For many College of Natural and Applied Sciences (CNAS) students in the chemistry and biochemistry department at Missouri State University, research offers them an opportunity to tackle real-world challenges and contribute to scientific discovery.

From developing safer laboratory methods to advancing food safety technologies, students are applying their knowledge in meaningful ways. Among them are senior Kyle Ramaker and graduate student Trishna Timalsena, whose research explores how chemistry can address pressing issues in health care and sustainability.

Ramaker

A Springfield, Missouri, native, Ramaker’s interest in science began early, but a high school chemistry class turned that curiosity into a clear academic path.

“I’ve been fascinated with science since middle school, but chemistry really made everything click for me,” he said.

After graduating high school early, Ramaker pursued chemical engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology. However, after a year in the program, he realized his goals aligned more with chemistry. He returned to Springfield and enrolled at Missouri State in spring 2024 to study biochemistry.

“I want to work in drug discovery and development. Biochemistry felt like the best way to prepare for that path,” he said.

At Missouri State, Ramaker is involved in multiple research projects in the lab of Dr. Keiichi Yoshimatsu, associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry. One focuses on synthesizing peptides to test a machine that sorts molecules by their structure.

Another project aims to make peptide synthesis more environmentally friendly. Traditional methods rely heavily on dimethylformamide (DMF), a solvent that can be hazardous and costly.

“If we reduce DMF usage, labs could lower costs and minimize environmental impact,” Ramaker said.

His third project examines one of science’s fundamental questions: why biological molecules exist in only one chiral form — sharing the same orientation rather than appearing as a mix of mirror-image versions. By designing reaction systems to study molecular interactions, he hopes to better understand how this selectively emerged.

Ramaker’s work has real-world implications across different areas of chemistry, from improving analytical tools to advancing sustainable lab practices.

In August 2025, he became a NASA Missouri Space Grant Consortium intern, gaining hands-on experience while contributing to ongoing research involving organic synthesis and analytical chemistry techniques.

The most rewarding part of his research comes when experiments confirm his hypothesis — something that does not happen often in research.

“You can spend 20 hours on an experiment and not get the result you expected,” he said. “That’s why it’s so exciting when something actually works.”

Through his research, Ramaker has developed technical skills using instruments like nuclear magnetic resonance, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and infrared  spectroscopy, as well as strengthened his critical thinking and experimental design abilities. He credits Yoshimatsu for giving him both guidance and independence.

“He’s given me the freedom to design experiments while still mentoring me through the process,” Ramaker said.

He has presented his research at the American Chemical Society 2025 Midwest Regional Meeting at the University of Missouri and will present at another conference at Missouri S&T this semester.

After graduating this spring, he plans to pursue a master’s degree in chemistry at Missouri State and potentially a PhD in medicinal chemistry. His goal is to work in the pharmaceutical industry.

Timalsena

From Lalitpur, Nepal, Timalsena is combining her interests in chemistry and biomedical science to address a global health challenge: food safety. She started her journey at Missouri State in fall 2021 and has since obtained her bachelor’s degree in chemistry and biochemistry and started her graduate research.

“I chose this path because I want to become a research scientist and make discoveries that improve health care,” she said.

Her research focuses on detecting pathogen-contaminated food — a problem that often goes unnoticed until illness occurs. Unlike spoiled food, contaminated food may appear completely normal. Timalsena is developing a biosensor using nanomaterials that can detect harmful pathogens with speed and accuracy before food is consumed.

“The goal is to create something rapid, sensitive and easy to use. It could be applied in supermarkets or even at home,” she said.

Her work has particular significance in developing countries, where foodborne illnesses remain common. A reliable detection system could help prevent outbreaks and improve public health outcomes.

One of the most exciting aspects of her research is seeing chemical reactions come to life in the lab.

“During a step, the solution changes from faint yellow to deep wine red. It’s simple but satisfying confirmation that the synthesis worked,” she said.

Through her research experience, Timalsena has developed problem-solving skills, persistence and the ability to balance multiple responsibilities. She is grateful to her advisor Dr. Santimukul Santa, professor of chemistry and biochemistry, other faculty and peers, for their support.

She has shared her work at events, such as the American Chemical Society 2024 Midwest Regional Meeting in Omaha, Nebraska, and Missouri State’s CNAS Undergraduate Research Symposium in 2025.

After graduating with her master’s degree this summer, Timalsena plans to pursue a PhD in translational science and continue her journey as a research scientist.

“I believe the skills I’ve gained here have prepared me well for the future,” she said.

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