Who We Are
Mission
The Mississippi Emerging Research Institution Council (MERIC) advances knowledge and innovation by fostering collaboration across disciplines and institutions. We empower faculty and researchers at institutions where research is not the primary mission by sharing resources, creating partnerships, and advocating for their work. MERIC helps emerging research institutions secure funding, promote academic excellence, and drive transformative research that addresses global challenges and benefits society. Through inclusive and ethical practices, we unite diverse scholars, nurture future leaders, and translate research into real-world impact.
Chair
Brandon Magers, Ph.D.
Professor and Chair
Department of Chemistry & Physics
Belhaven University
Department of Chemistry & Physics
Belhaven University
Chair-Elect
Chris Jurgenson, Ph.D.
Professor of Biochemistry
Department of Math and Sciences
Delta State University
Department of Math and Sciences
Delta State University
Immediate Past Chair
Brandon Magers, Ph.D.
Professor and Chair
Department of Chemistry & Physics
Belhaven University
Department of Chemistry & Physics
Belhaven University
Representatives
Updated for the 2025-2026 academic year
| Institution | Name | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Belhaven University | John Estes | Professor and Dean of Science & Mathematics |
| Belhaven University | Brandon Magers | Professor and Chair of Chemistry & Physics |
| Delta State University | Chris Jurgenson | Professor of Biochemistry |
| Millsaps College | Wolfgang Kramer | Professor and Chair of Chemistry & Biochemistry |
| Millsaps College | Tim Ward | Associate Dean for Research & Academic Support |
| Mississippi College | David Magers | Professor of Chemistry & Chemical Physics |
| Mississippi College | Jana Thoma | Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences |
| Mississippi University for Women | Ethan Flurry | Assistant Professor of Psychology |
| Mississippi University for Women | Ross Whitwam | Professor of Biology and Associate Chair of Sciences & Mathematics |
| Mississippi Valley State University | Victor Bii | Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences |
| Mississippi Valley State University | Abigail Newsome | Professor of Biology and Associate VP for Academic Affairs |
| Tougaloo College | Manliang Feng | Associate Professor and Chair of Chemistry & Physics |
| Tougaloo College | Diva Melvin | Assistant Professor and Coordinator of Pre-Health of Biology |
| William Carey University | Jalynn Roberts | Associate Provost for Academic Affairs |