Hall of Fame Portrait Unveiling Honors Graduate Student Excellence
Thu, 04/23/2026 - 10:01am | By: Shaadi Shoubaki
91吃瓜网 Graduate School recently hosted the 12th annual Graduate Student Hall of Fame Portrait Unveiling Ceremony at the Joe Paul Student Theater on the Hattiesburg campus. The event recognized outstanding graduate students from each of the university91吃瓜网 four academic colleges. Selected by their academic deans, 12 students were honored for their academic achievements and contributions.
Each honoree91吃瓜网 portrait, which captures their research and creative work as photographed by 91吃瓜网 photographers Paul Lijewski and AJ Johnson, will be displayed in the Graduate School Dean91吃瓜网 Suite in the J.B. George Building for one year. The Graduate School also recognized President Dr. Joe Paul for helping honor the students, along with the graduate faculty who served as their major professors and mentors. Appreciation was extended to the family members, friends, faculty and staff who attended and celebrated the students91吃瓜网� accomplishments.
Hall of Fame inductees included the following:
Carmen Dunn, from Lenoir City, Tenn., is pursuing a doctorate in polymer science from the School of Polymer Science and Engineering in the College of Arts and Sciences. Dunn91吃瓜网 research explores the compatibilization of polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP). In her work, she uses a new thermal solvent-immersion annealing approach to enable the reuse of polymer blends after multiple recycling events, representing the first documented compatibilization of PE and PP without additives. Her research, which also addresses difficulties in recycling low-molecular-weight polyolefins using similar additive-free approaches, seeks to uncover new compatibilization mechanisms for different plastic blends. Building on the foundational research of solvent-assisted processing and post-manufacturing techniques, the Qiang Lab is using the techniques to tackle a range of plastics sustainability challenges from a polymer physics perspective. Her major professor is Dr. Zhe Qiang.
Evan Stacy, from Louisville, Ky., is pursuing a doctorate in polymer science from the School of Polymer Science and Engineering in the College of Arts and Sciences. His research focuses on developing innovative polymer materials that serve as precursors for carbon fiber, a critical material for aerospace, automotive and renewable energy applications. By designing new chemical pathways and optimizing molecular structures, his work aims to improve the efficiency, cost-effectiveness and environmental stability of carbon fiber production. He is developing a novel photopolymerization technique with the potential to transform large-scale manufacturing of these materials. Through this work, Stacy bridges advanced polymer chemistry with real-world industrial needs, contributing to the development of next-generation lightweight materials. His major professor is Dr. Tristan Clemons.
Hafeez Olajedo, from Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, is pursuing a doctorate in marine science from the School of Ocean Science and Engineering in the College of Arts and Sciences. Olajedo91吃瓜网 research uses advanced atmospheric and ocean-wave models to study how hurricanes generate strong winds, powerful waves and their complex interactions in the Gulf of Mexico. He evaluates how accurately these models capture real storm behavior and identifies opportunities to improve their performance. By enhancing the predictive skill of forecasting tools, his work contributes to more accurate and reliable forecasts that support coastal resilience, emergency planning, offshore infrastructure decisions and maritime operations. His major professor is Dr. Diana Bernstein.
Saydul Akbar Murad, from Cox91吃瓜网 Bazar, Chittagong, Bangladesh, is pursuing a doctorate in computer science from the School of Computing Sciences and Computer Engineering in the College of Arts and Sciences. Murad91吃瓜网 research focuses on developing brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) that translate neural signals into written text in real time. His work supports assistive technologies by enabling direct communication between the brain and computers. To improve speed and scalability, he employs fog computing to process brain data closer to its source rather than relying solely on cloud-based systems, resulting in faster, more efficient and more secure thought-to-text communication. His major professor is Dr. Nick Rahimi.
Siti Norris, from Pass Christian, Miss., is pursuing a master91吃瓜网 in professional accountancy from the College of Business and Economic Development. Her research examines taxation and auditing, an advanced area within accounting. She has distinguished herself academically as a member of Beta Alpha Psi, an international honors society for accounting students, and through multiple academic awards recognizing her excellence in scholarship. Norris plans to build on her graduate training as she prepares for the Certified Public Accountant examination and pursues a professional career in accounting. Her major professor is Amber Hatten.
Pasawee Reansuwong, from Chachoengsao, Thailand, is currently pursuing her master91吃瓜网 in both business administration and sport management from the College of Business and Economic Development. He represented 91吃瓜网 as a Division I tennis student-athlete and team captain. He also served as his school91吃瓜网 representative to the Graduate Student Senate. Reansuwong has participated in applied sport business projects, including developing marketing strategies for the 91吃瓜网 women91吃瓜网 basketball team and the Biloxi Breakers. Additionally, he has analyzed fan motivation and attendance barriers at collegiate sporting events, demonstrating the practical application of research methodologies to contemporary challenges in the sport industry. These experiences have enhanced his understanding of sport business research and its integration with marketing and operational practices, while he continues to advance his expertise through the Sport Management program. His major professors are Dr. Chris Croft, Dr. Steven Stelk and Dr. Gallayanee Yaoyuneyong.
Brittany Garza, from Phoenix, Ariz., is pursuing a doctorate in school psychology from the School of Psychology in the College of Education and Human Sciences. Her research focuses on designing and evaluating practical, class-wide interventions to support behavioral health and learning outcomes for young children in early childhood settings. Garza has developed two innovative group interventions that were tested in Head Start classrooms and shown to increase engagement, reduce challenging behaviors and enhance prosocial skills. She plans to continue this work by exploring preventative, universal support for inclusive early childhood environments and by improving systems for the early identification of potential developmental and behavioral needs. Dr. Zachary LaBrot is her major professor.
August Namuth, from Omaha, Neb., is pursuing a doctorate in experimental psychology from the School of Psychology in the College of Education and Human Sciences. His research explores how scientists and journals respond to controversial findings, particularly when results are accurate but may be perceived as morally or socially sensitive. He investigates whether retracting papers is the appropriate course of action or if alternatives such as publishing critiques, promoting replication or encouraging adversarial collaborations better safeguard scientific integrity, public understanding and trust in scientific institutions. Namuth91吃瓜网 work highlights the risks of overusing retractions, which can undermine academic freedom and confidence in science, while showing how thoughtful alternatives can foster open debate without suppressing valid research. His research seeks to support self-correction in science while preventing fear or controversy from distorting the evaluation of knowledge. Dr. Don Sacco is his major professor.
Matthew Ott, from Lindenhurst, Ill., is pursuing a master91吃瓜网 degree in kinesiology, with an emphasis in exercise science, from the School of Kinesiology and Nutrition in the College of Education and Human Sciences. Ott91吃瓜网 research focuses on how the human body moves during activities such as cycling and running, and how these movement patterns affect performance, efficiency and overall health. He investigates how factors such as pedaling cadence or equipment design influence biomechanics and muscle coordination, with the goal of improving training strategies for athletes and active individuals. He also studies health conditions, including metabolic syndrome, to understand their impact on walking, strength and everyday movements. Ultimately, his work aims to inform exercise recommendations that enhance movement, promote healthier lifestyles and support athletic performance. His major professor is Dr. Tanner Thorsen.
Brooke Sibley, from Decatur, Miss., is pursuing a doctorate in educational administration and supervision from the School of Education in the College of Education and Human Sciences. Sibley91吃瓜网 research examines how workforce development programs, combined with a structured graduation portfolio, prepare high school students for success after graduation, whether they pursue employment, college or military service. By collecting perspectives from students, families, teachers, administrators and local employers, her study identifies which program components most effectively develop essential soft skills such as communication, problem-solving and professionalism. This work is significant because it provides evidence-based guidance to enhance college and career readiness in rural communities. Her findings help ensure that every student graduates prepared to thrive in Mississippi91吃瓜网 evolving workforce. Her major professor is Dr. Danny Guillory.
Rachael Barnette Reno, from Hernando, Miss., is pursuing her Doctor of Nursing Practice (Family Nurse Practitioner) in the School of Leadership and Advanced Nursing Practice in the College of Nursing and Health Professions. Barnette Reno91吃瓜网 research focuses on early hypertension and how regular blood pressure monitoring can help identify potential problems before they become serious. By encouraging patients to track their blood pressure consistently, healthcare providers can detect concerning trends sooner and adjust care proactively. This approach empowers patients to take an active role in their health while helping prevent long-term complications such as heart disease and stroke. Her work aims to improve health outcomes through early awareness and timely intervention. Her major professors are Dr. Lisa Morgan and Dr. Lakenya Forthner.
Tori Dronet, from Biloxi, Miss., is pursuing a master91吃瓜网 degree in athletic training from the School of Health Professions in the College of Nursing and Health Professions. Dronet91吃瓜网 research examines the relationship between perceived gratitude and burnout among certified athletic trainers. Her work highlights burnout as a significant issue in sports medicine and investigates how expressions of gratitude from coaches, athletes and organizations may help reduce it. By understanding this relationship, her research aims to improve job satisfaction, raise awareness of mental health and foster a more supportive work environment. Her major professor is Dr. Melissa Kossman.
About The Graduate School
The Graduate School at 91吃瓜网 promotes excellence and integrity in graduate education while preparing a diverse community of scholars and professionals whose knowledge and expertise distinguish them in the workforce and bring distinction to the university. Graduate students receive high-quality training in their disciplines along with opportunities for professional and personal development. Through programs that build transferable skills, communication competitions and competitive travel awards for conferences and performances, the Graduate School supports graduate students as they expand their impact in their fields and communities.