Tue,
06/24/2025 – 01:11pm | By: College of Nursing and Health Professions Staff
Fifth-grade students from Sumrall Elementary School recently took part in an exciting
day of hands-on learning and career exploration during Career Quest. The event was
hosted by The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) College of Nursing and Health
Professions (CNHP) with support from its Gulf South Center for Community-Engaged Health
Research and Innovation. Career Quest was designed to introduce young learners to
a variety of academic and science fields and career paths through an immersive campus
experience made possible by the CNHP, College of Arts and Sciences and College of
Business and Economic Development faculty.
Dr. Lachel Story, dean of the CNHP, noted the importance of this effort, “We know
that the earlier we can expose students to all the possibilities USM has to offer,
the better prepared they will be to head into the right future for them.”
Ready to explore those futures, students arrived at “Basecamp” (also known as Asbury
Hall) to be greeted by enthusiastic guides and oriented to the day’s journey. The
day began with a special “Behind the Scenes” theater tour by the School of Performing
and Visual Arts’ Dr. David Coley, offering an inside look at the arts.
From there, students set off on their Career Quest tracks, rotating through a variety
of academic and industry-related sessions, highlighting different fields such as polymers,
geology, health, chemistry and business.
The School of Polymer Science and Engineering guided students on a multi-station adventure
to demonstrate how individual molecules (monomers) join to form larger structures
(polymers). Students also got hands-on with science by squishing strawberries to extract
and observe real DNA.
Dr. Jeremy Deans in the School of Biological, Environmental and Earth Sciences engaged
students in a hands-on rock identification activity, where they examined and classified
samples like coal, granite, fossils and sedimentary rocks. He also introduced them
to topics such as earthquakes, volcanoes and the many career opportunities in geology.
Students explored how molecules are formed by building models with Snatoms alongside
Dr. Matthew Donahue in the School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. They learned
about elements and bonding patterns in compounds like water, ammonia, and methane–and
even took home a mini kit to continue building on their own.
Students also enjoyed a tour of the CNHP Simulation Center, led by Dr. Maria Brown,
director. Participants interacted with lifelike mannequins that respond like real
patients, offering a realistic look at how medical professionals train in emergency
situations. Students explored the field of audiology in the School of Speech and Hearing
Sciences alongside Drs. Charles Marx and Stephen Williams, learning how hearing specialists
examine the ear and diagnose issues using real tools. With Dr. Melissa Kossman in
the School of Health Professions, students discovered how injuries are treated and
practiced how to properly splint a limb.
It was all about business when The Hatchery’s Dr. James Wilcox, director and professor
of practice, challenged students to think like entrepreneurs by using three-word prompts
to invent a product, explain its value to the public and design a company logo. Students
wrapped up the activity by delivering a creative 30-second pitch to promote their
new business idea.
Staff from the Office of Student Affairs and Southern Miss Athletics mixed things
up in tailgating spirit with fun field activities and a special appearance from Seymour.
Dr. Jennifer L. Lemacks and her team led the coordination of the event. She remarked,
“This event was a showcase of USM’s collaborative spirit, and our faculty and staff
are talented individuals who have much to offer our youth and broader community.”
Career Quest aims to spark early interest in the diverse careers that Southern Miss
has to offer. Thanks to partnerships across the University, young learners left with
more than just brochures–they left with new possibilities.
Click here for more information about the College of Nursing and Health Professions or click
here for the Gulf South Center.