PINEVILLE, LA (LCUNews) -- Two Louisiana Christian University science majors have earned coveted spots at the University of Southern Mississippi in research experiences for undergraduates (REU) this summer. Sophomore Joshua Poole, a pre-engineering with chemistry major from Lithia, Florida, will be doing his REU in the polymer science and engineering department. Junior Ethan West, a chemistry major from Pine Prairie, will be doing his REU in the Southern Miss chemistry department. Poole’s National Science Foundation funded program focuses on “polymer innovations for a sustainable future.” Poole said he is excited about the opportunity this gives STEM students to experience what an actual job in their major would be like. Plus, it comes with a $6000 stipend. West is participating in a National Science Foundation funded program focusing on “sensing and assembly based on non-covalent interactions,” he said. The central focus of the program is biochemistry, with the assembly of proteins and macromolecules, as well as the synthesis of bioactive molecules. “Ethan West and Josh Poole are both excellent students,” said David Elliott, chair of the Division of Natural Sciences. “Both are dedicated learners and gifted in … [Read more...]

By Baptist Message staff GDANSK, Poland (LBM) – A Louisiana Baptist Disaster Relief team hit the ground running this week as they took over the remodeling of an apartment at First Baptist Church, Gdansk, Poland that will house 16 Ukrainian refugees. The work begun by DR teams from Mississippi and Ohio is expected to be completed by April 18 according to Louisiana Baptists Disaster Relief Strategist Stan Statham. The Louisiana team, whose first day of ministry in the country was April 12, also will assist with shelter management, supply distribution, feeding refugees, and chaplaincy work this week. Louisiana, Ohio, Kentucky and Mississippi will send one team per month for at least six months to serve in Gdansk on a rotating basis. Statham asked for continued prayers during the team’s time in Poland. “There is a great need for housing here,” Statham told the Baptist Message. “The Polish churches are really reaching out to refugees. Please pray for the children whose life is just turned upside down. Last night I spoke at the Ukrainian church prayer meeting. While I could not understand what they were saying, I certainly understood the weeping.” … [Read more...]