Contact: Maridith Geuder
Keith Reeves and MSU microbiology researcher Karen S. Coats
Senior Keith Reeves of Meridian is the 2000-01 H.H. Harned Sr. Memorial Scholar at Mississippi State University.
The academic honor is a tribute to the former MSU biological sciences department head. Established in 1989 by Harned's children, the $500 award annually recognizes the department's outstanding microbiology major.
Reeves, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Roger Reeves, is a President's Scholar and member of the University Honors Program and Golden Key National Honor Society. He also was a selection for Lambda Sigma, an academic recognition for the university's top 50 freshmen.
At West Lauderdale High School, Reeves competed in the Siemens Westinghouse Science and Technology Competition, a national event for independent research conducted by high school students. He also was a top winner in the 1998 International Science and Engineering Fair, a scholarship challenge that involved more than 1,200 students from 48 states and 40 nations.
While studying at MSU, Reeves has assisted microbiology associate professor Karen S. Coats in her study of the feline immunodeficiency virus as a model for HIV.
"Through this research, we're trying to determine how the virus may be passed from a mother to a child," he said.
After graduation in May, Reeves plans to pursue medical and doctor of philosophy degrees. A career in vaccine research is his long-range goal.