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Current professional role: Quality Manager and Research and Development Brewer at Springfield Brewing Company and Ty Iechyd Da Distillery.

Why choose MSU for graduate education?

“After working in a professional field for several years, I had dismissed the thought of finishing my master’s degree in biology. However, after learning about the Professional Science Master’s (PSM) program, I knew it was not out of reach to continue working full-time and return to finish my degree. The PSM program provided the flexibility to allow me to finish my coursework in person and online while using my job at the time to fulfill my internship and project requirements. It was the right fit for me to achieve my MNAS (Master of Natural and Applied Science Interdisciplinary Program) degree in biology.”

Overcoming challenges

“The most challenging aspect of obtaining my degree is the time commitment. Managing my time so that I could work full-time while taking courses and working on a project proved to be tiring at times. However, all of the long days and late nights were rewarded by earning my degree.”

Memorable experiences at Missouri State

“I’d say the most memorable experience I had as a graduate student was getting to present the culmination of all of the work I had done on my graduate project. The project itself had been an interest of mine for years, and jumping back into a graduate program was the perfect time for me to fulfill my research interests.”

MSU community supports students

“I cannot overstate the support that I received from my advisor Dr. Babur Mirza, my committee, Dr. Kyoungtae Kim and Dr. Katy Frederick-Hudson, and the Graduate College. From the application process to the path to earning my degree, they were all instrumental in my success.”

His graduate education has prepared him for his current career

“My graduate education and the PSM (Professional Science Master’s Program) at Missouri State have helped my career in multiple ways. Not only have I learned more about the science and microbiology related to my job, but I have also become more knowledgeable about the underlying business aspects of my employer, thanks to the business course requirements of the PSM program.”

Advice for upcoming #GradBears

“For somebody working full-time and also wanting to earn a graduate degree in the sciences, I would recommend looking into an MNAS (Master of Natural and Applied Science Interdisciplinary Program) degree through the PSM (Professional Science Master’s Program). In my experience, it was a great option because of the flexibility it allows to be able to continue working in your field while working toward an advanced degree.”

Learn about the PSM program Start your MNAS in biology