Alex Vanover
Junior
Major Degree Program / DepartmentBiochemistry
Faculty Mentor(s)Dr. Barry Edwards, Biochemistry
Why did you want to become an ambassador?
“I always knew that research was going to be important to me. Getting hands-on experience in a real laboratory is completely different from what you learn in classroom labs, and getting that experience as an undergraduate would help me get a head start on becoming a great scientist. I became ambassador because I love working in research and want to encourage anybody who thinks scientific and experimentally give research a try.”
Ashwin Garlapaty
Junior
Major Degree Program / DepartmentBiological Sciences
Faculty Mentor(s)Dr. Aaron Stoker, Orthopaedic Surgery
Why is undergraduate research important?
“Undergraduate Research allows students to go beyond the classroom. Students are not learning from textbooks but learning from new discoveries they’ve made in their own research.”
Bethany Moore
Sophomore
Major Degree Program / DepartmentPublic Administration and Policy
Faculty Mentor(s)Dr. Jennifer Bohanek
Why did you want to become an Ambassador?
Participating in research was the best experience of my Freshman year. I was able to develop skills in communication, leadership, and collaboration; meanwhile, I made lasting academic connections and gained personalized mentorship. I wanted to become an ambassador to encourage other undergraduates to pursue research opportunities. Coming to college, I thought “research” was solely defined by lab experimentation with test tubes and microscopes; I quickly learned that there is a vast space and great need for research in all areas of study. As an ambassador, I hope to demonstrate that people of all majors and all interests – whether STEM, humanities, or anything in between – have a place in undergraduate research.
Carson Gaddie
Sophomore
Major Degree Program / DepartmentBiological Science
Faculty Mentor(s)Chiswili Yves Chabu
Why did you want to become an ambassador?
I found out through the S.T.A.R. workshops, which allowed me to better understand the components of the research environment and the role they can play in those environments.
Delanie Vinzant
Senior
Major Degree Program / DepartmentBiological Sciences, Economics
Faculty Mentor(s)Dr. Pam Brown, Biological Sciences
What piece of advice would you give to any student interested in pursuing undergraduate research?
“I would advise any student interested in research to look into the work of several labs that seem interesting and then speak to more than one PI before selecting a lab. Choosing the right lab for you is important!”
Della Cox
Senior
Major Degree Program / DepartmentSociology & Statistics
Faculty Mentor(s)Drs. Christopher Josey, Andrea Figueroa-Caballero, and Eileen Avery
Why did you want to become an Ambassador?
I know finding research opportunities can be intimidating and difficult. I have experience doing research within and outside of Mizzou, with professors of sociology, psychology, communication, biology, and political science. And I hope to use this experience to help students interested in research to find and be successful in research opportunities.
Devanshi Patel
Sophomore
Major Degree Program / DepartmentHealth Science
Faculty Mentor(s)Gary Baker
Why did you want to become an ambassador?
The desire to make it easier for freshman to get into research is how I reached out and became an ambassador.
Lauren Tigner
Sophomore
Major Degree Program / DepartmentSpeech, Lang, & Hear Sci-BHS
Faculty Mentor(s)Stacy Wagovich
Why did you want to become an ambassador?
I became a research ambassador because I have had a great experience in undergraduate research. It has shown me the real application of what I am learning in class and I want to share my experiences and story with others!
Leah Lepore
Sophomore
Major Degree Program / DepartmentBiochemistry
Faculty Mentor(s)Dr. Chris Lorson
Why did you want to become an Ambassador?
The task of finding your niche of research can be a rewarding feat, but also serve as a daunting task. Being a point of contact as someone who has gone through the experience, I hoped to do something to make it more navigable for students who want to learn more about the realm of possibilities in research. By becoming an ambassador for the Office of Undergraduate Research, I can do just that.
Maddy Creach
Senior
Major Degree Program / DepartmentBiological Sciences
Faculty Mentor(s)Dr. Walter Gassmann, Plant Sciences
Why did you want to become an ambassador?
“I wanted to become an undergraduate research ambassador at Mizzou to show my peers the value that working in a lab and doing research has brought me. Not only has being in a lab provided real world experience for my studies but it has given me the confidence to present my research to experts at Mizzou. I know that being in a lab as an undergraduate is not always the most positive experience at first but with time and dedication I have found a support system within my work that has been vital to my undergraduate career.”
Mandar Bhoyar
Graduate
Major Degree Program / DepartmentPsychology
Faculty Mentor(s)Dr. Ashley Groh
Why did you decide to continue research in graduate school after finishing your undergraduate degree?
“I decided to continue research and pursue a career in academia after completing my undergraduate work because based on skillset and my academic preferences, I found research to be the most rewarding profession I could join where I will get to contribute towards societal well-being. Psychology is the study of mind and behavior and I focus on infants’ relationship with their primary caregivers. With the discoveries I make, I will be able to expand the literature on parenting behaviors, ultimately bettering the lives of infants.”
Mason Ward
Senior
Major Degree Program / DepartmentPlant Sciences
Faculty Mentor(s)Dr. Deborah Finke and Dr. Robert Sites
Why did you want to become an Ambassador?
I had wanted to be an Undergraduate Research Ambassador because I desired to share my research experience with my fellow peers, mentors, and prospective students. I have been blessed with research opportunities, and I believe it is important to show others the value in research as well as encourage them to get involved. My research labs have provided me with the knowledge experience to excel in my future endeavors.
Meghan Lawlor
Graduate Student
Major Degree Program / DepartmentVeterinary Medicine
Faculty Mentor(s)Dr. Pete Sutovsky, Animal Sciences
Why did you want to become an ambassador?
“I wanted to become an ambassador to inform, encourage, and serve as an approachable resource for undergraduates of all majors who are interested in conducting research. I wish for all undergraduates to know how research provides countless opportunities to discover and explore the field you are passionate about while learning lots and making connections along the way.”
Micah Turrell
Graduate
Major Degree Program / DepartmentBiological Sciences
Faculty Mentor(s)Dr. Manuel Leal
Can you name a time that stands out as a great experience during your time as an undergraduate researcher?
My best moment so far would be the time that I presented the results of my research project (that I completed as part of LSUROP) at the Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology. I really enjoyed the opportunity to share my research and exchange ideas with scientists in my field.
Rebecca Shyu
Senior
Major Degree Program / DepartmentComputer Science
Faculty Mentor(s)Dr. Iris Zachary, Health Management & Informatics
Why did you want to become an ambassador?
“I applied to be an Undergraduate Research Ambassador because I’ve been fortunate enough to be involved with incredible projects and mentors during my time here at Mizzou. Doing research can open up doors to many other opportunities for graduate school or internships/jobs, and I think that everyone should have the chance to do so!”