Story and photo by Logan Jackson
A personal tragedy set Casper Safranski on a mission to advocate for others.
As a middle schooler, Safranski lost his best friend to Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), a very aggressive brain cancer that primarily affects children and is, unfortunately, incurable. After his friend passed, Safranski began looking for ways to raise awareness for DIPG, as well as other pediatric cancers. He found a partner in the Super Sam Foundation, which supports families fighting pediatric cancer. Safranski also met with Missouri legislators to discuss funding opportunities for cancer research.
“Neil Armstrong’s daughter had DIPG in the 1960s, and while the Armstrong family and others have raised so much awareness for this cancer, there hasn’t been much progress in terms of a cure,” Safranski said. “There are avenues with genetic research that are showing promise, and I’m hoping to be able to eventually add to that research.”
Safranski plans to pursue genetic research when he begins his collegiate journey at Mizzou this fall. Those efforts will be supported by the Stamps Scholarship. Mizzou has partnered with the Stamps Scholars Program since 2017 to offer this premier scholarship to more than 50 Tigers. Mizzou Stamps Scholars receive a four-year, full cost of attendance scholarship, plus an additional $16,000 enrichment fund to be used during the student’s four years to enhance their studies and academic pursuits. Stamps Scholars are enrolled in the Honors College for all four years, working toward the completion of the Honors Certificate. This year, Mizzou will welcome seven Stamps Scholars.
“I was actually at the Super Sam office meeting with a local representative to advocate for pediatric cancer legislation when I got the call about being named a Stamps Scholar,” Safranski said. “I was obviously super excited to get the call.”
The scholarship also includes a research placement, and many Stamps Scholars begin research projects during their first semester on campus. Safranski – who is from Auxvasse, Missouri, just 30 miles from Columbia – said he’s excited to explore the research opportunities throughout campus, especially those tied to cancer.
“I have several ties to Mizzou, including a summer where I spent time in an epigenetics laboratory,” Safranski said. “During the Stamps interview weekend, it was really nice to see even more of the incredible research facilities at Mizzou, like the NextGen Precision Health building. Mizzou is home to some incredible research, and I’m excited to be able to get involved right away.”
While Safranski did explore other universities, those ties with Mizzou won out. Both of his parents are professors in the Mizzou College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR). Tim Safranski is a professor in the Division of Animal Sciences and the state swine breeding Extension specialist. Trista Strauch-Safranski is an assistant teaching professor of animal sciences and director of undergraduate studies for the animal sciences degree program.
Safranski also attended the Missouri Scholars Academy (MSA). Founded in 1985, MSA is a three-week residential program for 330 of Missouri’s academically gifted students who are ready to begin their junior year of high school. The Academy is held each June on the Mizzou campus and administered by the Honors College.
“It was really cool to be surrounded by so many students who were so passionate about learning,” Safranski said. “I also appreciated how the experience introduced me to so many different perspectives. Everything about MSA was awesome.”
Safranski will join his parents in CAFNR, where he will pursue a biochemistry degree.
“I’m really excited to be a Tiger,” Safranski said. “It’s awesome to be part of the Mizzou Stamps Scholars cohort, too, and have a group of peers who are pushing you to accomplish your goals.”