Andrew Hellman
Year in School
Junior
Major Degree Program / Department
Computer Science & Math
Faculty Mentor(s)
Dr. Prasad Calyam
How did you get started in research?
“I knew going into college that I wanted to participate in Undergraduate Research. During Welcome Week, I attended the Undergraduate Research Fair. Dr. Blockus gave me a few people to talk to, and even sent out some emails to get the conversation started, one of whom was Dr. Prasad Calyam. After meeting Dr. Calyam, getting to tour lab and seeing all the projects happening, I knew this is who I wanted to be my mentor. He was very kind to take me under his wing the first week of classes and help me find a project where I would fit perfectly.”
Anvitha Boosani
Aylin Kalabak
Year in School
Junior
Major Degree Program / Department
Biological Sciences
Faculty Mentor(s)
Dr. Brett Ulery
How did you get started in research?
After attending the wonderful series of workshops offered by the Office of Undergraduate Research in my first semester at Mizzou and thanks to some guidance by OUR staff, I had my first ever research experience with Ellis Fischel Cancer Center Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program.
Carissa Bersche
Year in School
Senior
Major Degree Program / Department
Biochemistry
Faculty Mentor(s)
Dr. Antje Heese
How did you get started in undergraduate research?
“I always knew I wanted to be involved in research, and that was a big reason that I came to Mizzou. The summer before entering my freshman year, I was looking at the Undergraduate Research page and I found FRIPS (Freshman Research In Plants) applications and I applied for that, and then throughout my first week at Mizzou I took several lab tours and went to a bunch of the Undergraduate Research events and got connected with other professors, and then I joined Dr. Heese’s lab through FRIPS.”
Erin Wieland
Year in School
Sophomore
Major Degree Program / Department
Biochemistry
Faculty Mentor(s)
Dr. Margaret Lange
What is the best thing about research?
The best part of undergraduate research is exploring what I’m passionate about while learning from people who help me grow. Building connections and discovering new possibilities has made my college experience even more meaningful.
Grace Raycraft
Year in School
Junior
Major Degree Program / Department
Microbiology
Faculty Mentor(s)
Dr. Scott Peck
What is the best thing about doing research?
My favorite part of conducting research is the constant opportunities to learn and grow. I always know that I will be gaining knowledge and practicing skills that are necessary for a future as an independent researcher. Even when you make mistakes, you have a lab mates who help you understand what went wrong and how to improve the outcome going forward.
Hunter Hollomon
Year in School
Junior
Major Degree Program / Department
Biochemistry
Faculty Mentor(s)
Dr. Bettina Mittendorfer
What advice can you give about doing undergraduate research?
I would encourage anyone interested in research to understand that you don’t need prior experience – all you need is interest in your discipline of choice and the humble desire to learn and explore. Mentors understand that you come in as a freshman without college-level research experience, and they are prepared to guide you through the process of becoming an undergraduate researcher.
Jacob Morgan
Year in School
Sophomore
Major Degree Program / Department
Biochemistry
Faculty Mentor(s)
Dr. Michael Petris
What advice can you give about doing undergraduate research?
Even if you’re just a little curious about research, give it a try! It can seem daunting at first, but you don’t need to have everything figured out or come in with tons of experience to get started. No matter your year, major, or background, there is a place for you in research here at Mizzou.
Maddie Bunke
Year in School
Sophomore
Major Degree Program / Department
Biological Sciences and Psychological Sciences
Faculty Mentor(s)
Dr. Jacqueline Limberg
What is the best thing about research?
The best research experiences begin when you reach out and show genuine enthusiasm. The work I have done has been enriching and I’ve learned an abundance about ethical data collection and biological mechanisms.
Nigel Turner
Year in School
Junior
Major Degree Program / Department
Biochemistry