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James Long

June 29, 2023

Studying the Expression of Aggression

It’s cheaper than therapy, right? James Long found himself using that phrase often when he first began working at COMO Axe Attack, an axe throwing and smash rage room venue in Columbia. Customers would come in, smash a variety of objects and Long would joke around with them afterward that expressing their stress in the rage room with a baseball bat had to be more affordable than therapy. After repeating the phrase for what seemed like the hundredth time, Long, who is now a manager at COMO Axe Attack, started to think about the question a little…

Ashley Monks

June 27, 2023

Exploring Critical Questions

On her journey to becoming a doctor, Ashley Monks has made sure to take in a variety of experiential learning opportunities as a student at the University of Missouri. Each experience has allowed Monks to grow – both personally and professionally. One of her most in-depth hands-on learning experiences has been in the laboratory of Laura Schulz, an associate professor in the School of Medicine. Monks has conducted research in that lab for more than a year and will continue working on a couple of unique projects after being named a Cherng Summer Scholar. “I knew I wanted to stay…

Haley Hultz headshot

June 22, 2023

‘A Dream Program’

Haley Hultz, a psychology major, is conducting research through the Personality and Emotion Laboratory headed by Timothy Trull, Curators’ Distinguished Professor and Byler Distinguished Professor of Psychological Sciences. Story and photography by Logan Jackson Searching for a summer research opportunity, Haley Hultz was hoping to find a program that would allow her to conduct independent research and give her the freedom to explore her passions. She found that perfect mix with the Cherng Summer Scholars program. A full-time, nine-week, summer research or creative scholarship program for Honors College students, the Cherng Summer Scholars program is supported by a gift from Peggy and Andrew Cherng…

Lara Stefani poses for a photo in a research laboratory.

June 20, 2023

Conducting Research to Help Others

Lara Stefani has built a solid research portfolio during her time as a Tiger.s Story and photography by Logan Jackson While Lara Stefani had never toured the University of Missouri before making the decision to become a Tiger, she was very familiar with what the campus had to offer. A graduate of the Dual Diploma Program offered through the Mizzou Academy, Stefani earned diplomas from the Mizzou High School and Colégio Dante Alighieri in São Paulo, Brazil, where she grew up. Along with that familiarity, Stefani said the opportunity to conduct…

Bryson Ferguson posing for a picture in front of the Mizzou Columns.

June 1, 2023

Building a Community

Bryson Ferguson, a senior business administration major, was part of the 2020 Stamps Scholars cohort and was specifically named a Patterson-Green Collegian. Photo courtesy of Bryson Ferguson. Story by Logan Jackson Like his peers across the country, Bryson Ferguson received a variety of college materials through the mail during his senior year of high school. One of those pieces made a major impression on him – a postcard from the University of Missouri. “I remember getting this piece of mail covered in black and gold and thought it was really interesting,” Ferguson said. “Mizzou became the first school I actually…

Landon Swartz posing for a photo in front a piece of research equipment.

May 18, 2023

Generous Giving, Endless Opportunities

A Cherng Summer Scholar, Landon Swartz has found a passion for research during his time at the University of Missouri. Story and photography by Logan Jackson The Cherng Summer Scholars program turned a research curiosity into a full-fledged passion for Landon Swartz. The nine-week program, supported by a gift from Peggy and Andrew Cherng and the Panda Charitable Foundation, allows University of Missouri students pursuing the Honors certificate the opportunity to spend a summer participating in research and other creative projects. Swartz, who is from Springfield, Missouri, joined the laboratory of David Mendoza-Cózatl, an associate professor in the…

Rachel Sacharin posing for a graduation picture while sitting on a small slide.

May 11, 2023

Senior Spotlight: Rachel Sacharin

Story by Logan Jackson Rachel Sacharin’s academic journey at the University of Missouri has included some pivots, but there has been one constant throughout her adventure – the Honors College. Sacharin, who is from Southaven, Mississippi, was first connected with the College after being named a Cherng Scholar. Her involvement in Honors didn’t slow at all during her time at MU. One of two Honors College Outstanding Senior awardees, Rachel Sacharin, a human development and family science major, said the Honors College helped her grow as a person. Sacharin will speak during the College’s commencement ceremony on Friday. Photo courtesy of…

Sara Stiens performing a research task.

May 10, 2023

Senior Spotlight: Sara Stiens

Named an outstanding senior by the Honors College, Sara Stiens, a biochemistry major, has been incredibly involved in Honors throughout her time as a Tiger. One of two outstanding seniors, Stiens will speak during the Honors commencement ceremony. Photo courtesy of Sara Stiens. Story by Logan Jackson Students pursuing the Honors certificate through the University of Missouri Honors College are part of an innovative and dynamic curriculum that encourages in-depth study in traditional fields of learning as well as additional intellectual inquiry. For Sara Stiens, the Honors College also gave her a sense of belonging.   “I couldn’t imagine my…

A group of students posing for a picture by their research poster.

May 9, 2023

ASH Scholars Find Connections Through Research

Story by MJ Montgomery Students in the arts, social science or humanities (ASH) disciplines have the opportunity to join a faculty-led research team at the University of Missouri. Jointly supported by the Honors College and Office of Undergraduate Research, the ASH Scholars program currently has four areas of study. Each study area consists of 10 to 12 students. Linguistics and EnglishThose pursuing linguistics or English can join Documenting Luuyia, a project that aims to record and document three Luuyia languages, which are spoken in Kenya. The team is creating dictionaries and sound guides for future linguists working in the field. They are also…

Kristen Barwick headshot

May 3, 2023

A Rewarding Year of Research

Story by Logan Jackson Between numerous conferences and multiple research presentations, it has been a busy year for Kristen Barwick – one that has also included a handful of awards. Her most recent accolade will allow her to continue to build on the outstanding research portfolio she has created while at the University of Missouri. Barwick, a junior biochemistry major from Cape Girardeau, Missouri, was recently named a Goldwater Scholar. The Goldwater Scholarship is one of the most prestigious national scholarships in natural sciences, engineering and mathematics in the United States. A total of 413 scholars were named this year, from…