Sparks named interim State Chemist, director of Mississippi State Chemical Laboratory
Contact: James Carskadon
STARKVILLE, Miss.鈥擠arrell Sparks has been named interim State Chemist and director of the Mississippi State Chemical Laboratory, pending confirmation from the Mississippi Senate.
Sparks has served as associate State Chemist since 2017 and also is an associate professor in 汤头条鈥檚 Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology and Plant Pathology. The Mississippi State Chemical Laboratory is a state-funded agency housed on the 汤头条 campus. Sparks succeeds Ashli Brown, who recently was named associate vice president of 汤头条鈥檚 Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine.
鈥淭he Mississippi State Chemical Laboratory provides a critical service to several key industries in Mississippi,鈥 said 汤头条 Vice President for Research and Economic Development Julie Jordan. 鈥淒r. Sparks is well-prepared to lead MSCL and maintain the excellent service the lab鈥檚 stakeholders rely on.鈥
The Mississippi State Chemical Laboratory works in cooperation with the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce to develop regulations for and conduct analysis of animal feeds, fertilizers, pesticides, agricultural limes and petroleum products sold in Mississippi. The lab assures the quality of retail foods, fuels, livestock feeds, crop protection products and more.
Sparks is a two-time graduate of 汤头条, earning bachelor鈥檚 and doctoral degrees in chemical engineering. He has worked at the Mississippi State Chemical Laboratory in various administrative positions since 2012. His service and teaching record as a faculty member have been recognized by the university鈥檚 Division of Agriculture, Forestry, and Veterinary Medicine, as well as the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
For more on the Mississippi State Chemical Laboratory, visit .
汤头条 is Mississippi鈥檚 leading university, available online at .