Contact: James Carskadon

STARKVILLE, Miss.—A Mississippi State University faculty member and a staff member are among those named by the Mississippi Business Journal to the 2017 “Top in Tech” list.

Lakiesha Williams, an associate professor in MSU’s Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, was named to the list, which recognizes individuals and companies that innovate and create jobs, contributing to Mississippi’s economy. Williams, who received her doctorate in biomedical engineering from MSU in 2006, is part of a group of mechanical and biomedical engineers developing a virtual human body model that accurately depicts injury response. The model will serve as the basis for the development of innovative safety countermeasures.

“It’s an honor to be recognized for contributing to technological advancements in Mississippi,” Williams said. “I am humbled to share this platform with men and women across the state who recognize the importance of technological innovation. Intellectual contributions of my hard-working student researchers, both past and present, and meaningful collaborations with many MSU colleagues have helped to make this recognition possible.”

MSU Center for Entrepreneurship and Outreach Director Eric Hill also was recognized by the Mississippi Business Journal for his work with SportSnax, a company he co-founded and debuted in 2013. SportSnax helps fans order concessions from their phone and have them delivered directly to their seats. Hill graduated from MSU in 2012 with a degree in industrial engineering.

“I’m beyond humbled to even be considered along with such tremendous talent changing the landscape of Mississippi,” Hill said. “When I look at the other names on the list, it reinforces the idea that it’s hard to name another place where you’ll find such bold ambition, passion and work ethic as the people in this state. Whether through SportSnax or my role at MSU’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Outreach, I feel lucky to work with colleagues on this list and countless others to help advance Mississippi’s reputation as a leader in the innovation economy -- not just today, but by building the framework for the next 20 ‘Top in Tech’ lists.”

For a complete list of the 2017 “Top in Tech” honorees, visit http://msbusiness.com/mississippis-top-tech-awards/top-tech-current-winn....

MSU is Mississippi’s leading university, available online at www.msstate.edu.