Last week, we hosted our annual Undergraduate Research Day at the Missouri State Capitol. Elected officials mingled with nearly 50 student-researchers from across the UM System, including 11 from Mizzou, who shared their groundbreaking work. I also encouraged researchers to connect with their peers from other UM System universities.

One accomplished pair of MU presenters was Aravind Kalathil and Noura Alhachami. Both research at MU’s Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment and are focused on improving the understanding and treatment of autism. Their work is partially funded by the Department of Defense.

Aravind has been researching since his freshman year, and will attend graduate school next semester. Noura’s brother is autistic, and their family initially moved to Columbia to be closer to the Thompson Center. Noura said the move has benefited her family, and she is also able to explore her interest in research. She plans to pursue a PhD in clinical psychology.

This event shows the immense talent of our students, who are already creating the next generation of breakthroughs for Missouri.

— Mun