Mississippi THE NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION (NSF) is the only federal agency whose mission includes support for all fields of fundamental science and engineering. BY THE NUMBERS Mississippi in FY 2016 $32 Million: NSF funds awarded 7: NSF-funded institutions 76: NSF grant awards 2: NSF research centers/facilities “Our researchers are pursuing initiatives that are solving challenging problems, creating knowledge and unlocking mysteries in our state and in communities across the globe.” - Dr. David Shaw, Vice President for Research and Economic Eevelopment, Mississippi State University EXAMPLES OF NSF-FUNDED RESEARCH IN MISSISSIPPI Scientists at University of Southern Mississippi and University of Georgia are studying the chemical and biological processes controlling the cycling of carbon along the northern coasts of Gulf of Mexico due to river outflow. These carbon fluxes can contribute to excess nutrients in the gulf. Researchers at the Center of Research Excellence in Science and Technology at Jackson State University have developed a model to predict the toxicity of nanomaterials. This approach could speed up health and environmental risk assessments of nanomaterials while cutting costs for testing. Scientists at the University of Mississippi are using sensors and high-speed cameras to understand how lightning starts and travels inside and outside clouds. They have identified unique lightning strokes called upward illumination, which occur almost at the same time as a normal stroke, and can cause more damage on the ground by one lightning flash than was previously known. Courtesy: www.research.gov/seeinnovation INVESTMENT IN SCIENCE = INVESTMENT IN MISSISSIPPI Almost 25,000 Mississippi residents work in science and engineering occupations.1 In 2012, Mississippi had 3,500 high technology businesses that employed 65,000 people.1 Mississippi performed science and engineering related academic research and development activities worth $390 million in 2013.1 Mississippi residents were awarded nearly 1,400 patents between 2005-2014.1 Mississippi State University ranks among the top 100 U.S. academic institutions in terms of science and engineering expenditures.1 Mississippi State University generated 64 patents and created 22 start-up companies between 2000- 2008.2 1 Science and Engineering Indicators 2016 NSF 2 Mississippi State University’s Direct Economic Impact 2000-2008, 2009 Coalition for National Science Funding (CNSF)  www.cnsfweb.org

Coalition for National Science Funding (CNSF)  www.cnsfweb.org Mississippi Since 1952, NSF has supported nearly 50,000 graduate students through research fellowships. Mississippi received $11 million in NSF educational funding in FY 2016. THE NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION (NSF) not only funds cutting-edge research at institutions across the country; NSF’s education initiatives ensure the U.S. will remain a global leader in innovation for generations to come. EXAMPLES OF NSF-FUNDED EDUCATION PROGRAMS IN MISSISSIPPI University of Mississippi organizes the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory traveling exhibit, where visitors learn about gravitational waves and test their skills at detecting these waves through interactive stations. Through the Mississippi Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR), researchers from Mississippi State University engage fifth-graders over several weeks in science lessons, which include studying bacteria using computer games and learning about polymer properties using common cooking ingredients. Project WetKids at University of Southern Mississippi takes middle-school students to tour research facilities and wetlands to promote interest in STEM fields. Teachers and students get an opportunity to learn from scientists and engineers through hands-on activities. The Centers for Ocean Sciences Education Excellence at University of Southern Mississippi promote ocean literacy concepts at a national-level through changes in curricular standards and improved linkages between research communities, educators and government agencies. Courtesy: www.research.gov/seeinnovation “STEM education is very important to the future of Mississippi. Introducing students to STEM occupations will ensure a future workforce that can compete globally.” − Kendra L. Taylor, Former Program Supervisor for Technology Education and STEM Cluster, Mississippi Department of Education “It has been extraordinary to explore the future of technology and the role of higher education...The University of Mississippi is well-positioned to be a national leader in producing STEM graduates educated in a new paradigm that prepares them for the global, fast-paced, team-oriented workplace of the future.” − Dr. Jeffrey Vitter, Chancellor, University of Mississippi Coalition for National Science Funding (CNSF)  www.cnsfweb.org