EMPS FAQs

What is EMPS? EMPS is a joint program between the Department of Medicinal Chemistry at the University of Mississippi and the School of Polymers and High Performance Materials at the University of Southern Mississippi. Faculty and students from the two institutions have formed teams and are developing joint projects that explore how polymer science and medicinal chemistry can synergistically extend the methods of making and evaluating new materials, new bioactive agents and new applications of biomaterials. EMPS is a National Science Foundation-sponsored IGERT program. The acronym IGERT stands for Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship.

What do EMPS Fellows and Associates do?

• Research at the interface of polymer science and medicinal chemistry (research areas include parallel synthesis supports and drug discovery; biomaterials for medical applications; antimicrobial coatings, films and interfaces).
• Education at the interface of polymer science and medicinal chemistry: student-led teaching (polymer science to medicinal chemistry and vice versa).
• Entrepreneurial training: a series of educational modules and experiences covering areas like finance, marketing and intellectual property.
• International immersion experiences (China in 2005) that allow students to learn about global science and business.

What is so special about being an EMPS Fellow?

• Opportunity to participate in an interdisciplinary learning experience
• Competitive stipend
• Financial support for tuition and fees
• International travel
• Chance to acquire new skills sets not normally learned in a graduate program

What is so special about being an EMPS Associate?

• Opportunity to participate in an interdisciplinary learning experience
• International travel
• Chance to acquire new skills sets not normally learned in a graduate program

Who is elligible to become an EMPS fellow?

• U.S. citizens or permanent residents
• Students who have earned a bachelor’s degree in a related area and who want to pursue the Ph.D. degree

Who is elligible to be an EMPS Associate?

• Non-U.S. citizens or permanent residents
• Students who have earned a bachelor’s degree in a related area and who want to pursue a master’s degree
• Students who are pursuing Ph.D. degrees but who were not selected to become Fellows.