Eryn Wagoner will continue to explore the beauty of science after graduating from Missouri Southern this past Saturday as the Outstanding Honors Student.
The child of alumni, Wagoner fell in love with the university at a young age.
“I grew up attending science fairs, band competitions, and football games at MSSU,” said the Carthage native. “Choosing to go to school here felt like I was coming home.”
Wagoner enjoyed her time in the MSSU biology department pursuing her biology degree with a pre-medical emphasis. The professors strive to help students succeed.
“Every single professor I had in the department has been extremely kind, and they are always willing to help students understand the material,” said Wagoner. “My advisor Dr. Rhodes has been especially amazing because when deciding my career path, she was so supportive and willing to help me achieve my goals.”
Despite starting college during the COVID-19 pandemic, Wagoner was heavily involved on and off campus, participating in both CAB, the pre-professional student organization Caduceus Club, and Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority where she served as president for two years. She was also a medical assistant intern at Mercy Hospital and a student worker for MSSU’s chemistry department.
“Through the clubs and organizations I joined, I felt at home,” she said. “I love being able to give back to the community I grew up in and to nonprofit organizations across the country.”
With Dr. Alla Berry, Wagoner conducted an anatomical study focused on specific fibers found within the vagus nerve—one of the body’s 12 cranial nerves—and their possible impact on signs of cardiovascular disease. She presented the work at MSSU conferences and more recently in Canada.
“I love the whole research process, from collecting and analyzing samples, to presenting our updated results at conferences,” said Wagoner. “I have approached every critique as a chance to learn how to make my presentation skills better and showcase my research the way it deserves.”
This fall, Wagoner will pursue her Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Missouri.
“The lab I will be joining has already been incredibly supportive and the department is amazing,” she said. “I'm proud to be an alumna of MSSU, and I am excited to take all the lessons I learned during my time here as I start graduate school this fall.”
