Missouri State University’s Quantum Bears team has once again proved its strength in international competition. Led by Dr. Ridwan Sakidja, professor of physics, astronomy and materials science, the team comprised two Missouri State alumni, Matthew Bruenning and Gaige Riggs. They both graduated from the Master of Science in Materials Science program. The team was named a … [Read more...] about Excelling on the international stage
It’s not every day you get to hold a 3-billion-year-old rock. But for around 100 fourth graders at Ozark East Elementary School, that rare opportunity made geology come alive and fun. When Damon Bassett, Missouri State University senior instructor of geology, saw his son learning about landforms and erosion at school, he knew he could help bring the lesson to life. After … [Read more...] about Teaching kids about Earth’s layers
A native of Livingston, Montana, Missouri State University alumna Larissa Saarel grew up among the state’s open pastures and forests. That early exposure to the natural world planted the seeds of curiosity that sparked a career in biology and field research. She did not always know this was the path, but inspiration struck in high school thanks to an impactful AP biology … [Read more...] about Driven by curiosity
Every breakthrough in technology begins with a system built to be better. For Dr. Adnan Maruf, assistant professor of computer science at Missouri State University, that mission drives his research. With a PhD in Computer Science from Florida International University, Maruf wants to build systems that make computing faster, more efficient and more reliable while giving … [Read more...] about Building better systems from the ground up
Dr. Lydia Tackett is a new faculty member at Missouri State University. She joined the College of Natural and Applied Sciences as an assistant professor in the School of Earth, Environment and Sustainability in fall 2025. Originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, she discovered her love for science late in college, eventually earning a PhD in Earth Science. Her distinctive … [Read more...] about Exploring Earth’s secrets