Health and Human Services News

Honoring excellence: Dr. Colby Simmons earns GOLD Award

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During Kansas City University’s (KCU) 2025 Homecoming celebration, Dr. Colby Simmons received the Graduate of the Last Decade (GOLD) Award.  

The award recognizes the university’s alumni from both its College of Osteopathic Medicine and the College of Biosciences. It honors alumni who graduated during the last decade and have shown leadership, service and professional excellence. 

A strong foundation at Missouri State 

Simmons began his undergraduate studies at Missouri State University in 2001. He majored in cell and molecular biology, earning his bachelor’s degree in 2005. While here, he served as president of Phi Theta Kappa. 

Before enrolling in medical school, he worked as a certified neurophysiologic intraoperative monitoring technologist at CoxHealth, gaining early exposure to surgical medicine and patient care. 

He later completed his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine at KCU in 2013. He also holds an MBA in Health Care Leadership from Rockhurst University. 

“Missouri State gave me an unparalleled undergraduate education and set me on a trajectory for success, not only in medical school but in my career as a neuroanesthesiologist,” Simmons said.  

“The collaboration and teamwork I learned there continue to guide how I care for patients, serve on multiple committees, lead research projects and teach or train medical students, residents and fellows. I’m grateful for every opportunity and appreciate that MSU is a place that puts student growth and development at the forefront.”  

Advancing care and education 

Simmons now serves as an assistant professor of anesthesiology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and practices mainly at the University of Colorado Hospital in Aurora. 

His work focuses on neuroanesthesia, neurophysiology and perioperative efficiency, combining patient safety, innovation and teamwork.  

His career blends advanced clinical practice, academic teaching and health care leadership. 

Drawing from his overall experience, Simmons offers this advice to future health care professionals. 

“You can do it. If you feel called to care for people in their most vulnerable moments, set clear goals in a health care pathway, seek mentors and stay committed until you reach your goal,” he said.  

“The world needs young people who are willing to sacrifice time and energy now, by studying and learning, so they can serve others in the future.” 

Find out more about Simmons and his achievements in this YouTube video. 

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A future physician in the making

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For Missouri State University senior Danielle Lynch, becoming a physician has been a goal years in the making.

Thanks to the past four years at Missouri State, she is equipped to thrive in medical school.

Growing and learning as a Science Bear

A native of the Philippines, Lynch moved to Springfield, Missouri, as a high school student. She started studying at Missouri State in fall 2021. This December, she will graduate with her bachelor’s degree in cell and molecular biology (CMB), a minor in human life sciences and two undergraduate certificates: Health Sciences and Human Genetics and Genomics.

“It was the affordability and diversity of what the university offered that encouraged me to come here,” she said.

An Honors College student, she began college as a biology major. But after attending the Majors Fair on campus in her freshman year, she learned about CMB. She realized it was the better fit for her and made the switch.

“At the booth, representatives shared how CMB supports medical school preparation and what I’d learn in this major,” Lynch said. “That’s when I knew it was for me.”

Lynch is most grateful for the professors and resources in the School of Health Sciences, which houses the CMB program. From the cadaver lab to the cell culturing labs, she notes the facilities and the personable faculty have helped her to become a more successful student and prepare for her future.

“I’m very lucky to be at Missouri State with a major that offers so much support to become a well-rounded person. And the Honors College has prepared me immensely,” she said.

The Honors College provides an enriched academic experience for high achieving undergraduate students.

Lynch credits Missouri State for helping her build the skills and confidence she will need for her future career in medicine.

“I’ve learned how to use the tools Missouri State has given me to prepare for what’s ahead. The classes, the people and the communities I’ve been surrounded with have helped make me who I am,” she said.

Gaining valuable work experience

Despite a busy schedule as a student, Lynch has worked in health care. The different roles have deepened her understanding of patient care and strengthened her commitment to medicine.

For two and a half years, she worked at Mercy as a radiology imaging technician in the DEXA department. In this role, she performed scans for patients across a range of needs, including lumbar issues, bone densities, body compositions, hip replacements and spine assessments.

“I loved making connections with patients. I wanted to be the best advocate I could be and create the most comfortable environment for them,” Lynch said.

At Mercy, she also got the opportunity to shadow physicians, such as family physician Dr. Jay Sparks, general and breast surgeon Dr. John Bumberry, internal medicine physician Dr. Elene Pilapil and many more medical staff.

Now, as a pharmacy technician at Walgreens, she has learned even more about the patient experience.

“At the hospital, I’d see doctors order the scans I’d conduct. Here at the pharmacy, I’m the one giving patients the prescriptions their doctors prescribe,” Lynch said. “I really love working in health care. I enjoy focusing on patients and communicating with them.”

Involved on campus and in the community

Lynch has also found time to volunteer and participate in extracurricular activities.

Among the organizations she has volunteered at include Eden Village, Habitat for Humanity, Springfield Symphony Orchestra, Convoy of Hope and Discovery Center.

Based at the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) learning exhibits at the center, she helped teach genetics through the use of fruit flies.

“I’d explain to kids how genetics and embryonic development work,” Lynch said.

On campus, she has been involved in Student Government Association, Pre-Medical Society, Biomedical Sciences Society, Ice Girls, Model UN and Phi Sigma Pi Gamma Sigma Chapter.

Pursuing her dream career

After graduation, Lynch plans to complete her pharmacy technician certification and then start applying to medical schools. She hopes to continue her journey toward becoming a patient-centered physician.

To future and current students, she stresses the importance of resilience and perseverance.

“You can have all these goals, but they’re just ink on a paper if you don’t act on them,” Lynch said. “Take in the experiences you’ve had and evaluate how you can use them to shape your future.”

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Behind the microscope: a future in medicine

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Missouri State University senior Mayeen Choudhury didn’t have to travel far to continue his college education in fall 2022.  

Mayeen Chowdhury competes in a local marathon.
Mayeen Chowdhury competes in a local marathon.

Born in Bangladesh and raised in Springfield, Missouri, he chose Missouri State to stay close to his family.  

Inspired by his sibling’s experience, who is also a Mo State alum, Choudhury was drawn to cell and molecular biology (CMB), a program in the department of biomedical sciences. 

As he prepares to graduate this December, he reflects on four years of discovery, research and personal growth. 

Finding focus in biomedical sciences 

Choudhury became interested in biomedical sciences in high school, aligning with his goal to become a physician.  

He knew the rigorous CMB curriculum would prepare him for medical school, but it required long-term commitment and consistent effort. 

He works in Dr. Joshua Smith’s research lab and studies how hypochlorous acid impacts osteoblast survivability and bacterial eradication. Smith is a professor in the School of Health Sciences. 

“I’ve learned to be meticulous and precise in research,” Choudhury said. “It expanded my thought process on how to minimize error and respond effectively when things go wrong.” 

He believes biomedical research is more than just gathering data. It teaches students how to read academic papers, extract high-quality information and understand how discoveries translate into real treatments. This hands-on experience also strengthened his problem-solving mindset. 

“Being involved in research has taught me patience and helped me realize that setbacks are inevitable,” he shared. “Although research is time-consuming, it’s satisfying to analyze the data and gain more knowledge on the subjects we’re dedicated to.”

Gaining volunteer and work experience 

Beyond the classroom, Choudhury finds time to give back to the community. He has volunteered with nonprofit organizations, such as Eden Animal Heaven and Fight Colorectal Cancer. 

“It’s been therapeutic for me and always improves my mood. It allows me to de-stress away from school while being involved with such great organizations,” he said. 

With colorectal cancer affecting his family members, Choudhury feels it is important for him to advocate for awareness as the disease rates climb nationwide. He encourages other students to find meaningful ways to give back. 

“All nonprofits need volunteers. Volunteering impacts your community and provides an incredible sense of fulfillment through your time and effort,” he said. 

Choudhury on a Springfield-area trail for outdoor adventure.
Choudhury on a Springfield-area trail for outdoor adventure.

From December 2022 to September 2024, Choudhury also worked at CoxHealth as a unit assistant. In this role, he gained hands-on clinical experience through patient interaction and teamwork. 

Looking ahead with purpose 

After graduation, he plans to go to medical school. His long-term goal is to become a primary care physician and eventually open his own clinic. 

“We live in a country of opportunity, but also one with a broken health care system. I want to spearhead efforts to create change within my community and beyond,” he said. 

He hopes to expand access to low-cost or free health care services, especially for those who need them most.  

“The rising rates of disease and diminishing health across the country worries me,” he said. “I want to be an empathetic and compassionate physician who helps people improve their lives and creates a ripple effect.”

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Gaining experience across borders

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In May 2025, Arwa Abdelhakiem  graduated from Missouri State University with a major in cell and molecular biology and a minor in chemistry. 

Earlier this year, she received the U.S. Department of State’s Critical Language Scholarship (CLS), one of the nation’s most competitive awards.  

The program supports fully funded study abroad in critical languages through intensive coursework and cultural immersion, which are vital to global engagement.

Arwa Abdelhakiem
Arwa Abdelhakiem

As a scholarship recipient, she spent the summer studying Korean in Busan, South Korea.  

Finding her path at Mo State

Abdelhakiem grew up in Springfield, Missouri. Since childhood, she was surrounded by science. Her mother, Dr. Wafaa Kaf, once a doctor in Egypt, has been an audiology professor at Missouri State since 2003. Her two older siblings, who are also doctors, inspired her to study biology and chemistry. 

Abdelhakiem began as a biochemistry major when she came to Missouri State in fall 2021 but soon, she wanted more focus on biology. With support from her advisor, Dr. Gary Meints, professor in chemistry and biochemistry, she switched majors and found courses that fueled her curiosity.  

“That advice changed everything,” she said. “I started choosing classes that interested me, not just checking boxes.” 

Outside the classroom, she served as vice president of the Muslim Students Association and competed on the university’s debate team. She also advocated for bringing a permanent halal menu to campus dining halls and organized intercultural events across campus. 

“Those roles taught me leadership, collaboration and time management,” she said. “They shaped me as much as my courses.” 

Learning in Busan

Her Korean language classes during her freshman and sophomore years opened the door to the CLS program.  

In Busan, she spent two months in intensive study. Her days included lessons, cultural excursions and practice with locals. 

“Living in Busan pushed me out of my comfort zone,” she said. “As a Muslim woman in hijab, I stood out, but people welcomed me. I built amazing friendships that made the experience unforgettable.” 

One of  Abdelhakiem’s favorite memories came from spending time at a small café. The woman who worked there encouraged her to practice Korean at every visit and celebrated her progress.  

“That support reminded me how language can bring people together,” she said. 

Abdelhakiem (front) takes a selfie with classmates and teacher at the CLS final ceremony.
Abdelhakiem (front) takes a selfie with classmates and teacher at the CLS final ceremony.

Carrying lessons forward 

This fall, Abdelhakiem  moved on to her next chapter at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry to become a dentist. 

Her childhood dentist first sparked her interest for the field. That spark grew stronger through her time at Missouri State and her experience in South Korea. 

“Missouri State gave me a strong science foundation and CLS gave me the confidence to connect across cultures. Both will guide me as I begin dental school,” she said.  

She believes empathy and communication will be central to her work as a dentist.  

“I want to serve patients with respect and compassion,” she said. 

Abdelhakiem encourages other students to seize the opportunity to study abroad. 

“Go for it,” she said. “Studying abroad changes you. You’ll come back with new skills, new memories and a new outlook on life.” 

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