Program Overview

ARTISAN Program

The ARTISAN student society is a community where entrepreneurship, innovation, and translational research activities converge. This program is designed for students who are curious about turning their research into a product, launching an idea into the world, or collaborating with creative peers.

What Is Translational Research?

At Southern Miss, translational research refers to the process of taking what is learned in classrooms and labs and turning it into solutions that can be used in the real world. This involves moving beyond papers and prototypes to create products, services, policies, and innovations that improve lives.

Benefits of Joining ARTISAN

• Build an innovation mindset that sets you apart in any career
• Access mentorship, funding opportunities, and collaboration networks
• Connect with peers and faculty who are passionate about real-world impact

Events and Programs Supported by ARTISAN

• FlightPath: One-on-one consultations to refine ideas and funding to test them
• Golden Idea Pitch Competition: Turn research into a pitch that matters
• Hatchathon: Fast-paced, team-based innovation challenges

Student and Alumni Stories

• Mark Robertson (Ph.D. '24): Turned Southern Miss polymer research into RebornC, a startup that converts recycled plastics into advanced carbon heaters
• Stacey Hall (Ph.D. '06): Helped shape Southern Miss sport-security research into the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS), a nationally recognized academic center

Laying the Foundation for a Culture of Innovation

ARTISAN is a new initiative (2025) that is building momentum, with students from across disciplines exploring how their research and ideas can translate into real-world impact. The program is supported by partners such as the U.S. National Science Foundation Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (NSF TIP) and the USM Office of Innovation Management.