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June 24, 2025

Spartan students making a difference in June

Though summers on MSU's campus are a little quieter than usual, there's still a subtle hum of energy as Spartan students continue to make the world a better place each day. From water research to starting programs that help the community. MSU helps foster students' creativity, research ambitions and success.

MSU researchers examine Karachi’s water mafia, local experts reflect on Michigan’s water woes

In the humid heat of Karachi — Pakistan’s largest city and home to more than 20 million people — a tanker truck connects to a fire hydrant and begins siphoning water. This is not unusual. These tankers are part of what’s known as the “water mafia” or “tanker mafia,” a loosely organized network that steals water from the public supply and sells it back to residents at inflated prices. At MSU, doctoral student Noormah Rizwan and assistant professor James Sears are studying how this system operates and asking questions about inequality and societal impact.

MSU students shine at UURAF with award-winning research on health, heritage and equity

The 27th annual University Undergraduate Research and Arts Forum was held this spring at the Jack Breslin Student Events Center. UURAF provides hundreds of Michigan State University students the opportunity to present their completed or in-progress research to faculty, staff and external audiences.

MSU students partner with Michigan communities to improve trail access

MSU students, under the direction of Bob Wilson, are collaborating with communities across Michigan to improve access and maintenance of local trails, parks and waterways.

Student view: From a cold walk to a burning purpose, a 20-year-old’s mission to serve the forgotten

Goodness Adefope is a first year medical student in MSU's College of Osteopathic Medicine. Coming to MSU from Texas, Michigan winters hit Adefope hard. He didn’t grow up navigating subzero wind chills or frostbitten mornings, and wanted to make sure his new neighbors stayed warm, so he started Keep Lansing Warm to provide the homeless population in Lansing with blankets and winter clothes.

By: Maggie Carstensen