Contact: Maridith Geuder
With help from the state's only lignite mining company and lignite-fueled electric generating plant, a Mississippi State University professor is providing a learning experience she hopes will launch the careers of future scientists.
Physics professor Sandra H. Harpole, director of MSU's Center for Science, Mathematics and Technology, is leading a three-week education program now under way at Red Hills Power Project near Ackerman. Some 25 middle school students and teachers are participating through July 27.
Funded by MSU, the Appalachian Regional Commission, Choctaw Generation LP, and Mississippi Lignite Mining Co., the program based on site at Red Hills is titled Career and Research Exploration for Students and Teachers.
"CREST is a collaboration of industry and educational institutions," Harpole explained. "We are introducing students and their teachers to environmental research and scientific career opportunities that will enhance the state's economic potential."
The Red Hills Mine provides more than three million tons of lignite annually for nearby Red Hills Power Plant. Both are anchors of the Red Hills EcoPlex, an industrial park that provides opportunities for industries to use byproducts of energy production.
"As one of Mississippi's newest industries, we believe this is a chance to educate students and teachers about a mining operation like ours," noted Mississippi Lignite's human resources manager Michael D. Thomas. "We hope they'll share knowledge in their communities about potential careers and the benefits of our industry."
During CREST's first week, participants explored mining operations and topics such as how coal is found, the permit process, surveying, geology, and hydrology. They also will learn about restoration ecology, regional archaeology and wildlife and trees.
Educational components are coordinated by MSU geology professor Darrel W. Schmitz, biological sciences associate professor Giselle Thibaudeau and project coordinator Jean Bailey. Staff members of Mississippi Lignite Mining Co. also are providing support as lecturers.
"A unique feature of this program is that students also will be taught business skills to form their own multimedia company," Harpole said. Student-developed products will include publications, a web site and a compact disc to highlight career opportunities, workforce applications of science and the economic impact of power plant operations, among other topics.
Holmes Community College is supplying computers for the project, and Apple Computers is providing specialized training in software for producing movies. In training sessions led by the Mississippi State University Extension Service, students will learn skills such as how to write a business plan and market their products.
"This project, which continues during the academic year, provides exposure to knowledge and skills that we hope will spark continued study," Harpole concluded.