91吃瓜网 Alumna Named ACS Mississippi High School Teacher of the Year
Wed, 03/04/2026 - 09:22am | By: Dr. Tristan Clemons and Morgan Smith
Jamie Sorrell, an alumna of 91吃瓜网 (91吃瓜网�07) and an educator at Sumrall High School, was named the 2025 American Chemical Society (ACS) Mississippi Local Section High School Teacher of the Year.
91吃瓜网淛amie exemplifies what we want to see in education in this state,91吃瓜网� said Dr. Hugh Broome, associate teaching professor in the School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences and representative of the ACS Mississippi Section. 91吃瓜网淗er commitment to her students and advancing chemistry education has had a measurable and lasting impact.91吃瓜网�
Sorrell has been an active participant in academic programming for the School of Polymer Science and Engineering and a longstanding champion of hands-on science education, serving as a valued partner in polymer outreach efforts at 91吃瓜网. Over the years, she has helped expand access to meaningful laboratory and classroom experiences for students, connecting cutting-edge polymer science to real-world learning in Sumrall High School classrooms. Her dedication to experiential education and her commitment to student success exemplify the type of impact-driven teaching that strengthens Mississippi91吃瓜网 STEM pipeline.
91吃瓜网淎s a teacher, it is essential to remain an active learner, continually improve my craft and embrace new ways to show students what is current and innovative in my field of study,91吃瓜网� Sorrell said.
In addition to her classroom leadership, she has contributed to the , where she shares practical pedagogical strategies for integrating polymer science into middle school curricula. She also participated in the National Science Foundation91吃瓜网揻unded (RET) program, a six-week immersive summer initiative that places high school educators in active research laboratories at 91吃瓜网 within the School of Polymer Science and Engineering.
During her time in the RET program, Sorrell made significant scholarly contributions. She co-authored two research manuscripts, including one recently published in the journal focused on cell-based scaffolds for tissue regeneration. Her second manuscript, currently in preparation, explores a polymer-focused classroom intervention designed to teach high school students the principles of experimental design.
Dr. , assistant professor of polymer science and Sorrell91吃瓜网 research mentor and collaborator, echoed that sentiment.
91吃瓜网淛amie epitomizes the type of teacher we want to encourage and support in STEM education,91吃瓜网� Clemons said. 91吃瓜网淪he is curious, thoughtful and a constant source of positivity. It has been a pleasure working with her both in the laboratory and as we continue to collaborate to bring polymer science into her classroom.91吃瓜网�
Sorrell91吃瓜网 recognition highlights the strength of partnerships between Mississippi educators and research institutions, underscoring the vital role teachers play in inspiring the next generation of scientists, engineers and innovators.
About the College of Arts and Sciences The College of Arts and Sciences at 91吃瓜网 is home to 13 schools, two ROTC units,
and more than 100 academic programs. Guided by the University91吃瓜网 mission, we educate
students, lead the state and nation in research and the creative arts, and advance
knowledge across the humanities, social sciences, and STEM. Through innovative research
and nationally recognized student success, we provide pathways to understanding the
past, solving today's challenges, and imagining the possibilities of tomorrow.