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  • McQueary College of Health and Human Services

MSU alumna thrives at Massachusetts General Hospital

October 3, 2023 by Olivia R. Fowler

Studying cell and molecular biology and graduating with her bachelor’s degree in May 2021 and her master’s degree in August 2022 from Missouri State University, Emma Wise has only continued to move onward and upward.  

Positive MoState memories 

For the first few years of college, Wise was a flute and piccolo player for the MSU Pride Marching Band. She had a wonderful experience and met a lot of great people through the music program.

In her free time and while studying, Wise loved to spend time on campus.

“I always enjoyed the fountain and the hammock stations. One of my all-time favorite spots to relax was behind the Plaster Student Union, especially in the spring when the trees are in bloom.”  

Oodles of hands-on research 

Because MSU allows undergraduate students to participate in research, Wise learned proper lab etiquette, how to operate complex equipment and how to properly analyze results. 

Wise started volunteering in Dr. Amy Hulme’s lab in 2019 where they investigated the early steps of HIV-1 replication. Wise continued this research when she transitioned to working on her master’s degree — finally completing her thesis on how the cellular factor Cyclophilin-A interacts with HIV-1.

“Missouri State fully prepared me for my current position,” she said. “Participating in real research early on in my academic career helped me gain the skills I use every day in my current profession.”   

Wise working on cell cultures in a laminar hood.

Life in the Anderson Lab  

Wise now works for the Wellman Center of Photomedicine in the Anderson Lab at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH). Her focus is on how lasers and light can help the body.  

The lab’s current project involves studying how specific wavelengths of red light can affect muscle endurance. To do this, Wise treats muscle cells with light and then ‘exercises’ them using electric pulse stimulation to make them contract.   

After the exercise regimen, she analyzes different cellular byproducts, such as adenosine triphosphate (ATP) or lactate, to see what effect the light has on exercising cells.  

Recently, red light therapy is being considered for patients to help with blood flow and skin conditions, as well as to relieve muscle pain. Wise loves learning exactly how this light can affect the body at a cellular level.

“I’m enjoying my time at MGH and learning a lot from the Anderson Lab, as well as the other labs at the Wellman Center.”

Wise hopes to continue her education and become a research fellow — that way she can conduct her own research on any topic. For the time being, she’s content with exploring the research world and learning more about cell biology.

Explore the biomedical sciences program

Filed Under: Biomedical Sciences, MCHHS Alumni, Spotlights Tagged With: Alumni, Biomedical Sciences, Cell and Molecular Biology, MCHHS Spotlights, McQueary College of Health and Human Services

Faculty fan-favorites

December 15, 2022 by Olivia R. Fowler

Anna McWoods, instructor and lab coordinator in the department of biomedical sciences, and Dr. Cody Smith, assistant professor in the department of kinesiology, are two members of our MCHHS family.  

Let’s get to know them better! 

What’s been the funniest or craziest thing to happen in your classroom?  

McWoods: Several years ago, I was working in my office and my undergraduate lab assistant came running in. Turns out, a wild turkey had flown in the third-floor window of our lab and was wreaking havoc. Everyone gathered around the door with their jaws dropped, staring at this bird prancing around. Security kindly escorted her off campus, but that is something I will truly never forget. 

Smith: I think it is funny when we get to the urine analysis lab protocol and see students’ reactions when they realize they provide the class samples. Or they’ll be analyzing their classmate’s pee.  

I don’t think they think it’s as funny as I do though… 

Where are you from?   

McWoods: Kansas City! Born and raised. 

Smith: I grew up in El Dorado, Arkansas. 

What brought you to Missouri State?  

McWoods: I was interested in biomedical science graduate degrees, so that’s why I graduated with one—GO BEARS! 

A BMS research faculty member spoke with my senior undergraduate class, and I was super interested. Missouri State does a great job to cultivate supportive and cooperative relationships between faculty and graduate students. 

Smith: After completing my doctorate, I was a post-doctoral researcher at the University of Nebraska for two years when I found this opportunity to be an assistant professor of kinesiology. 

I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to teach content I’m passionate about while continuing my research interests in science teaching and learning. It’s been a full-circle experience doing what I set out to accomplish and what I enjoy immensely. 

What’s your favorite part about working here?  

McWoods: The STUDENTS! They are so eager to learn everything they can. Taking them to clinical settings and watching them apply what they have learned in skills lab and the classroom is incredibly rewarding.     

Smith: I just love working with students. Whether it be in the classroom, advising or on thesis projects, it’s truly the most rewarding aspect of my job. I remember being a student and having difficulties with navigating academics and life at the same time. My goal is to continually improve students’ educational experiences. 

Brush up on the department of biomedical sciences

Do you have a favorite class to teach?  

McWoods: One of my favorite classes to teach is my BMS 100: Essentials in Human Biology. This class is for nonscience majors, and we have a blast. We look at a wide array of things from the processes of our organ systems to the fundamentals of healthcare genetics. 

Smith: I love the challenge of making Applied Human Physiology a student-centered classroom. Students can build upon their understanding of anatomy and dive deeper into systems to learn what makes our bodies tick. By the time they get to physiology, students seem to be more willing to engage in classroom discussion with peers who they have become more familiar with. 

Keep it real with the department of kinesiology 

Filed Under: Biomedical Sciences, Kinesiology, Spotlights Tagged With: Biomedical Sciences, Kinesiology, McQueary College of Health and Human Services

Balancing athletics with academics

October 12, 2022 by Olivia R. Fowler

Alyssa Buchheit kicks a soccer ball down the field

Can student athletes juggle their sports in addition to academics? 

Alyssa Buchheit, cell and molecular biology student with a minor in chemistry and on the pre-med track, always knew that she’d play soccer at the college-level. 

“I’m so blessed to be a student athlete,” Buchheit said. “Instead of having to get a job during the school year, I get to play the sport I love with my best friends.” 

Buchheit shares the cool opportunities she’s experienced because of being on the Missouri State women’s soccer team in this month’s podcast episode. 

LISTEN TO THE EPISODE

Filed Under: Biomedical Sciences, Health Queries Podcast, Spotlights Tagged With: Biomedical Sciences, McQueary College of Health and Human Services, students

MCHHS leadership changes

May 17, 2022 by Jonah Rosen

Campus views at sunset

Some changes are coming to Missouri State University’s McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS) leadership team this fall.

Dr. Sarah McCallister, department head of kinesiology, will retire at the end of the year. Dr. Colette Witkowski, department head of biomedical sciences (BMS), will move back to a faculty position.

“Both Sarah and Colette have been amazing leaders and advocates for the college, their respective departments and most importantly, MSU students,” said Dr. Mark Smith, MCHHS dean.

“In my short time at MSU, I have learned from them both tremendously and am exceptionally grateful to have had them be part of an excellent college leadership team as we navigated the many challenges caused by COVID-19.

“Their experience, insights and honesty will be hard to replace. I wish them all the best as they take on new challenges and opportunities.”

Dr. Sarah McCallister

McCallister is retiring from Missouri State after 22 years of service, which included 15 years as department head of kinesiology.

McCallister contributed to the kinesiology department, the college, university and community in many ways. In 2018, she was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame by the Springfield-Greene County Park Board.

She was recently described by the kinesiology faculty as a servant leader who supported faculty and staff and cared deeply about her department and students.

Dr. Colette Witkowski

Witkowski has decided to return to faculty after serving as BMS department head for 15 years.  She contributed to the department, the college, university and community in a lot of ways over the years.

She is a strong role model and advocate for women and girls in the sciences. She serves as the lead organizer of the Expanding Your Horizons  conference. The conference brings middle school girls to campus to learn about science with hands-on activities, exposing them to related career opportunities.

Filed Under: MCHHS News Tagged With: Biomedical Sciences, Kinesiology, McQueary College of Health and Human Services

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