July 23, 2025

Gaining Valuable Insights

Story and photos by Logan Jackson Graham George – sophomore German and international studies (peace studies) double major Mentor: Seth Howes, associate professor of German After graduating high school, Graham George decided that he wanted a bit of adventure before beginning his collegiate journey. Through the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) scholarship, George was able to spend a year in Germany where he learned the language and was exposed to German culture. When Graham George made the decision to attend Mizzou after returning from a year in Germany, it was only natural that he chose to study…

July 22, 2025

From Discovery Fellow to Cherng Summer Scholar

Story and photos by Logan Jackson Caitlin Mattingly – senior biochemistry major Mentor: John J. Tanner, professor of biochemistry and chemistry Students pursuing the Honors College Certificate at Mizzou have a unique opportunity to begin their research journey as soon as their first day on campus through the Discovery Fellows scholarship program. Discovery Fellows gain beneficial insight into the professional world, enhance their critical thinking skills and oftentimes form invaluable connections with their faculty mentor. Caitlin Mattingly’s research this summer is focused on proline dehydrogenase (PRODH), an enzyme that is often found over expressed in cancer…

July 18, 2025

Solving a Unique Problem

Story and photos by Logan Jackson Ashton Wooster – junior computer science and information technology double major Mentor: Chi-Ren Shyu, professor of electrical engineering and computer science; director of the MU Institute for Data Science and Informatics When Ashton Wooster was looking for an internship opportunity last year, he couldn’t find the exact fit he was looking for. That led him to check out what types of undergraduate research opportunities were available to him at Mizzou. Wooster soon found a project that piqued his interest – and has now spent a year conducting research tied to…

July 16, 2025

Bringing Stories to Life

Story and photos by Logan Jackson Josiah Anderson – sophomore English major Mentor: Phong Nguyen, professor of English and Miller Family Endowed Chair of Writing An avid reader throughout high school, Josiah Anderson also spent plenty of time crafting his own stories. Anderson has continued his storytelling pursuits as a student at the University of Missouri and, this summer, is exploring those interests even further. Anderson’s short stories will be in different genres – realistic fiction, horror and a more artistic version of realistic fiction. While the stories will stand alone, Anderson said the goal is…

July 15, 2025

Making Research More Accessible

Story and photos by Logan Jackson Jane Ray – junior psychological sciences and interdisciplinary studies (women’s and gender studies) double major Mentor: Lisa Flores, professor of psychological sciences As a freshman at Mizzou, Jane Ray got involved in the Undergraduate Research Scholars Program offered through the Department of Psychological Sciences. The program allows students to rotate through different psychology labs and engage in research, a weekly seminar and various workshops. Ray’s project is tied to previous research that Lisa Flores conducted focused on broadening the participation of women and Latinx individuals in…

July 14, 2025

Using Research to Help Others

Story and photos by Logan Jackson Nick Ice – senior biochemistry major Mentor: Kamal Singh, assistant professor of veterinary pathobiology; director of the Molecular Interactions Core When Nick Ice arrived at the University of Missouri, he was looking for an opportunity to combine his interest in science with his desire to help others. Those passions led him to research. For the past two years, Ice has been an undergraduate research assistant in the lab of Kamal Singh, an assistant professor of veterinary pathobiology whose research includes studying the basic science behind protein interactions. Some of these…

Aug. 8, 2024

A Summer of Discovery

The Cherng Summer Scholars program allows Honors College students at the University of Missouri to explore their passions through research projects aimed at questions they are interested in analyzing. Students who are accepted into the nine-week program participate in projects that are individually designed, with the support and mentorship of a Mizzou faculty member. “It’s a privilege to be able to work doing something you love, so I’m extremely grateful for the Cherng Summer Scholars program, to say the least,” said Emily Boyett, a senior journalism and political science double major. “It’s not often that you get the opportunity to geek…

Aug. 5, 2024

Cherng Summer Scholar Q&A – Gus Metz

The Cherng Summer Scholars program allows Honors College students at the University of Missouri to explore their passions through research projects aimed at questions they are interested in analyzing. Students who are accepted into the nine-week program participate in projects that are individually designed, with the support and mentorship of a Mizzou faculty member. This year, there were 12 Cherng Summer Scholars. Meet Gus Metz, a sophomore international studies and linguistics double major. Question: Which faculty member are you working with on your research? Answer: I worked with Dr. Michael Marlo, an associate professor of English. Question: What is the focus…

Aug. 4, 2024

Cherng Summer Scholar Q&A – Scott Roselli

The Cherng Summer Scholars program allows Honors College students at the University of Missouri to explore their passions through research projects aimed at questions they are interested in analyzing. Students who are accepted into the nine-week program participate in projects that are individually designed, with the support and mentorship of a Mizzou faculty member. This year, there are 12 Cherng Summer Scholars. Meet Scott Roselli, a senior biology major. Question: Which faculty member are you working with on your research? Answer:  I work in the Cardiac Cell Physiology Lab. My PI is Timothy L. Domeier, an associate professor of medial pharmacology…

Aug. 3, 2024

Cherng Summer Scholar Q&A – Ava Roderick

The Cherng Summer Scholars program allows Honors College students at the University of Missouri to explore their passions through research projects aimed at questions they are interested in analyzing. Students who are accepted into the nine-week program participate in projects that are individually designed, with the support and mentorship of a Mizzou faculty member. This year, there are 12 Cherng Summer Scholars. Meet Ava Roderick, a senior philosophy and psychology double major. Question: Which faculty member are you working with on your research? Answer:  I am working primarily with Nicole Campione-Barr, a professor of psychological sciences, in her Family Relationships and…