Doctoral student Ravinder Kumar shows off purple corn samples with Assistant Professor Pavel Somavat.
April 9, 2025
Contact: Janese Heavin, heavinj@missouri.edu
Photos by Abbie Lankitus, Janese Heavin and Karen Clifford
At the University of Missouri, graduate and professional students aren’t just continuing their education; they’re shaping the future.
With nearly 150 graduate degree programs and a strong focus on real-world impact, Mizzou is nationally recognized as a top-tier destination for advanced education. Most recently, Mizzou was ranked No. 15 among flagship universities for best graduate education by U.S. News and World Report, underscoring the quality, rigor and opportunity that define its programs.
Across disciplines, Mizzou students are pushing boundaries in research, leadership, innovation and service. Whether they’re developing nutritional alternatives to synthetic food dyes, incorporating the latest technology or working in clinical settings, Mizzou students are driven by a shared purpose: to go further.
Doctoral student Ravinder Kumar, for example, has found both personal and professional growth in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources. Through a mix of rigorous coursework and hands-on research in food science, Kumar has been studying the bioactive compounds in purple and other non-yellow corn varieties. His work, guided by Assistant Professor Pavel Somavat, has the potential to influence healthier food options and reduce reliance on artificial dyes.
“Seeing my work come to life through meaningful publications and successful ongoing projects has been extremely rewarding,” Kumar said.
He credits Mizzou with not only fueling his academic curiosity but also helping him prepare for the workforce through industrial internships and applied research.
That balance of academic excellence and real-world application is a hallmark of graduate education at Mizzou. In the College of Engineering, computer science doctoral student Sai Shreya Nuguri has experienced it firsthand. Her work combines cutting-edge research with practical outreach — from mentoring undergraduates in a National Science Foundation program to leading workshops and collaborating with industry partners like BodiGuide through an NSF-funded research consortium. She has also presented her findings on national and international stages.
“These experiences have shaped not just my research but who I am as a person and a professional,” Nuguri said. “Mizzou has given me so many opportunities to grow and contribute.”
For students in professional programs, that growth takes many forms. Brennan Fortel, a first-year student in the College of Veterinary Medicine, says the experience has already pushed him outside his comfort zone and helped him discover new strengths.
“The College of Veterinary Medicine has taught me so much about myself,” Fortel said. “It’s helped me overcome fears, built my confidence and shown me what I’m capable of.”
For many students, the academic rigor is matched only by the sense of belonging they find along the way. Nuguri describes Mizzou not just as a university, but as a home.
“It’s a place full of opportunity, whether it’s presenting at conferences, leading workshops, mentoring students or collaborating with experts across disciplines,” she said. “If you’re looking for a place where your ideas are supported and your growth is encouraged, Mizzou is that place.”
Kumar agreed, emphasizing the close-knit community and collaborative spirit that define the graduate experience.
“This is a place where you’ll be able to grow, challenge yourself and make lasting connections and contributions,” he said. “Mizzou has been a perfect fit for me.”
