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NIST in Mississippi

$30M 

in recent financial awards from NIST to organizations in the state of Mississippi since 2022

NIST Supports Key Sectors in Mississippi

Advanced manufacturing

  • NIST supports the $15 billion Mississippi advanced manufacturing industry with products and services to check the purity of materials and gases, the efficiency of production processes, and the quality of products made with advanced manufacturing methods.
  • In FY 2022, NIST awarded $4 million to the University of Mississippi and the University of Southern Mississippi to advance understanding of graphene’s unique properties and applications to new products. An additional $5 million to the University of Southern Mississippi established a lab for calibration services, which industry relies on to meet the exacting specifications of advanced manufacturing methods.
  • Since FY 2020, the Mississippi Manufacturers Association, part of the NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership, has received over $6 million in federal funds from NIST, with over $6 million matched in nonfederal funds, to provide small and medium-sized manufacturers the tools to innovate, create and retain jobs; increase profits; and save time and money.

MMA-MEP helped Hood Industries, headquartered in Hattiesburg, participate in a Reliable Manufacturing Skills Boot Camp to empower employees to maintain equipment more effectively, improve production flow, and enhance safety. The training resulted in a $75,000 cost savings and 24 retained jobs. 

Aerospace, aviation, and defense

  • NIST is helping to grow Mississippi’s technology-ready workforce with funding for:
    • Training and standards for uncrewed aircraft systems: a $4 million grant to Mississippi State University in FY 2022
    • A center for STEM education using virtual reality: a $4 million grant to Mississippi State University in FY 2024
  • NIST reference materialscalibrations and other services help to ensure accuracy in measurements of altitude and airspeed, and in remote sensing via satellites. The atomic clocks used by global positioning systems and telecommunications networks rely on precision timekeeping disseminated by NIST, starting with the NIST primary standard atomic clock.

Public safety, health and resilience

  • In 2022, Mississippi experienced more tornadoes than any other state, with 184 reported. NIST is helping to improve storm prediction with FY 2022 grants to Mississippi State University’s weather research laboratory ($1 million) and the University of Mississippi’s infrasound calibration facility ($1.5 million).
  • NIST researchers and collaborators have improved the design of buildings to perform better under high wind conditions. Our recommendations are being incorporated into building codes, making new buildings safer.

MEP Success Stories

Strengthening Skills: Journey with Reliable Manufacturing Training

Reported Year
2024
Hood Industries sought to improve several aspects of their daily plant operations including production efficiency and equipment reliability. They recognized the need to prevent production delays, reduce maintenance costs, and bridge skill gaps among workers. To achieve these goals, Hood Industries sought "Reliable Manufacturing" training in an

Basic Electrical Skills Training

Reported Year
2024
K&K Systems’ array of products predominantly feature sophisticated electrical and control systems. The intricate electrical composition of their offerings necessitates a comprehensive understanding of electrical assembly techniques to circumvent quality discrepancies. Implementing a training program for the manufacturing staff that encompasses

RSG Quality System Refresh

Reported Year
2023
RSG requested follow-up support from MMA-MEP Center at Northeast Mississippi Community College (NEMCC), part of the MEP National Network™, in pursuing registration to the ISO standard in order to satisfy new and expanding customer requirements. NEMCC Workforce provides training to develop the skills that industry employers require.

News & Updates

Blog Posts

Learn how NIST improves the lives of all Americans by conducting research and fostering collaborations that make possible everything from reliable vaccine storage and fair fuel transactions to next-generation MRIs and fair stock trades. Check out NIST Works for You.

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