The need for better production systems for food, fiber and biopharmaceuticals is becoming more important today since the world population is increasing while the arable land is decreasing. Also advances in science and technology facilitate realization of systems for more efficient production of more specific molecules of biopharmaceutical importance such as monoclonal antibodies.

Using advanced research approaches such as transcriptomics and proteomics, research in the Animal Functional Genomics Laboratory is aimed at first better understanding fundamental biological mechanisms of gene expression during early development, and then to apply these findings for producing genetically enhanced livestock or producing animals for biomedical studies.

Enabling factors for our success in this area of research include highly motivated team members with superior training in molecular, cellular and developmental biology and molecular genetics, state of the art research facilities in the Animal Functional Genomics Laboratory located at the Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences , state of the art research facilities at the Life Sciences and Biotechnology Institute for which our laboratory has full access. In addition, Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences also has a state of the art research facilities for bioimaging, Facility for Organismal and Cellular Imaging (FOCI). Thus, our Laboratory, University, Department, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology where Dr. Memili is a graduate trainer, Life Sciences and Biotechnology Institute are all well positioned to develop new technologies that will help solve emerging problems, due in fact to having expert scientists and modern laboratories and research facilities.

Mississippi State University as a Land-Grant university is part of a cohesive town-university community with the growing agricultural-commercial-industrial town of Starkville. The University in which our laboratory is located contributes to education and research while providing community service to the State and its people in every region.