Press Release: MAMA Invests in Mississippi’s Future Workforce with 11 Scholarships Awarded to Students Across the State

TUPELO, MISS. – The Mississippi Automotive Manufacturers Association (MAMA) is continuing its investment in Mississippi’s future workforce by awarding scholarships to 11 outstanding students pursuing educational opportunities and careers connected to the automotive manufacturing industry.

Representing seven Mississippi colleges and universities, the 2026–2027 MAMA scholarship recipients have earned an impressive average GPA of 3.84 while pursuing degrees and technical training in a wide range of disciplines. Their areas of study include automotive technology, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, civil engineering, biomedical engineering, and industrial electronics and automation.

“What stands out about this year’s scholarship recipients is the breadth of talent and interests they bring to the future of automotive manufacturing,” said Skip Scaggs, President of MAMA. “These students are preparing themselves in areas such as engineering, automation, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing and research and product development. They understand that today’s automotive industry reaches far beyond the traditional manufacturing roles, and they are preparing for the technologies and opportunities that will shape our industry in the years ahead.”

The students are also gaining valuable experience beyond the classroom. Collectively, they have completed co-ops, internships, undergraduate research, manufacturing training and industry-recognized certifications, while also serving in leadership roles. Their technical strengths include embedded systems, robotics and automation, automotive service, supply chain, quality systems, CAD/CAM, lean manufacturing and other areas that are increasingly important to modern manufacturing.

“The accomplishments these students have already achieved are especially encouraging,” said Judy Johnson, MAMA Scholarship Chairwoman. “They are not only doing well academically, but they are seeking out opportunities to gain practical experience, develop their technical skills and become leaders. That combination of education, hands-on experience and initiative is exactly what we hope to encourage through the MAMA scholarship program.”

MAMA has awarded more than $495,000 in scholarships to Mississippi students since the program began in 2006, supporting students as they pursue education and training that can lead to careers in automotive manufacturing and related fields.

“When we invest in these students, we are investing in Mississippi’s future,” Scaggs said. “MAMA is proud to support their educational journeys and to help connect the success of Mississippi’s students with the continued growth and strength of our automotive manufacturing industry.”

The 2026–2027 scholarship class reflects the increasingly broad range of knowledge and skills needed in today’s automotive manufacturing industry. From engineering and automation to artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and product development, these students represent an emerging talent pipeline with the potential to contribute to Mississippi’s manufacturing workforce in many different ways.

Among the successful 2026-2027 MAMA Scholarship candidates attending Mississippi State University are:

David Adams, designated a 2026-2027 Nissan Scholar, is a computer engineering student at Mississippi State University pursuing a bachelor’s degree with an expected graduation in Fall 2027. Adams has earned President’s List recognition and developed experience in embedded systems, hardware design, microcontrollers, PCB layout, and artificial intelligence integration. Through multiple co-op rotations with Adtran, he has worked in customer software development, embedded systems and kernel development, and hardware design and development. His experience includes designing custom PCBs, developing automated testing systems, debugging hardware and firmware, and working with high-speed optical technology. Adams is particularly interested in automotive electronic control unit design and hopes to begin his career as an embedded systems or firmware engineer in the automotive industry. His goal is to contribute to vehicle technology that improves efficiency, safety, reliability, and the consumer experience. He hopes to contribute to future vehicle technologies.

Garrett Campbell is a mechanical engineering student at Mississippi State University, pursuing a bachelor’s degree with minors in mathematics, global engineering leadership, and pre-MBA. A member of the Shackouls Honors College, Campbell has earned multiple academic scholarships and is a Certified SolidWorks Associate with training in CNC machining, dimensioning and tolerancing, and OSHA safety. Campbell is interested in materials science and its applications in automotive manufacturing. He hopes to pursue a career in automotive materials research and development. His goal is to help develop vehicles that are safer, more efficient, and dependable. At Mississippi State, Campbell has served as a peer tutor and supplemental instruction leader while remaining active in engineering organizations and campus leadership. He brings technical knowledge, leadership experience, and practical engineering skills to his future career.

Tyler Kleinsasser has built a diverse engineering background through internships with the U.S. Department of the Navy, BNSF Railway, and Hensel Phelps Construction. His experience includes mechanical and structural maintenance, project planning, safety meetings, cost tracking, construction support, and process improvement. Kleinsasser has a strong interest in the automotive industry and is a member of the Automotive Division of the American Society for Quality and a student member of SAE International. He also is involved with organizations focused on engineering management, supply chain management, automation, and systems engineering. His commitment to service extends beyond his professional pursuits. Kleinsasser has volunteered with food banks, Habitat for Humanity, conservation initiatives, engineering and science outreach, disaster-related service projects, and community cleanups. His combination of engineering experience, automotive industry involvement, and dedication to service positions him to contribute to Mississippi’s growing auto manufacturing industry with hopes to apply these experiences in manufacturing and process improvement.

Spandan Niroula, designated a 2026-2027 Toyota Scholar, is a mechanical engineering student at Mississippi State University and is expected to graduate in May 2028. He has earned recognition including the President’s List, BCoE Undergraduate Research Award, and BRIDGES Research Award. Niroula gained manufacturing experience as a co-op engineer with Avail Bus Systems/nVent, where he applied computational fluid dynamics, thermal analysis, quality testing, and engineering design to major projects. He also serves as an engineering assistant with Athlete Engineering and as an undergraduate research assistant with Mississippi State’s Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems. His technical experience includes CAD, CFD, FEA, control systems, PCB design, microcontrollers, and rapid prototyping. Niroula is particularly interested in robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence within automotive manufacturing, focusing on improving vehicle and manufacturing-system safety, efficiency, reliability, and performance. His long-term goal is to advance into engineering management and continuous improvement. He is eager to apply his technical background to advanced automotive manufacturing.

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For more information about the MAMA Scholarship program, visit the MAMA website at  https://mamaonline.net/scholarships.

Contact:  Lacy Luckett, Director
Phone:  (662) 255-9678
E-mail:  msautomanufacturers@gmail.com