The U.S. Department of Energy (DoE) has funded the Master of Science in Economic Development (MSED) program for three years to conduct socio-economic analysis of hydraulic fracturing as part of the Tuscaloosa Marine Shale Laboratory (TMSL). Others on the analysis include University of Louisiana-Lafayette, Los Alamos National Lab, Missouri University of Science and Technology University, and Oklahoma University. In addition to the main focus of petroleum engineering issues such as formation evaluation, enhanced oil recovery, production data analysis, and wellbore stability & cement design, the TMSL will be examining socio-economic issues. These issues include analyzing supply chains, the impact of oil and gas severance tax, workforce development programs, and business assistance programs. Findings will be presented at a multi-disciplinary training event for TMS stakeholders that includes public officials, community leaders, industry, and researchers. MSED will be seeking to hire a research assistant for the project. If you are interested in the research assistant position contact Chad Miller at [email protected] or call 601-266-6666.

The Trent Lott National Center now has access to ArcGIS Community Analyst, which is a Web-based system that allows for viewing and analyzing demographic and business data. It provides fast access to intelligent color-coded maps and thousands of data variables that when combined paint a complete picture of the characteristics that make up a community. It allows users to prioritize community projects, allocate resources for greatest impact, and understand the demographic characteristics of people potentially impacted by a policy decision. Starting Fall 2018 Community Analyst will be incorporated into ED 722 Economic Development Data Analytics and Theory course so that graduates of the program have knowledge of how to utilize and analyze the latest tools for data-driven economic development.