B.S. Murray State University, 1977
Ph.D. Oklahoma University, 1983

Research Interest: Molecular biology and physiology of yeast/mold dimorphism in the pathogenic fungus Histoplasma capsulatum.

MFGN role:Mississippi, as well as other states in the region, are often not considered to be strong in the sciences. However, it has been my experience after visiting a number of 2-year and 4-year colleges and universities that Mississippi has an abundance of very bright, dedicated young men and women eager to pursue careers in science. A major goal of the MFGN is to help these students advance toward their goals by partnering them with skilled research scientists in the state to gain hands-on experience in scientific research. Another goal of the MFGN project is to help faculty in the state pursue their research interests by establishing several key research equipment facilities and by funding pilot research projects. My role on this MFGN team is to make our progress toward these goals as efficient as possible. With the assistance of all the talented MFGN members, I am certain that many students and faculty in Mississippi will benefit from these efforts.