Ļć½¶Ö±²„global research fuels community literacy, learning at International Fiesta
Contact: Kathryn Rodenmeyer
STARKVILLE, Miss.āResearch with global reach is making a local impact. Mississippi Stateās innovative international projects are helping turn cutting-edge ideas into accessible, community-based experiences right here in Starkville.
At the recent International Fiesta, an annual campus celebration of cultures, MSUās International Research Development Office showcased one such initiative: StoryWalk. Adapted from global research led through the Transforming the Education System for Teachers and Students (TESTS) in Liberia, the interactive display demonstrated how international research development work abroad can directly benefit public learning and wellness at home.
āTranslational research is at the heart of learning and service,ā said Masey Smith, deputy director of the IRD office. āInnovative approaches from our TESTS Liberia project are now available for others to adapt right here in Starkvilleābringing research to life for the general public.ā
The StoryWalk conceptādesigned to promote early literacy and physical activityāwas first hosted by Ļć½¶Ö±²„in 2021 and has since gained momentum across Mississippi. MSUās research work in Liberia marks the first time this model has been implemented in that country, expanding the toolās reach to low-resource settings abroad and demonstrating its adaptability across cultures and contexts.
More than 300 people visited the student-developed StoryWalk, which featured excerpts from the childrenās book āBully Travels Around the Globe.āĀ More than 285 books were distributed, turning this aspect of the project into a direct community impact.
āThe International Fiesta is a celebration of community and culture, but also an opportunity to highlight the meaningful research our faculty, staff, and students are conducting around the world,ā said Dan Reynolds, International Institute director. āWeāre proud to support initiatives like the StoryWalk that make global scholarship accessible in everyday settings.ā
The project was developed in close collaboration with MSUās Department of Psychology and its Prevention and Wellness Starkville (PAWS) program, led by Project Manager Bobbie Jo Bensaidāunderscoring the strength of cross-departmental and interdisciplinary partnerships in driving innovative solutions.
āOur reach spans various programming,ā said Chance Carden, research development project manager. āWe support Ļć½¶Ö±²„faculty and staff in expanding research across borders, from project management to fellowships and seed funding.ā
Faculty and staff interested in pursuing international collaboration may reach out to the to discover upcoming opportunities.
Ļć½¶Ö±²„ is taking care of what matters. Learn more atĀ .