippi College, Mississippi University for Women, Millsaps College, Tougaloo College, Delta State University and multiple community colleges. This broad engagement underscores MAS’s role as a critical platform for collaboration, mentorship and research dissemination across the state.

Mississippi INBRE maintained a prominent presence throughout the meeting, hosting and supporting several key events, including the 3rd Annual Mississippi INBRE Data Science Workshop and the Mississippi INBRE Graduate/Post-Graduate Scholars Symposium. The Mississippi INBRE Data Science Core (DSC) additionally hosted a data analysis consultation booth in the exhibitor hall, allowing PUI faculty attendees to utilize and learn more about how to access DSC resources and expertise.

These activities provided opportunities for PUI faculty and students to connect with INBRE resources, explore collaborative opportunities and learn more about research supported by the network.

Dr. Catherine Shi presents at MAS2026.

A central highlight of Mississippi INBRE’s involvement was the 3rd Annual Mississippi INBRE Data Science Workshop 2026, hosted by the DSC. Designed specifically for faculty and students at Mississippi PUIs, the workshop focused on practical applications of data science and artificial intelligence (AI) in research.

The session featured presentations from both current and former Mississippi INBRE-funded researchers:

  • Dr. Benjamin Dribus (William Carey University) presented innovative work on AI-driven prediction of preterm labor, demonstrating how machine learning can improve clinical outcomes.
  • Dr. Scoty Hearst (Mississippi College) highlighted the use of computational analysis and AI in analytical chemistry, including applications in environmental health and forensic pharmacology.
  • Dr. Jingyi “Catherine” Shi (Mississippi State University, DSC Associate Director) introduced attendees to WEKA, a beginner-friendly machine learning platform, offering a practical entry point for researchers new to data science.

The workshop was organized by Mississippi INBRE Data Science Core leadership, including:

  • Dr. Yufeng Zheng, DSC Director (University of Mississippi Medical Center)
  • Dr. Catherine Shi, DSC Associate Director (Mississippi State University)
  • Dr. Tristan Clemons, Mississippi INBRE Program Coordinator (The University of Southern Mississippi)
  • Dr. Felix Twum, DSC Associate Director (The University of Southern Mississippi)
  • Dr. Alex Flynt, DSC Associate Director and Mississippi INBRE Co-Investigator (University of Mississippi)

Together, these leaders continue to advance Mississippi INBRE’s mission to build data science capacity across the state, particularly at PUIs where access to such training may be limited.

Dr. Scoty Hearst presents at MAS2026.

Mississippi INBRE personnel played key roles throughout MAS 2026. Dr. Kelly Lucas, Vice President for Research at The University of Southern Mississippi and Mississippi INBRE Program Director, chaired the annual Mississippi INBRE Graduate/Post-Graduate Scholars Symposium, which highlights emerging research talent and fosters professional development.

Additional Mississippi INBRE-affiliated contributors included:

 

  • Dr. Christopher Jurgenson (Delta State University), who led a symposium for the Mississippi Emerging Research Institutions Council (MERIC)
  • Numerous faculty serving as presenters, organizers and mentors across sessions

The meeting also served as a moment to recognize the lasting contributions of Dr. Michael R. Garrett, former Mississippi INBRE Instrumentation and Services Core Director and DSC Associate Director, whose impact on biomedical research infrastructure in Mississippi continues to be felt across the network.

Both current and former Mississippi INBRE-supported students were actively engaged in MAS 2026, presenting research and gaining valuable experience in a professional scientific setting. Participating students included:

  • Zaria Foxworth (Pearl River Community College)
  • Ethan Wilkins (Mississippi University for Women)
  • Kendra Outlaw (Tougaloo College)
  • Shaquria Funchess (Alcorn State University)
  • Kimi Norway (Mississippi University for Women)
  • Olivia Pharr (Delta State University)

These students, many of whom took part in the 2025 class of the Mississippi INBRE Scholars Program, represent the next generation of researchers and highlight the program’s continued success in building a strong biomedical workforce pipeline.

2025 Mississippi INBRE Scholar Kimi Norway presents at MAS2026.

Beyond Mississippi INBRE-specific activities, MAS 2026 featured a wide range of symposia, workshops and networking opportunities. Notably, sessions such as the “Being a Scientist” panel for community college and high school students, and the MERIC symposium reinforced the importance of opening pathways into STEM careers and increasing Mississippi PUI research involvement. Dr. Gene “Lee” Bidwell, Associate Vice Chancellor for Research at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, delivered the meeting’s keynote lecture, titled “Conducting Drug Development Research at an Academic Medical Center.”

Mississippi INBRE’s continued investment in MAS reflects its broader mission: to strengthen research capacity, support faculty and student development, and enhance Mississippi’s competitiveness in biomedical research.

“Building a strong research ecosystem in Mississippi means equipping faculty and students with the tools and pathways they need to grow, and that’s exactly what Mississippi INBRE is doing. From data science training to hands-on research, we’re building the foundation for a new generation of researchers who will drive innovation and improve public health for years to come,” explained Dr. Lucas.

As participation continues to grow, events like the Mississippi Academy of Sciences meeting play an increasingly important role in equipping researchers with the tools needed to address complex scientific challenges. Through initiatives like these, Mississippi INBRE remains committed to advancing innovation, collaboration and public health across the state.

View more photos from the conference. 

About Mississippi INBRE
The Mississippi IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (Mississippi INBRE), funded by the National Institutes of Health, is a statewide network designed to build biomedical research capacity, support faculty and student research and improve public health outcomes across Mississippi.

About MAS
The Mississippi Academy of Sciences (MAS) Annual Meeting is the state’s premier scientific conference, providing a forum for researchers and students to share discoveries, foster collaborations and gain recognition for their work.