Published on Oct. 30, 2023
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 her first semester, such as the Pre-Med Scholars, Biochemistry Club, Asian American Association, South Asian Student Association and Mizzou Masti (Bollywood dance team). She is also helping other students get involved as a member of the Honors College Programming Board.
“When I first stepped on campus it was exciting to see so many ways to get involved,” said Muthukaruppan, who is pursuing the Honors Certificate at Mizzou. “There are so many clubs and organizations out there – it’s been amazing to explore the possibilities.”
A Discovery Fellow, Muthukaruppan has been plenty involved in undergraduate research opportunities, too. 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.
A fan of science since she was young, Muthukaruppan developed an interest in research – specifically medical research – as she got older. That interest led her to the Mini Medical School program offered through the University of Missouri School of Medicine. The program gives rising high school seniors in the Show-Me State who are interested in a career in medicine a chance to see what medical school is like. Participants spend nearly a week at Mizzou shadowing School of Medicine students, faculty and staff. Students also interact with clinical and research specialists and are exposed to potential undergraduate research opportunities.
“That experience was incredible,” said Muthukaruppan, who is from St. Louis, Missouri. “Not only did it showcase what opportunities were available through the School of Medicine, I was able to see how amazing the Mizzou campus was. It was a great introduction to MU.”
Along with participating in Mini Medical School, Muthukaruppan conducted her own research on food preservatives when she was in high school, studying ways to reduce chemicals that can cause cancers.
“My grandma passed away from cancer before I was born, and I was always very curious as to why cancer exists and how it happens,” Muthukaruppan said. “I started taking a lot of courses geared toward those questions. I found that I really enjoyed biology and chemistry, and when I made the decision to come to Mizzou, biochemistry seemed like a natural fit as my major.”
The Discovery Fellows scholarship program is allowing Muthukaruppan to continue to pursue her research interests and gain insight into the professional world, as well as enhance her knowledge base and critical thinking skills. The scholarship is open to all majors and helps students create invaluable connections with a faculty mentor. Muthukaruppan is currently looking for a good research fit.
“It’s been a really great program so far,” Muthukaruppan said. “There are so many options within the medical field and the Discovery Fellows program has allowed me to narrow down where my true interests lie. I’m really grateful to be part of such a stellar program.”
In addition to being a Discovery Fellow, Muthukaruppan is receiving vital hands-on research experience through the “Intro to STEM Research” course offered through the Honors College. Taught by a trio of faculty, Muthukaruppan is part of Pam Brown’s class. Brown is an associate professor of biological sciences and a STEM Faculty Fellow in the Honors College.
The course is designed to provide underclassmen with an opportunity to prepare for future independent research experiences through the completion of a course-based undergraduate research experience.
“This class is helping me really develop those research and laboratory skills,” Muthukaruppan said. “We’re learning vital techniques, such as micropipetting and gram staining, and we’re using a variety of equipment, such as petri dishes and agar plates. We’re also participating in important trainings. The course is definitely preparing us for the research world.”
Muthukaruppan has also gained an in-depth look at undergraduate research through the Student Training for Advancing Research (S.T.A.R.) program. Created by the MU Office of Undergraduate Research, students must complete five undergraduate research workshops during a semester to earn their S.T.A.R. Muthukaruppan has already secured the award.
“I’m learning a ton through my courses, and the workshops have been an added bonus,” Muthukaruppan said. “I’ve enjoyed the fact that I’m able to take what I’m learning in the classroom and see how it is implemented in the research world. Being part of those discussions and gaining these skills are helping me as I work toward my goals.”
Muthukaruppan added that she is excited to continue to build on the relationships she’s already developed at MU, whether it’s in the classroom or through one of the many programs she’s involved with.
“I’m really thankful for friendships I’ve already built at MU, and I encourage all students to get involved as much as their schedule allows,” Muthukaruppan said. “There are so many great opportunities out there; don’t hesitate to reach out and make those connections.”