Through the generosity and passion of alumni donors, three new undergraduate research opportunities have been created for students in the areas of computer science, molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics and physics.

Sharron S. Quisenberry (’66)

With a passion for research and a desire to provide Truman students with high-impact opportunities that will serve as a springboard for their careers, Dr. Sharron S. Quisenberry has established both the Dr. Sharron S. Quisenberry Undergraduate Summer Research Program and the Research Experience for Undergraduates in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Genetics.

Quisenberry graduated from Truman in 1966. For the last 41 years she has been a leader in education, both as a researcher and university administrator. She is internationally recognized for research in insect/host interactions and conservation of insect resistant germplasm and is a fellow of the Entomological Society of America.

Sucheta (Jawalkar) (’06) and Oseyi Ikuenobe (’05)

Oseyi and Dr. Sucheta (Jawalkar) Ikuenobe are an alumni couple who are also eager to provide students with undergraduate research opportunities. They recently established the Emerging Innovators Undergraduate Summer Research Program.

Both Oseyi and Sucheta recall how challenging the first year at Truman can be for students in the School of Science and Mathematics. As such, they have designed this research experience to be offered to students who have completed their first full academic year at Truman. After a year of intense instruction and work, the Ikuenobes hope this summer research project will give the recipient “a little cake” by providing an inspiring vision about how their academic journey is preparing them for future career experiences.

Oseyi graduated in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science in computer science, followed by Sucheta in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science in physics. Oseyi went on to receive a master’s degree in information management from Washington University in St. Louis, as well as an MBA from the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley. He is currently employed by Square, Inc., where he serves as the head of product, orders and checkout experience. Sucheta went on to earn both a Master of Science and a Ph.D. in physics from the College of William and Mary. She is currently employed at the Georgia Tech Research Institute as a senior research scientist.

Each of these newly created research experiences will provide support for the following:

• Research stipend for undergraduate researcher
• Mentorship stipend for undergraduate researcher’s faculty advisor
• Travel costs for both the student and faculty mentor to present their work at a professional regional or national conference
• Research supplies needed for the work to be conducted

To support undergraduate research experiences for Truman students, contact the Office of Advancement at gifts@truman.edu or (800) 452-6678.