Story and photo by Logan Jackson
Before Tabitha Musangali turned 10, she had already chosen her ideal career – cancer researcher.
“I’ve dreamed of being a researcher since I was in the third grade,” Musangali said. “Cancer research is what I’ve been most passionate about throughout my life. My grandmother died of cancer, and I’m named after her, so there is a special connection there.”
It’s a career that Musangali plans to continue to pursue at the University of Missouri as a biochemistry major on the pre-medicine track. Musangali is one of eight Stamps Scholars beginning their college journeys this fall at Mizzou. She will join her sister, Janet, a senior biochemistry major who is also a Stamps Scholar.
“When I got the call that I had received the Stamps Scholarship, I was so, so happy,” said Musangali, who is from Lake St. Louis, Missouri. “I immediately texted Janet and called her right after. I was spamming her with messages. It was such an incredible feeling. I’m really excited to see my childhood research dreams come true at Mizzou.”
While Musangali was very familiar with the Mizzou campus, the Stamps interview weekend provided her with a chance to see the university in a different light. Applicants who reach that stage of the process have the opportunity to sit in on an Honors course, tour several facilities and interact with faculty. They also get to sit down with current Stamps Scholars to discuss their experiences at Mizzou.
“I’ve always had the best experiences while visiting campus; everyone has been so welcoming and kind,” Musangali said. “But the interview weekend allowed me to get a glimpse into my future and made me realize Mizzou is exactly where I wanted to be.”
Mizzou Stamps Scholars have a variety of unique opportunities, including a dedicated mentor, opportunities to connect with campus leadership, alumni networking, funding for study abroad and connections with other students in a larger Stamps Scholarship network. Scholars also participate in research early on in their college journey and are enrolled in the Honors College for all four years, working toward the completion of the Honors Certificate.
Musangali said she’s excited about the entire program, but especially the opportunity to join one of Mizzou’s outstanding research laboratories. She participated in research in high school through Washington University and is ready to apply the skills she acquired through the experience.
“I participated in an eight-week summer program where I was able to get into a research laboratory,” Musangali said. “That really cemented my decision to pursue a career in research. It also showed the many doors that a biochemistry degree would open.”
Musangali plans to participate in Greek life and join the Camp Kesem chapter at Mizzou. That group works closely with the national organization to provide free summer camps and year-round peer support for children impacted by a parent’s cancer in the Missouri community.
“I’m really excited to join Greek life and be part of that sisterhood,” Musangali said. “I’m also looking forward to being involved with Camp Kesem Mizzou. That program does important work, and I’m very interested in working with organizations that support individuals affected by this terrible disease.”