Racer Report: Feb. 16-20

MURRAY, Ky. — The latest Murray State University Racer Report includes student, faculty, staff and alumni accomplishments, announcements, upcoming campus events and more for the week of Feb. 16-20.

 

**

 

For the seventh consecutive year, a four-person Murray State University horticulture team earned a first-place overall finish at the Southern Region American Society for Horticultural Science (SR-ASHS) meetings at the Southern Association of Agricultural Scientists (SAAS) Winter Conference in Louisville, Kentucky.

The Association of Collegiate Branches (ACB) represents the undergraduate student branch of the American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS). Founded in 1961, the ACB serves undergraduate horticulture students by hosting student-focused activities during the SAAS/SR- ASHS winter meetings, including business meetings, a Club Share competition and coordination with student judging contests.

The Murray State team was composed of Shelby Barber, Lyndsey Bryant, Kaitlynn Burrus and Allie McCarty. The team alternate was Abby Norris, who competed as an individual in the contest. The competition evaluates collective knowledge, technical skill and accuracy across multiple horticultural disciplines.

During the contest, students identified 20 woody plant species and 20 florals, and judged 40 fruits, vegetables and nuts. Murray State students placed in the top three positions across multiple categories, demonstrating strong preparation, teamwork and academic excellence.

Individual student honors included:

Allie McCarty: first overall individual, first in woody plants (tie), and third in vegetables

Kaitlynn Burrus: first place in florals and first in woody plants (tie)

Shelby Barber: third overall individual

The team was led by Corrin Heilig, Horticulture Club president and 2025 First Place Overall Individual winner, who served as the student coach and team leader, providing mentorship and guidance throughout the preparation process.

The team was advised by Murray State University Horticulture Instructor Dava Hayden, who supports students throughout their academic development and competition preparation. Hayden has also been named Advisor-Elect for the ASHS Association of Collegiate Branches, further strengthening Murray State’s leadership presence at the regional level.

Additional student leadership appointments announced during the conference included:

Allie McCarty, appointed Social Chair for the SR-ASHS Association of Collegiate Branches

Kaitlynn Burrus, elected Recruitment Chair

“These achievements reflect not only competitive success, but also the leadership, professionalism and dedication of our students,” Hayden said. “I am extremely proud of their continued accomplishments.”

**

Murray State University Professor of Cybersecurity and Network Management Dr. Abdul Yarali, Professor of Engineering Physics Dr. Aleck Leedy, Assistant Professor of Computer Science Dr. Hassan Misteerahi and Computer Science and Information Systems Graduate Student Moni Dronavalli recently submitted an interdisciplinary, collaborative research paper to the IEEE AI Conference.

The paper titled “Securing Critical Infrastructure: AI, Quantum Computing and Blockchain Synergy for Smart Grid Resiliency” presents an integrated framework that combines Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing, and Blockchain to enhance smart grid security and operational efficiency. As critical infrastructure systems undergo rapid digital transformation and cyber threats continue to grow in sophistication, the need for multi-layered, forward-looking protection strategies has become increasingly urgent.

Researchers provide foundational evidence demonstrating the viability of converging these technologies into a unified security and operational framework. They highlight how AI-driven intelligence, quantum-enabled computational capabilities, and blockchain-based trust mechanisms can collectively strengthen the resilience, transparency and efficiency of smart grid infrastructures.

The work further emphasizes that realizing the vision of smart, secure and sustainable critical infrastructure will require sustained research investment, pilot deployments, standardization efforts and strong collaboration among researchers, utilities, technology providers and policymakers. The potential benefits to economic prosperity, public safety and national security underscore the importance of continued innovation in this space.  

“The integration of Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing, and Blockchain enables a fundamentally new security paradigm for smart grids—one that is adaptive, resilient and capable of anticipating threats while optimizing operational efficiency in real time,” Yarali said. 

**

Pet therapy events will be held in conjunction with University Libraries and the Humane Society of Calloway County each month from noon to 1 p.m. at the Waterfield Library Breezeway. In the event of inclement weather it will be in the lobby of the Applied Science Building. 

Upcoming events:

Thursday, March 12

Friday, April 17

Thursday, April 30

**

The Humanities+ Series is pleased to host a Skill Share with Dr. Robert “Moses” Fritz on Friday, Feb. 20 in Faculty Hall room 208 at 2 p.m. A faculty member in the Department of Global Languages and Theatre Arts, Dr. Fritz will present a workshop titled “Putting the Work Back into Homework: Principles of AI-based Assignment Design.” The workshop is free and open to all.