What are your best Mizzou experiences?

As a senior interning at the International Trade Center, I can see how much Mizzou has given me. I am truly thankful for the opportunities, people, and support I’ve found here, and when I look back, I can see the growth this school has helped me achieve.

What is your favorite A&S memory?

I’ve made lifelong friendships at Mizzou, especially in my anthropology classes. Anthropology has sparked my curiosity and ignited my interest, helping me look outside myself and become a better person.

Who has made a difference during your time at Mizzou?

Dr. Karthik Panchanathan, associate professor of anthropology, has been such an amazing professor. He’s incredibly knowledgeable both in and outside of his field, yet he always makes students feel like they stand on equal ground with him. He’s had a huge influence on how I approach topics and think through issues. The discussions he leads always teach me something new, whether that be a concept in a book I hadn't thought of, a trivia tidbit, or an approach to topics. I feel like I'm always growing and engaged in his classes.

What are your best Mizzou experiences?

I was honored to be the program director and a play-by-play sports broadcaster for Mizzou’s student-owned radio station, KCOU 88.1 FM. It gave me unforgettable experiences that I can talk about for the rest of my life.

Who has made a difference during your time at Mizzou?

Class with Dr. Timothy Luisi, assistant teaching professor of communication, was a highlight of my time at Mizzou. He is one of the best educators I have ever had. I also want to give a shout out to Stan Silvey, my Comm 2200 professor, which was my favorite individual class I’ve taken. Kathryn Brueggemann has been a great academic advisor.

What are your future plans?

I plan to work in radio as a play-by-play sports broadcaster.

What is your favorite A&S memory?

I participated in the Chancellor’s Arts Showcase where I shared my patternmaking project with a community of art supporters. It was incredibly rewarding to invite my friends and family to see the work I had put so much effort into. The experience not only allowed me to showcase my creativity to the broader community but also reminded me how meaningful it is to have supportive people cheering me on.

Who has made a difference during your time at Mizzou?

Cheyenne Staib, an assistant teaching professor in Textile and Apparel Management, has been a great mentor.

What are your future plans?

I plan to work as an assistant merchant in the fashion industry.

What are your best Mizzou experiences?

I enjoyed media and agency tours with the National Association of Black Journalists and Public Relations Student Society of America, working at events with the Campus Activities Programming Board, being inducted into Lambda Pi ETA, the honor society for communication students, and being on the executive board for the local chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People twice - once as president!

Who has made a difference during your time at Mizzou?

My advisor, Katie Brueggemann, was there for me for when I switched majors and gave the best advice whenever I questioned my decisions. Dr. Tim Luisi, assistant teaching professor of communication, always made his lectures super interesting and engaging.

What are your future plans?

I will participate in the Disney College Program in Orlando, Florida.

What are your best Mizzou experiences?

I was involved in creating several scientific illustrations and maps across disciplines, including agricultural engineering, anthropology, and geography. I also spent a year abroad in Seoul, South Korea, at Seoul National University.

Who has made a difference during your time at Mizzou?

When I experienced the greatest losses of my mother and father, Dr. Karthik Panchanathan, associate professor of anthropology, and Dr. Mark Palmer, professor and chair of geography, reminded me who I was as a human and scientist. Through their mentorship, I now see that the path to my future is in the craft and culture I was raised in, returning to my roots as a Polynesian cultural advocate to uplift the voices of my mentors and ancestors. Their guidance allowed me to dream big and fearlessly.

What are your best Mizzou experiences and future plans?

My geophysics research has helped build lasting connections with professionals in the field. I will continue to strengthen these relationships when I present my work at the 2025 American Geophysical Conference in December.

Who has made a difference during your time at Mizzou?

I've taken classes with Dr. Eun Young Choi, an instructor of Korean Studies, nearly every semester, and it has been such a great time. She truly cares about her students and has made my time at Mizzou so memorable.

What are your future plans?

My experiences, along with the geophysics lab, have given me the opportunity to apply a variety of mathematical concepts I’ve learned throughout my undergraduate studies and have motivated me to apply to graduate programs to pursue a PhD in geophysics. My long-term goal is to become a professor and researcher so I can support future scientists.

What are your best Mizzou experiences?

One of my favorite experiences was participating in Mizzou’s Winter Welcome before my first semester. It was a great experience as I am a nontraditional student and had not been on a college campus in more than 20 years.

Who has made a difference during your time at Mizzou?

Dr. John Huntley, associate professor of paleobiology, has been an amazing teacher and attentive to his students’ needs. Alex Anderson has been a rockstar advisor and guided me throughout my study. Dr. Jim Spain, Vice Provost for Undergraduate Studies, took the time to review my transcripts and point me in the right direction when I first began my Mizzou Tiger journey.

What are your future plans?

I plan to continue my career as a keynote speaker and stay in the nonprofit sphere where I can use my experience to help others.