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"Hello! I am a non-traditional student changing careers to become a physician, and I will begin medical school in Fall 2024. My previous education and work experiences are in disaster and risk management. I am excited to join and contribute to Dr. Santra's lab, and to glean a deeper understanding of academic research. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my wife and friends, staying active, volunteering at church, and playing with my cats."

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My name is Carissa Sutton and I am a senior at Missouri State University. I am getting my bachelors of science in chemistry with an emphasis in bioscience and a minor in criminology. I live with my very spoiled dog Parker and many potted plants.

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Hello! I am Shayd Gothard and I am from Bolivar, MO. I have been here at MSU for my undergraduate degree and am now pursuing a Master of Chemistry. My focus for research has been mostly towards organic synthesis of polymeric substances. I am excited to continue my master's program with Dr. Santra's lab and look forward to learning more about organic synthesis. It is in my interest to continue on to a PhD in Chemistry with more focus on organic synthesis, organometallic synthesis, polymer chemistry, etc.

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Hello. My name is James Speake. I am currently a senior at Missouri State University. I am studying for my bachelor’s in biomedical science: human anatomy and physiology tract, and have a chemistry minor. Additionally, I am a pre-med student with aspirations of becoming a cardiologist. I currently work at Alps as a pharmacy fulfillment technician for the long-term-care/hospice pharmacy. Outside of my academic life, I have two big hobbies. I personally play the oboe and play a little piano in my free time. Additionally, I love the chance to get out and play a little golf at the many golf courses here in Springfield. I am so excited to be working in Dr. Santi’s research lab and am excited for all I will get to learn while participating.

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My name is Carla Castaneda Samillan, I am from Peru and I am majoring Chemistry with Biomedical Science minor . In my free time I like to crochet, go shopping and watch TV shows, nothing too thrilling. I am very enthusiastic to start Dr. Santra's lab. I am very grateful for the opportunity.

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Hi! My name is Paris Yates, and I am a transfer Junior at Missouri State University. My major is Biology/Microbiology-Biotechnology, declared as a pre-medical student, with a plan to become a physician. I enjoy being a part of organizations such as Pre-medical Society, Women in STEM, etc. I currently work at Mercy Hospital in the neurotrauma PCU, but in my free time, I like to hike, read, volunteer, and take walks with my dog, Maggie. One fun fact about me is that I will be volunteering at the Humane Society here in Springfield, MO, this semester. In the past, I have focused on neurological research regarding the developing brain, but I am excited to start fixating on nanomedicine in Dr. Santra’s lab! I am thankful for this opportunity!

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My name is Elizabeth Bowie, and I am a freshman at Missouri State. I am studying biomedical sciences with an emphasis on anatomy and physiology, and I am minoring in Spanish language. I hope to graduate with honors and get my MD. In my free time, I ride horses, read books, and bake obscene amounts of bread. I am very excited to be involved in research with Dr. Santra, and I cannot wait to see what comes next!

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Hello, my name is Megan Liermann! I am in my first year of majoring in Biomedical Sciences at Missouri State University and am on a pre-med track with aspirations of becoming an oncologist. Beyond my schooling, I love to spend my time hiking, reading, and being outside as much as possible! I am excited and thankful for future opportunities to learn in Dr. Santra’s research lab!

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Hi! My name is Taemin Park. I am from Busan, South Korea. I have completed my bachelor’s in nursing at Missouri State University. I am currently working for Coxhealth in Medical ICU as a Nurse and studying as a premed with cellular molecular biology degree to apply to medical school. I am a president of student organization name, KASU (Korean American Students United) and nurse volunteer in free clinic name MSU care in campus! In my free time, I train Jiu-jitsu and lift weight. I am so excited to join Dr. Santi’s research team and I cannot wait to grow and learn!

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Hi, my name is Asher Gross. I am currently a sophomore at Missouri State University pursuing a BS degree in cellular and molecular biology with a minor in chemistry. After college I hope to attend medical school. In my free time I love hiking, going to the gym, snowboarding, volunteering and spending time with my family. I am beyond excited and thankful for the opportunity to perform biomedical research under Dr. Santra,

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Hi! I am Trishna Timalsena. I am a chemistry major student with a BMS minor at MSU. I am involved with the Honors College and I am also serving as a vice-president for the MSU student affiliates of ACS. My previous research experiences have helped me realize that I love doing research. In Dr Santra’s lab, I’ll have a chance to do research in the field of nanomedicine and learn a lot. I am very excited to be a part of it.

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I am a sophomore at Central High School interested in all things STEM-related. In school, I pursue this passion by being involved in extracurriculars including Science Olympiad, HOSA, Technology Student Association, and Science Fair. Outside of school, I enjoy hobbies such as programming, playing chess, and playing tennis. Research is one of my biggest passions, as I believe it is the best way to make an impact on my fields of interest as a high schooler. In the future, I plan on attending an accredited 4-year undergraduate university to later attend medical school and become a physician.

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Hello! My name is Ugurcan Buyurgan, and I am a junior in the International Baccalaureate Program at Central High School. My goal is to become a medical professional, which is why I am excited to join and contribute to Dr. Santra's laboratory. Additionally, I have been playing ice hockey in Springfield for the past 10 years and have an interest in math, science, and art. I am eager to gain a deeper understanding of his academic research and to use my knowledge to make a positive impact on my community.