Hattiesburg, MS - High school students from across the Magnolia state converged at The University of Southern Mississippi’s internationally renowned School of Polymers and High Performance Materials on November 11th for the 3rd annual Polymer Science High School Competition. Noetic’s sponsorship funded the competition’s challenges that included written essays, academic challenges, and a quiz bowl.
The high school students had the unique opportunity to meet with the department’s faculty, students and graduates to learn more about the cutting-edge research being conducted at the school. The goal of the annual program is to increase students’ interest in polymer science and provide awareness about the rewarding careers available in polymer science.
“Noetic takes every opportunity to encourage careers in the sciences. As technology commercialization experts, Noetic feels it is important for high school students to understand the impact their education choices can have on their careers, lifestyles, and ability to impact society in positive ways,” said Les Goff, president of Noetic Technologies, Inc.
This year, the participating schools included Hattiesburg High School, Petal High School, Carl Loftin Career and Technical Center of Columbia, Madison Career and Technical Center in Madison County, Simpson County Technical Center of Mendenhall, and Presbyterian Christian School of Hattiesburg.
The School of Polymers and High Performance Materials offers undergraduate and graduate programs leading to Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, and doctorate degrees in Polymer Science and Engineering and Sports and High Performance Materials. Its mission is to educate students in the research and practice of polymer science and polymer engineering. Students receive valuable training for careers in academia, commerce and manufacturing which process and use polymeric materials.
Many of the school’s graduates hold prominent positions in scientific and technical organizations across the country. Recently, the school received approval from the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning to offer an undergraduate degree in Polymer Science and Engineering, beginning in the fall of 2012. It is the first of its kind in the state.
About Noetic Technologies:
Noetic Technologies, Inc. began as an initiative of The University of Southern Mississippi and is geared toward marketing and commercialization of the university’s technology. Noetic assists Southern Miss in the areas of contract negotiations, managing confidentiality & disclosure agreements, technical marketing, and intellectual property strategies.
Since 2004, Noetic has played a vital role in bringing ideas to the marketplace for several high tech startup companies. Noetic’s management team comprises over fifty years of combined experience in market research, product development, process management, and marketing strategies.
About Southern Miss:
The University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world.
Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, MS, with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu
For more information about the Southern Miss School of Polymers and High Performance Materials, call 601.266.4868 or visit http://www.usm.edu/polymer/
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