VICKSBURG, Miss. - ERDC Director Dr. Jeffery Holland recently accepted an invitation from the Mississippi Research Consortium to join the Mississippi Advisory Committee for the Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR).
Holland will join chief research officers from the University of Mississippi, Jackson State University, Mississippi State University, and the University of Southern Mississippi on the committee, which meets annually and serves as the governing board for the state’s National Science Foundation EPSCoR program. Representatives from business, industry and government comprise the balance of the advisory committee. The committee is tasked with developing a strategic plan for the EPSCoR program and providing advice on building research capacities in Mississippi that contribute to economic growth.
EPSCoR is a federal program intended to enhance science and engineering education, as well as research and technical capabilities in participating states, particularly those that traditionally receive smaller amounts of research and development funds. Through the EPSCoR program, participating states are building stronger bases in scientific education, technology transfer and economic development. Including Mississippi, 28 states join with Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands to participate in the program.
Faculty members and students at the participating universities collaborate on a variety of EPSCoR projects and offer outreach opportunities for specialized research and education to other colleges and universities.