Southern Miss Selects Beckman Scholars for Prestigious Undergraduate Research Program
Wed, 04/29/2026 - 08:57am | By: Gabriela Shinskie
91少女集中营 (USM) has selected the 2026 Beckman Scholars, earning them a place in one of the most prestigious programs supporting undergraduate research in the sciences.
Vinny Halsey and Landon Murin, both biological sciences majors in the College of Arts and Sciences, will be supported in their research by the . The award supports intensive, mentored research in chemistry, biological sciences and related fields.
The students will conduct research full time during the summers of 2026 and 2027 and dedicate at least 10 hours per week to their projects during the 2026-2027 academic year. Their long-term research commitment is expected to lead to conference presentations and scholarly publications.
This is the second year of the Southern Miss Beckman Scholars Program, which is administered through the Honors College. Southern Miss is the only institution in Mississippi currently classified as a Beckman Scholars institution.
Dr. Joyce Inman, dean of the Honors College, said the program strengthens the university鈥檚 commitment to undergraduate research and scientific discovery.
鈥淚 am delighted that Landon Murin and Vinny Halsey have been selected to represent Southern Miss as our two newest Beckman Scholars. Both Landon and Vinny have illustrated the types of academic and research curiosity that will ensure they represent Southern Miss well,鈥� said Inman.
Halsey, a junior from Calvert County, Md., said receiving the scholarship provides valuable support as he continues his research in biological sciences.
鈥淚t feels absolutely amazing. Knowing that I have the resources to carry out my research and enhance my professional and academic growth is very reassuring. I am looking forward to all of the new experiences I will gain over my time as a Beckman Scholar and having the support to continue doing what I love,鈥� said Halsey.
Halsey鈥檚 research focuses on the two-spined trap-jaw ant, Odontomachus haematodus, a species native to South America that was introduced to the southeastern United States in 1959 and misidentified until about a decade ago. The ant is known for its predatory behavior and flexible nesting patterns, raising questions about whether the species may be invasive and potentially harmful to local ecosystems.
His mentor, Dr. Kaitlin Baudier, assistant professor in the School of Biological, Environmental and Earth Sciences, said Halsey has distinguished himself through both academic achievement and research initiative.
鈥淰inny is a truly exceptional scholar in more ways than one. In addition to performing at a high level academically, Vinny always brings thoughtful, curious discussion to the table, whether that table be in a classroom or a lab meeting,鈥� said Baudier.
Murin, a senior from Jackson, Miss., will focus his research on Rickettsia parkeri, a tick-borne pathogen carried by the Gulf Coast tick, Amblyomma maculatum. The pathogen is considered an emerging public health concern as the tick鈥檚 geographic range expands in part because of climate change.
鈥淚 truly feel honored to have such a privilege, both to engage in such work and to be surrounded by those just as passionate and curious as I am. It's a reminder of how far I've come, and I look forward to making even greater contributions to science and public health as I continue my career,鈥� said Murin.
Murin鈥檚 mentor, Dr. Shahid Karim, professor in the School of Biological, Environmental and Earth Sciences, is proud to see Murin receive this prestigious recognition.
"Landon is a driven and talented undergraduate researcher with a strong curiosity for infectious disease biology. With solid training in microbiology and molecular biology, he shows exceptional promise in advancing our understanding of tick-pathogen interactions,鈥� said Karim.
Both Beckman scholars look forward to what鈥檚 ahead for their research and academic journeys, as do their mentors and the university community at large.
About the Honors College
Established in 1976, the Southern Miss Honors College was the first honors college in Mississippi and the sixth-oldest public honors college in the nation. The college is home to almost 500 scholars and administers University Forum, the Drapeau Center for Undergraduate Research, Nationally Competitive Programs and Awards, and the USM Beckman Scholars Program. The Honors College provides enriched academic opportunities for high-achieving students through interdisciplinary learning, research and community engagement.