April 5, 2024
Contact: Deidra Ashley, ashleyde@missouri.edu
Photos by Abbie Lankitus
As the state’s only public research university, the University of Missouri offers students many opportunities to work alongside talented faculty to conduct cutting-edge and groundbreaking research every day. These experiences, which range from science to medicine to the humanities, help prepare students for graduate and professional studies at prominent universities as well as careers in leading industries.
Thirteen Mizzou students recently participated in the University of Missouri System Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol. The event gives students an opportunity to showcase their accomplishments and allows elected officials to see firsthand the exciting innovations taking place at MU and other system universities.
See photos from the event and learn more about our undergraduate researchers.
Nearly 50 students from Mizzou, the University of Missouri-Kansas City, Missouri University of Science and Technology and the University of Missouri-St. Louis presented at this year’s event.
Undergraduate research supports the university’s investment in student success through creative activity, hands-on learning and mentorship.
Being selected to present at this event is highly competitive. Each year, only 10 projects are chosen from each institution.
Julianna Bayless, left, presents on her work using the James Webb Space Telescope to examine dark matter. "My interest in astronomy started when I was about 13," Bayless said. "I plan to go to grad school and get a Ph.D. in astrophysics, and doing this research is really vital to that."
Junior Ilay Kielmanowicz, left, presents his poster to MU Vice Provost for Undergraduate Studies Jim Spain. Kielmanowicz's poster was titled "Public Opinion and Israel’s Decision to Go to War, 1967.”
Nivedita Prabhu, left, presented on rates of insomnia and treatment interest among veterans of color. "Mizzou encourages research and has given me so many opportunities to present like we’re doing today,” she said. “I especially want to give a big shout out to my principal investigator doctor, Mary Beth Miller. She has been great.”
Senior Kyler Richard, left, presents her poster to Curators’ Distinguished Professor Chris Lorson. Richard's poster was titled "Evidence of Political Conformity Among Black Adults”.
Senior Ahhyun Lee, left, poses with a Missouri House of Representatives resolution. Lee's research focuses on using artificial intelligence to enhance protein function prediction.
Senior Randi Noel, left, shared her passion for helping others. "What motivates me is the good that can come out of the work I do," she said. Noel also gave credit to the MizzouForward Undergraduate Research Grant. "I wouldn't be here today without its support."
Senior Gillian Hark, left, presents on the implications for injury and repair of ligaments and tendons.
This year's Mizzou participants at UM System Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol were:
- Julianna Bayless, junior, Gerald, Missouri
Project: “Early Universe Behind a Lens: The Hidden Matter Revealed by the James Webb Space Telescope” - Ellen Gates, junior, Columbia, Missouri
Project: “Early Universe Behind a Lens: The Hidden Matter Revealed by the James Webb Space Telescope” - Amy Brandt, senior, Jefferson City, Missouri
Project: “Are Nursing Students Immune to COVID Vaccine Hesitancy?” - Robin Vanderbeck, senior, St. Charles, Missouri
Project: “Are Nursing Students Immune to COVID Vaccine Hesitancy?” - Olivia Woody, sophomore, Gallatin, Missouri
Project: “Are Nursing Students Immune to COVID Vaccine Hesitancy?” - Gillian Hark, senior, Hannibal, Missouri
Project: “Ligaments and Tendons Respond Differently to Exercise: Implications for Injury and Repair” - Ilay Kielmanowicz, junior, Chesterfield, Missouri
Project: “Public Opinion and Israel’s Decision to Go to War, 1967” - Ahhyun Lee, senior, Columbia, Missouri
Project: “Artificial Intelligence for Enhancing Protein Function Prediction” - Kaiya Lynch, junior, Kansas City, Missouri
Project: “Minority Focused News as a Locus of Empowerment” - Jane Manson, senior, Barnhart, Missouri
Project: “Relationship Between Amygdalar Functional Connectivity and Camouflaging in Autistic Young Adults” - Randi Noel, senior, Butler, Missouri
Project: “Biochemical-Based Solutions to NextGen Agriculture” - Nivedita Prabhu, senior, Fenton, Missouri
Project: “Rates of Insomnia and Treatment Interest Among Veterans of Color” - Kyler Richard, senior, Columbia, Missouri
Project: “Evidence of Political Conformity Among Black Adults”
