Ajay Tosh
Year in School
Junior
Major Degree Program / Department
Biological Sciences and Neuroscience
Faculty Mentor(s)
Dr. David Beversdorf and Dr. Satyanarayana Rachagani
What is the best thing about research?
I love that research gives me the opportunity to push the boundaries of what is known and contribute knowledge that did not exist before.
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.”
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.
Cole Brodeur
Year in School
Junior
Major Degree Program / Department
Biochemistry
Faculty Mentor(s)
Dr. Clarissa Durie
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.
Neer Patel
Year in School
Junior
Major Degree Program / Department
Psychological Sciences & Biological Sciences
How did you get started in research?
I got started in research by taking a leap into the unknown. I was in the middle of summer doing a program for high school students, when we had a guest speaker who came and talked to us. He turned out to be a researcher who had created a lifesaving drug. So, I knew I had to take my chance, and after his presentation I went up and talked to him and asked to come check out the lab. The most important advice I have been given is that you will never know when you have an opportunity unless you try and take it.