Lauren Fischer
sophomore
E-mail: ljfmr2@mizzou.edu
Home town
Columbia, Mo.
Why Mizzou
Being from Columbia, I always wanted to go away for college. After considering the financial package I would receive from Mizzou and making the Golden Girls dance team, I decided it would be hard to avoid the tremendous opportunities offered by the University of Missouri. I chose biochemistry because all of the prerequisites for medical school were required courses for the major, which allowed me to acquire three minors.
Lab work and internships
During my freshman year, I volunteered in Dr. Tang’s laboratory on campus, which is focused on characterizing protein complexes involved in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
Techniques
I was able to apply all of the lab techniques I acquired in the introductory Biochemistry 1090 class including DNA isolation, gel electrophoresis and PCR. I also learned how to perform NMR experiments using a state-of-the-art nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer at the University of Missouri.
Faculty support
The faculty go above and beyond to ensure every student gets the personal attention they deserve. I am continually impressed at the devotion of the advisors to their students and have been since day one during freshman Summer Welcome when I first met Dr. Virginia Peterson. I have gotten to know Dr. Shari Freyermuth as well, as she dedicates her time to helping with the biochemistry club of which I am secretary. Both of these professors have been extremely helpful in recommendations and planning for my future.
Favorite part of Mizzou biochemistry
My favorite part of our biochemistry program at Mizzou is the friendly environment between students. Pre-med classes can get pretty competitive but my biochemistry friends are always there to help and take study breaks with.
Graduate school plans
I hope to attend medical school after graduation and possibly pursue a Ph.D. concurrently.
Career plans
I plan to become a pediatrician and specialize in neonatology.
Honors
- Bright Flight Scholarship
- Retired Agriculture Professors Scholarship
- Wurdack Scholarship
- Mizzou Honors College Freshman Award
- Mizzou Alumni Boone County Chapter Renewable Scholarship
- Curators Scholar
- Daughters of American Revolution Outstanding Citizenship Female Award
- Missouri Credit Union Community Leadership Award
- Anthony K. Rollins Undergraduate Award
- Dean's List
Organizations
- Mizzou Golden Girls
- Kappa Kappa Gamma Events Chair
- Biochemistry Club Secretary & Relay for Life Team Captain
- Honors College
- STRIPES Driving Service
Outside the lab
I love to dance and have the honor of performing in front of 64,000 people at the Mizzou football games as a Golden Girl. I enjoy working out and reading in my free time and recently I took up target shooting.