Andrew Hellman
Year in School
Sophomore
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
Sophomore
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
Junior
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.”
Grace Raycraft
Year in School
Sophomore
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.
Jamie Baumann
Year in School
Senior
Major Degree Program / Department
Biological Sciences
Faculty Mentor(s)
Dr. Elizabeth King
What is the best thing about doing research?
I believe the best thing about undergraduate research is the opportunities to learn new things outside of a lecture room. Also, the amount of opportunities you are presented with is worth being a part of research!
Kameron Hahn
Year in School
Senior
Major Degree Program / Department
Biological Sciences
Faculty Mentor(s)
Dr. Laura Schulz
How can students get involved in undergraduate research?
“I would recommend that you attend workshops. We have plenty of workshops through the Office of Undergraduate Research, as well as the S.T.A.R. program. If you attend five of these workshops, you receive a S.T.A.R which verifies that you’re interested in joining a lab.”
Karan Kommu
Year in School
Senior
Major Degree Program / Department
Biological Sciences
Faculty Mentor(s)
Dr. Jaume Padilla
Why did you want to become an Ambassador?
“During my freshman and sophomore year, I joined two different labs. With that experience, I thought I would be able to better help other people join labs, and I wanted to let other students know that to switch to different labs if you haven’t found the right fit yet.”
Kate Bailey
Year in School
Senior
Major Degree Program / Department
Biological Sciences
Faculty Mentor(s)
Dr. Stephanie Gates
What is the best thing about doing research?
“Being a pre-medical student, I quickly learned how vital involvement in research would be for my journey. It has been incredible to think about how the things we study in the lab could someday contribute to better outcomes for future patients. Not only has research participation been fulfilling, but it has also taught me many valuable skills and helped me to develop professionally—more than anything else I have done so far. Undoubtedly, my undergraduate research experience will continue to serve me for many years, and I hope that other students can have a similar experience!”
Luke Marx
Year in School
Senior
Major Degree Program / Department
Biological Sciences
Faculty Mentor(s)
Dr. Aaron Stoker
How did you get started with undergraduate research?
“I first got started with undergraduate research through the Discovery Fellows program which allowed me to find a research path that fit my interests and skills. After interviewing with a few labs, I found that the Thompson lab was a great fit for me.”