91传媒 global research fuels community literacy, learning at International Fiesta
Contact: Kathryn Rodenmeyer
STARKVILLE, Miss.鈥擱esearch with global reach is making a local impact. Mississippi State鈥檚 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, 91传媒鈥檚 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.
鈥淭ranslational research is at the heart of learning and service,鈥 said Masey Smith, deputy director of the IRD office. 鈥淚nnovative approaches from our TESTS Liberia project are now available for others to adapt right here in Starkville鈥攂ringing research to life for the general public.鈥
The StoryWalk concept鈥攄esigned to promote early literacy and physical activity鈥攚as first hosted by 91传媒 in 2021 and has since gained momentum across Mississippi. 91传媒鈥檚 research work in Liberia marks the first time this model has been implemented in that country, expanding the tool鈥檚 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 children鈥檚 book 鈥淏ully Travels Around the Globe.鈥澛 More than 285 books were distributed, turning this aspect of the project into a direct community impact.
鈥淭he 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,鈥 said Dan Reynolds, International Institute director. 鈥淲e鈥檙e proud to support initiatives like the StoryWalk that make global scholarship accessible in everyday settings.鈥
The project was developed in close collaboration with 91传媒鈥檚 Department of Psychology and its Prevention and Wellness Starkville (PAWS) program, led by Project Manager Bobbie Jo Bensaid鈥攗nderscoring the strength of cross-departmental and interdisciplinary partnerships in driving innovative solutions.
鈥淥ur reach spans various programming,鈥 said Chance Carden, research development project manager. 鈥淲e support 91传媒 faculty and staff in expanding research across borders, from project management to fellowships and seed funding.鈥
Faculty and staff interested in pursuing international collaboration may reach out to the to discover upcoming opportunities.
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