Young Minds Performing Research

Can nest conditions predict what kinds of predators can masticate a bird? What effects do controlled drugs have on the formation of persistent follicles in beef cows? How resourceful is the neglected art of video poetry? These were just some of the questions that approximately 120 undergraduate students were attempting to answer during the summer of 2007.

The Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievements Forum, held at the end of July at the Bond Life Sciences Center, allowed students to present their scholarly research projects to the public. MU students specializing in an array of concentrations were stationed at posters describing their findings.

The Future of Life Sciences

Until now, SyndicateMizzou has been highlighting the research and creative activities of MU faculty and staff. This current feature represents the first step in a new endeavor—to offer a survey of some of the exciting work being done by MU graduate students. Beginning with the Life Sciences, we have interviewed a handful of exceptional students, asking questions about what forces drew them to their specific area of research, the differences between undergraduate and graduate school, and why this research is significant. Whether they seek to find treatments for breast cancer and muscular dystrophy or better understand the science behind microscopic earthworms, soybean pathogens, oilseed production, or the ecology of forest-dwelling songbirds, watching these students talk about their work in their own words is nothing short of inspiring.