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Manisha Muthukaruppan performing a research task during one of her classes.

Oct. 30, 2023

Making Connections

A Discovery Fellow, Manisha Muthukaruppan has been plenty involved in undergraduate research opportunities during her first semester at Mizzou. The chance to participate in research early in her collegiate career at MU was actually a big selling point as Muthukaruppan was searching for the right college fit. When Manisha Muthukaruppan arrived on the University of Missouri campus in August to begin her first semester, she knew there were going to be multiple chances to make connections with her fellow Tigers. The freshman biochemistry major has taken advantage of those opportunities. Muthukaruppan has joined a handful of organizations during…
Several students celebrating in a classroom.

Oct. 22, 2023

A Revolutionary Series

A collaboration between the Honors College and the Kinder Institute on Constitutional Democracy is giving undergraduate students at Mizzou a chance to study the complete picture of revolutions and constitutions in their historical and political contexts. Students engage in a variety of lively conversations during the class. Revolutions are a team effort. For one Honors College series, education is, too. Matthew Frierdich and Billy Coleman, faculty in the Honors College and the Kinder Institute on Constitutional Democracy, are leading the charge together in a Kinder-Honors collaboration about the revolutionary movements of the world. The class, titled simply,…
Lauren Pike

Oct. 19, 2023

Changing Her Personal Narrative

Lauren Pike, an advisor in the MU Office of Global and National Fellowships, participated in the “Politics and Society in Central Asia” study abroad program in Kyrgyzstan this summer. It was the first time that Pike had traveled abroad. Here, Pike is pictured in the Kyrgyzstan Parliament building. Photo courtesy of Lauren Pike. As an advisor in the University of Missouri Office of Global and National Fellowships, Lauren Pike helps match Mizzou students with fellowship opportunities that align with their goals. As students navigate the application process, Pike and her fellow advisors offer support and guidance each step of the…
Two students working with another individual on a writing task.

Oct. 9, 2023

Contributing to Vital Research in African Linguistics

Students who are part of the Collaborative Research in African Languages (CORAL) team at Mizzou contribute to vital research in African linguistics. Students routinely meet with native speakers to gain a better understanding of the languages they are studying. Photo courtesy of Michael Marlo. Undergraduate students who are part of the Collaborative Research in African Languages (CORAL) team at the University of Missouri contribute to vital research in African linguistics. Students perform a variety of tasks depending on their experience, their interests and the needs of the team. Some of that work includes extracting linguistic data from existing sources, such…
A student using VR technology to view a picture.

Oct. 6, 2023

ASH Scholars Program Promotes Research in the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities

The ASH Scholars Program has led to ongoing research opportunities for undergraduate students at the University of Missouri involved in the arts, social sciences and humanities (ASH) disciplines. For example, the Art of Death research project is focused on normalizing conversations about death and dying through the lens of artistic production. Photo courtesy of Katina Bitsicas. A unique collaboration between the University of Missouri Office of Undergraduate Research and the MU Honors College has led to an ongoing research opportunity for undergraduate students involved in the arts, social sciences and humanities (ASH) disciplines. The ASH…
A student showing their research via a poster presentation.

Oct. 5, 2023

Examining Close Relationships

The Close Relationships research project studies how youths’ interactions with close relationship partners shape their development and emotional adjustment. Mizzou students who are part of the project have numerous hands-on learning opportunities, including sharing their findings with the public. Here, senior Lynn Eckhardt talks with an individual about the work being done. Photo courtesy of Amanda Rose. Undergraduate students at the University of Missouri who participate in the Close Relationships research project study how youths’ interactions with close relationship partners shape their development and emotional adjustment. Students approach the study of relationships from a lifetime perspective – with a primary…
Two students sharing their research during a presentation.

Oct. 5, 2023

Studying the Importance of Minority-Focused Content

Students on the Minority Focused News as a Locus of Empowerment research team have ample opportunities to share their work. For example, Maya Morris, a recent MU grad, presented during Mizzou’s Research Symposium. Photo courtesy of Chris Josey. The Minority Focused News as a Locus of Empowerment research team investigates the manners in which news websites and streaming platforms that serve under-represented and marginalized populations provide a benefit to society. Undergraduate students at the University of Missouri who participate in the research seek to understand how identity-focused content serves as a safe space for those affected groups. The original research…
A picture of an individual sitting in a dark room looking at a photo being projected on the wall.

Oct. 5, 2023

Exploring Death Through the Lens of Artistic Production

Part of the ASH Scholars Program, the Art of Death research project has allowed undergraduate students at the University of Missouri to normalize conversations about death and dying through the lens of artistic production. Photo courtesy of Katina Bitsicas. Since 2017, the Art of Death research project has allowed undergraduate students at the University of Missouri to normalize conversations about death and dying through the lens of artistic production. Students use a variety of media tools – such as virtual reality (VR), projection mapping, augmented reality (AR) and video art – to generate creative projects that explore death and dying.
A group of students sitting around tables doing work.

Oct. 5, 2023

A Historical Dive into the Santa Fe Trail

A new project within the ASH Scholars Program, the Santa Fe Trail team is studying the importance of the entire trail, with a focus on its influence in the state of Missouri and beyond. Photo courtesy of Kyle Jackson. An important piece of Missouri history, the Santa Fe Trail connected the Show-Me State to present day Santa Fe, New Mexico, providing a valuable trade route through the middle of a still growing United States. The trail has been of interest to historians in the Kinder Institute on Constitutional Democracy – and a new research project will now allow…
A student posing for a graduation photo in front of a large window.

Sep. 25, 2023

Prepared for the Future

After graduating with three degrees from Mizzou – constitutional democracy, economics and political science – Luke Pittman is now studying at Harvard Law School. Photo courtesy of Luke Pittman. Of all the skills Luke Pittman gained during his four years at the University of Missouri, time management proved to be one the most vital. When Pittman graduated in May, he did so with three degrees – constitutional democracy, economics and political science. Balancing that workload was key as Pittman pursued his interests in politics and policy. “I did come to Mizzou with…