Mississippi State students now have the opportunity to conduct graduate study in the biological sciences on the other side of the world.

A newly signed agreement between the College of Forest Resources and the Malaysia University of Science is creating a research assistantship, complete with logistical support. The first student soon will be selected to study tropical stream ecology in the Southeast Asian nation.

"This is an opportunity for a student to conduct research on fish habitats in highland streams, including the impact of logging and mining on fish populations," said MSU professor of fisheries Donald Jackson. "Logging and mining are major industries in Malaysia and the problems they cause are similar to those faced in some areas of Mississippi."

As part of the MSU-MUS agreement, a Malaysian student will come to Starkville to enroll in the master's degree program of wildlife and fisheries.