Principal Investigator

   Dr. Santimukul Santra
   PROFESSOR
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Research Associates

   Clayton Frazier
   RESEARCH ASSOCIATE
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  • Undergraduate Research Assistant
  • PROJECT: “Development of magnetic nanosensors for the early detection of infectious diseases”.
  • Post-baccalaureate coursework: Missouri State University, Springfield, Missouri.
  • B. S. Degree: Emergency Management, Arkansas Tech University, Russellville, Arkansas.
  • M. S. Degree: Emergency Management and Homeland Security, Arkansas Tech University, Russellville, Arkansas.
  • Bio..
    "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."


   Carissa Sutton
   RESEARCH ASSOCIATE
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  • Research Associate
  • PROJECT: “Drug delivery system for cancer therapy”.
  • M. S. Degree: Chemistry with an emphasis in Bioscience at Missouri State University, Springfield, Missouri.
  • B. S. Degree: Chemistry at Missouri State University, Springfield, Missouri
  • Bio..
    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.

Graduate Students

   Andrew Pettenger
   M. S. STUDENT
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  • Graduate Research Assistant
  • PROJECT: "Formulation of designer drug delivery systems".
  • M. S. Degree: Chemistry at Missouri State University, Springfield, Missouri.
  • B. S. Degree: Comprehensive Chemistry at Missouri State University, Springfield, Missouri.
    • Bio..
    Hello! My name is Andrew Pettenger and I am from right here, Springfield Missouri. I graduated from Missouri State University with a B.S. in comprehensive chemistry and a minor in Spanish. I am now pursuing an M.S. in chemistry with research focused on organic synthesis, more specifically hyperbranched polymeric nanostructures. I am interested in furthering my education and research experience with a PhD. In my limited free time, I mostly like to exercise and spend time with my family and friends. My other hobbies include reading, playing chess, and self-teaching the piano.

   Caroline Gichuru
   M. S. STUDENT
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  • Graduate Research Assistant
  • PROJECT: "Development of functional nanomedicines for imaging and treatment of cancer".
  • M. S. Degree: Chemistry at Missouri State University, Springfield, Missouri.
  • B. S. Degree: Industrial chemistry from Dedan Kimathi University of technology.
    • Bio..
    Hello, my name is Caroline Gichuru, I am from Kenya. I am a graduate student at Missouri State university following a graduate degree in industrial chemistry from Dedan Kimathi University of technology. I have a strong passion for organic synthesis, drug development and the manufacture of pharmaceutical compounds. Outside school I enjoy reading and watching movies and documentaries. I am very excited to work in Dr santra’s lab and I look forward to the opportunity to collaborate with the team.

   Ruth Munyithya
   M. S. STUDENT
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  • Graduate Research Assistant
  • PROJECT: "Development of personalized drug delivery systems for targeted cancer therapy".
  • M. S. Degree: Chemistry at Missouri State University, Springfield, Missouri.
  • B. S. Degree: Major in Chemistry with a minor in zoology in Kenyatta University, Kenya.
    • Bio..
    My name is Ruth Munyithya, a current graduate student at Missouri State University pursuing Master of Science, Chemistry major. I love traveling and adventure, cooking, reading articles and making new friends. I'm excited to work in Dr. Santra's nanotheranostic lab for my MS thesis.

   Trishna Timalsena
   M. S. STUDENT
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  • Graduate Research Assistant
  • PROJECT: "Magnetic nanosensor for pathogen binding and fusion interactions".
  • M. S. Degree: Chemistry at Missouri State University, Springfield, Missouri.
  • B. S. Degree: Major in Biology and Chemistry at Missouri State University, Springfield, Missouri.
    • Bio..
    Hi! I’m Trishna Timalsena, an accelerated master’s student in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at MSU. In Dr. Santra’s lab, I have fun synthesizing nanoparticles and exploring their biomedical applications. I am also involved with MSU’s Student Affiliates of the American Chemical Society, where I perform fun demonstrations and help build a welcoming, supportive community. Outside of school, I love reading, trying out new recipes, volunteering, and going on long walks to clear my mind. I am grateful to have the opportunity to research in Dr. Santra's lab.

   Shayd Gothard
   M. S. STUDENT
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  • Graduate Research Associate
  • PROJECT: "Nanosensors for pathogen detections using LFA technolog".
  • B. S. Degree: Comprehensive Chemistry at Missouri State University, Springfield, Missouri.
  • M. S. Degree: Chemistry at Missouri State University, Springfield, Missouri.
  • Bio..
    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.

Undergraduate Students

   James Speake
   B. S. STUDENT
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  • Undergraduate Research Assistant
  • PROJECT: “Nanomedicine for cancer therapy”.
    • B. S. Degree: Biomedical Science minor at Missouri State University, Springfield, Missouri.
  • Bio..
    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.


   Carla Castaneda Samillan
   B. S. STUDENT
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  • Undergraduate Research Assistant
  • PROJECT: “Nanosensors for pathogen sensing”.
    • B. S. Degree: Chemistry with Biomedical Science minor at Missouri State University, Springfield, Missouri.
  • Bio..
    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.


   Paris Yates
   B. S. STUDENT
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  • Undergraduate Research Assistant
  • PROJECT: “Novel polymeric materials for biomedical applications”.
    • B. S. Degree: Biology/Microbiology-Biotechnology at Missouri State University, Springfield, Missouri.
  • Bio..
    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!


   Elizabeth Bowie
   B. S. STUDENT
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  • Undergraduate Research Assistant
  • PROJECT: “Nanomedicine and cancer therapy”.
    • B. S. Degree: Biomedical Sciences at Missouri State University, Springfield, Missouri.
  • Bio..
    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!


   Megan Liermann
   B. S. STUDENT
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  • Undergraduate Research Assistant
  • PROJECT: “Activatable nanoprobes for cancer imaging”.
    • B. S. Degree: Biomedical Sciences at Missouri State University, Springfield, Missouri.
  • Bio..
    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!


   Taemin Park
   B. S. STUDENT
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  • Undergraduate Research Assistant
  • PROJECT: “One-step synthesis of biodegradable polymers”.
    • B. S. Degree: Bachelor of Nursing at Missouri State University, Springfield, Missouri.
  • Bio..
    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!


High School Students



   Jathin Bande
   HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT
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  • High School Research Assistant
  • PROJECT: “Nanomed for cancer”.
    • High School: Sophomore at Central High School, Springfield, Missouri.
  • Bio..
    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.


   Ugurcan Buyurga
   HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT
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  • High School Research Assistant
  • PROJECT: “Nanomed for cancer”.
    • High School Junior: International Baccalaureate Program at Central High School, Springfield, Missouri.
  • Bio..
    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.