Jackson State University News September 14, 2015 Jackson State welcomes 22 nations to its annual international symposium Representatives from 22 countries joined dignitaries at the 12th annual International Symposium on Recent Advances in Environmental Health Research sponsored by Jackson State University at the downtown Marriott Hotel. The event, Sept. 13-16, is a gathering of environmental and biomedical scientists and public health specialists, whose aim is to develop global solutions to complex challenges of the 21st century. Paul B. Tchounwou, symposium chair and JSU's associate dean of the College of Science, Engineering and Technology, said, "We expect to have a very productive gathering this week because what we discuss here is important for the city, state and nation. We're trying to address issues of interest to the general public. Researchers from 22 countries will share their new discoveries in environmental and public health." As visitors prepared for presentations from five continents, Tchounwou emphasized that government, too, plays a critical role in addressing health issues. JSU President Carolyn W. Meyers also extended greetings. "The promise that each of you brings with new technology will help Mississippi and the rest of world live comfortably on this planet. This symposium will also benefit our students, who are our next generation of leaders. It's a great opportunity for them to meet distinguished scientists, researchers and big thinkers. You will inspire and push them to go even further. That's what we do at Jackson State University. We challenge minds and change lives." Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant expressed delight that the event could have major implications for the state, particularly with the medical environment and public health system. "Mississippi is not lagging behind. We put $2 million into this great urban university because medicine is such a dynamic part of Jackson. We hope to have a medical center corridor that will rival Knoxville, Tenn., or Houston. We have the capability," he said. Bryant also touted the success of the state's 175 telemedicine locations, citing the innovation as one of only seven states in the nation with an A-rating and a successful method for providing health care to rural areas. Also, he said with the aging baby-boomer population, health care is ever so vital. "Our success with telemedicine may surprise some people because that's not the typical narrative for Mississippi, but we're among the leaders. ... Mississippi should not be held back by the bigotry of low expectations." As for addressing environmental issues, Jackson Mayor Tony Yarber told conferees, "Our city really needs you to do well ... We have not made the necessary advancements in technology. As it relates to environmental justice, we need to be in front of needle." As well, Yarber said, "We've got some real issues, so we need you to be the best and the brightest so that people understand that Jackson, Mississippi, is a place where people can invest their time, talent and resources. If you can solve the problems in Jackson, you can solve problems anywhere." Among other topics being explored by the experts include the causes of human cancer, blood levels in pre- and post-Katrina New Orleans, treatment of diabetes, HIV pathogenesis and health effects of low-dose radiation. SANDRA M. PHOENIX Executive Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> 800-999-8558, ext. 4820 404-702-5854 Skype: sandra.phoenix1 1438 West Peachtree NW Suite 200 Atlanta,GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (LYRASIS) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org<http://www.lyrasis.org/> Honor the ancestors, honor the children.