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News

Tree with painted spartan logo in a field

Johnson Receives $500K Grant to Study Tree Species Suited to Future Michigan Climates

Jeremy Johnson has received a $500,000 grant from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to explore assisted tree migration as a way to protect the future productivity of Michigan forests.
A phone's home screen including several social media apps

Study Links Problematic Social Media Use to Belief in Fake News

A first-of-its-kind study from researchers at Michigan State University reveals that individuals who experience the most distress and impairment in daily functioning from social media use are more likely to believe fake news.
MSU's Agriculture Hall building

Writing Architect: Bridging Research and Classroom Practice to Strengthen Student Writing

A new tool from MSU researchers is giving teachers practical support to strengthen student writing by showing exactly where young writers need help and how to guide them.
A person watches video feeds of toy filled playrooms on a computer screen

Inside the Castle: Studying Social Motivation in Young Children With Autism

“The beauty of science is the more questions you ask, the more answers you get,” says Barbara Thompson, who studies social motivation in young children with autism. Kids play in a castle lab while researchers observe how they respond to connection.
A person filling a glass with water under a faucet

MSU Researchers Compare PFAS Exposure in Men And Women

PFAS encompass thousands of man-made chemicals found in everyday items such as nonstick cookware, firefighting foams, grease-resistant food wrappers and water-resistant clothing. The chemicals can stay in the bloodstream years after intervention has occurred, the study found. However, for those in the low-exposure group, men had a higher chance of retaining the PFAS in their blood long term.
Twisting tree branches on MSU campus with lawn and brick building behind

The Fish Doctors: Improving Aquatic Health Through Collaboration and Research

Fish producers have sought Kebus and Loch’s help in combatting one of the top diseases affecting salmon and trout—bacterial cold-water disease. Loch and his lab team have been working to develop a vaccine to combat this disease.
A grassland witha  blue sky in the background

New Research Examines Biodiversity Factors of Grasslands

Researchers from Michigan State University's Brudvig Restoration Ecology lab are working to solve a longstanding question in community ecology: How do regional and local factors jointly determine biodiversity?
Joe Hefner pointing at a wall display of human bone x-rays

MSU to Create First-of-Its-Kind Database for Analyzing Human Remains

Michigan State University is leading the effort to create a computer program that produces a holistic biological profile of human remains and makes the investigative process clearer and more efficient. The project called MOSAIC is funded through a $2.1 million grant from the National Institute of Justice.

Announcements
Yumibe Named a Research Foundation Professor
In recognition of his influential scholarship in film and media studies and his contributions to Michigan State University’s research mission, Joshua Yumibe has been named an MSU Research Foundation Professor. He is among just four MSU faculty members to earn this prestigious designation in 2025.
Liu Awarded Young Investigator Award for Making AI Safer
Sijia Liu, an associate professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE), was presented the Aharon Katzir Young Investigator Award from International Neural Network Society (INNS) during its 2025 joint conference in Rome, Italy, in early July.
Barton Named Fellow of the Electrochemical Society
Scott Calabrese Barton of Michigan State University has joined a renowned group of 12 experts in the U.S. and abroad as a Fellow in The Electrochemical Society (ECS). A professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science (ChEMS), he was selected in recognition of his technological and service contributions to the society.
Sant’Ambrogio Elected to American Law Institute
Michigan State University College of Law Dean Michael Sant’Ambrogio has been elected to the American Law Institute, or ALI, one of the nation’s most respected organizations dedicated to clarifying and improving the law.
Ferguson Receives National Ubuntu Award From LSAC
Mary Ann Ferguson, Assistant Dean for Diversity and Equity Services at Michigan State University College of Law, has received the 2025 Camille deJorna Ubuntu Award from the Law School Admission Council (LSAC).
Lajnef Joins ISP As Associate Dean for Research and Strategic Partnerships
Michigan State University has appointed Nizar Lajnef, professor and associate chair for graduate studies in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, as associate dean for research and strategic partnerships in International Studies and Programs (ISP).