Southern Miss Launches Inaugural Study Abroad Program in Africa
Date: Tue, 09/08/2026 – 01:34 PM
By: David Tisdale
Students and faculty from the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) recently participated in the inaugural Study Abroad program in Africa, focusing on how Zambia and Namibia balance energy resource use and conservation. The program, titled “Energy and Natural Resources in Africa,” took place from July 2-25 and involved three faculty members and six students exploring various topics, including metals, mining, and biodiversity.
The program was supported by an IDEAS grant from the U.S. Department of State. Dr. Mac Alford, professor of botany, led the initiative alongside Dr. Jeremy Deans and Dr. Kayla Stan, who offered expertise in geology and geography, respectively.
Alford emphasized the program’s significance, stating that it enhanced both student and faculty experiences. Participants, including Sandra Moss, a Ph.D. candidate focused on STEM education, gained critical insights into energy management and sustainability, realizing the complexities of energy systems firsthand.
Moss noted, “Understanding how countries produce, manage, and transition their energy systems is key to sustainability.” Her experiences underscored the importance of immersive learning that can transform educational paradigms for K-12 students.
Dr. Deans highlighted the critical role of mining in the green energy transition, explaining that both countries are significant players due to their substantial mineral deposits. He provided geological context during visits to mines, illustrating the economic geology not typically covered in current curricula.
The travels also revealed contrasting population dynamics in Zambia and Namibia, directly influencing infrastructure development and tourism avenues. Despite their mineral wealth, both countries face challenges related to energy access, with many citizens lacking electricity.
Dr. Stan contributed her expertise in energy production and sustainable development, forming potential collaborations with local academics and industry partners. Her observations emphasized the real-world applications of energy management and resource allocation, providing students a unique interaction with high-level professionals.
The group’s experiences illustrated that education extends beyond the classroom; the lessons learned during this program present opportunities for enhanced teaching methodologies and research endeavors in sustainability for the future.
About the College of Arts and Sciences
The College of Arts and Sciences at The University of Southern Mississippi encompasses 13 schools and over 100 academic programs, dedicated to educating students and advancing knowledge across various disciplines.
