Bottom row: J.D. Peiffer, Rebecca Shyu, Alisa Sivapiromrat, Adrienne Skelton, Anna Sullentrup, Landon Swartz and Brooke Weiler
April 12, 2021
Fourteen students from the University of Missouri were selected to participate in the 2021 University of Missouri System Undergraduate Research Day. Undergraduate research allows students to build key life skills, such as critical thinking, logical problem-solving and tenacity, as they work alongside faculty and graduate students to conduct cutting-edge research.
This year’s virtual, week-long celebration of Undergraduate Research Day highlights student researchers while giving elected officials an opportunity to hear firsthand about the innovation and transformation taking place at the System’s four universities.
MU students selected to participate this year are:
Elise Baumann: Biological sciences major from Hannibal, Missouri
Project: “Modeling Orthopedic Disease in a Test Tube”
Skyler Carter: Psychology major from Columbia, Missouri
Project: “All Mixed Up: Multiracial Identity and Existential Isolation”
Della Cox: Sociology and statistics major from University City, Missouri
Project: “Minority Focused News Outlets as Potential Means of Empowerment”
Maddy Creach: Biological sciences and mathematics major from Holts Summit, Missouri
Project: “Using Automated Robots to Perform Image Analysis to Study Plant Development”
Owen Gallagher: Environmental science, water quality emphasis, major from St. Charles, Missouri
Project: “The Effects of Nutrient Runoff on Harmful Algal Blooms in Four Lakes”
Jacob Hager: Economics and mathematics major from Harviell, Missouri
Project: “Effect of State Medicaid Expansion on Social Security Disability Insurance Enrollment”
Mollie Harrison: Chemical engineering major from Kirkwood, Missouri
Project: “Developing Artificial Implants for Better Bone Tissue Regeneration”
J.D. Peiffer: Biomedical engineering major from Ballwin, Missouri
Project: “Evaluating a new method for doctors to measure lung function”
Rebecca Shyu: Computer science major from Columbia, Missouri
Project: “Improving Rural Health Outcomes through Telemedicine – A Patient Travel Time Study”
Alisa Sivapiromrat: Biology and economics major from O’Fallon, Missouri
Project: “Modeling Orthopedic Disease in a Test Tube”
Adrienne Skelton: Special education major from Jefferson City, Missouri
Project: “Improving Social Skills and Communication to Reduce Bullying among Youth”
Anna Sullentrup: Biology and economics major from Washington, Missouri
Project: “Modeling Orthopedic Disease in a Test Tube”
Landon Swartz: Computer engineering major from Springfield, Missouri
Project: “Rapid Plant Characteristic Detection for Crop Improvement”
Brooke Weiler: Biochemistry and psychology major from Ste. Genevieve, Missouri
Project: “Combination Treatment for Stronger Muscles in a Mouse Model of Brittle Bone Disease”
