Most students don't delve into exhaustive research projects—let alone get published—until graduate school, or later. But Truman senior Allison Doores has done both. Some might even dub this biology major an expert in the field of pollen development.

For the past four years, since her freshman-year biology prof piqued her interest, Allison's been knee-deep in pollen analysis. While the demands of research have sometimes been heavy, Allison tells us why it's all worth it—the pay-off is bigger than you think.

Beyond the Textbook
Allison's research of pollen development gives her the opportunity to use the real tools of science. Not only does she get to cut pollen tissue into really thin slices (816 nanometers per slice) using an ultra microphone, but she also uses scanning electronoscopy to observe the outer features of the pollen grain and transmission electronoscopy to observe the internal features of the pollen wall as it develops.

Such a meticulous process has given Allison an education beyond the textbook. According to Allison, "In biology books they have pictures from electron microscopes. The average student sees that and thinks, Neat picture. But I can say that I know exactly what goes into taking a picture like this. The research has opened my eyes to the basic principles from a textbook. And I think it's easier to wrap my mind around the big picture of things we're learning in class because I've been through the process firsthand."

Intellectual Community
Presenting your original research in front of a room full of PhDs can be scary. But Allison took the risk and shared her findings at The National Conference for the Botanical Society of America, where she received rave reviews. The experience also confirmed she wasn't just a "student" but an expert in her own right. Allison states, "I learned I know more than I think I know. I can communicate with these people in scientific language and discuss important issues in the world of plant biology. It's also great to have them tell me about things that they know that I don't know. It's a great feedback process and an opportunity to learn so much."

Training for Your Future
If you're looking to go to graduate school, participating in a research project at the undergraduate level is fertile training ground. You discover the nuts-and-bolts of post-graduate work. Not only do you learn how to navigate the library, write copiously, compile research, and think independently, but the experience also sets you apart from other undergraduate applicants. Allison states, "My research has given me an advantage over other applicants who have not done as much research. Also, the people whom I'm applying to work with I've met at conferences I've attended." Allison reminds students that when you make a connection at a conference, you stick out as someone who's committed to your education.

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Truman graduate Stacie Cooley knows that there's more to being Miss Missouri than being a perfect 10 in a swimsuit and looking swanky in an evening gown. And she should know. As reigning Miss Missouri, Stacie works out and showcases her intellect—even more than her physique. In a week's work, she picks up the microphone to inspire Missouri's youth, engages in political discussions with the Governor of Missouri, and emcees for notable social events.

Her life might be glamorous, but it's far from simple. In a recent interview, Stacie shares how her Truman education has given her the confidence to wear the Miss Missouri crown.

To what do you attribute your success?
Miss Missouri: People always ask me that, and I always say first and foremost, beyond the love and support of my family, my education. I can't imagine doing the job of Miss Missouri had I not been a student at Truman. It really is what has made me a well-rounded person and able to handle the day-to-day job of Miss Missouri, which is totally unpredictable and different every single day!

How did your Truman education prepare you for being Miss Missouri?
At Truman, I actually interacted with my professors, who gave me feedback on how to improve my writing and speaking skills and helped me deepen my knowledge. My Truman education has given me the ability to speak well and to accept critique.

I can think back to my freshman speech class and that first speech I had to give to 25 people. I was so nervous that my voice was shaking. Looking back to where I was then and seeing where I am now, I know those speaking experiences helped me handle the position of Miss Missouri.

How has your major influenced your work as Miss Missouri?
Since my major was health science and health education, one thing I do is travel around the state and talk to kids about the importance of making healthy decisions. Through my education to become a health educator, I'm versed in program planning and implementation. I'm even evaluating how my programs are doing in the schools.

How glamorous is it being Miss Missouri?
When people think of "Miss Anyone," they tend to think of someone who stands around and looks pretty; everything is glamorous. After doing the job of Miss Missouri, I can tell you that's so far from the truth. If there is anything that I am guaranteed to do on a daily basis it's grab a mic and start speaking—networking and sharing a message.

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At this time of year, students are more than ready to take a trip. Florida, Mexico, and anywhere warm are always popular destinations. But a new trip—to a place called Bountiful—awaited students on Tuesday evening. Truman's Kohlenberg Lyceum Series presented the Montana Repertory Theatre's The Trip to Bountiful to an enthralled crowd in Baldwin Auditorium.

Carrie Watts, an elderly woman living with her son and daughter-in-law in a small Houston apartment, wants to return to her hometown of Bountiful. After finally being successful in sneaking out of the city, the local sheriff stops Carrie at a small-town bus station. He is compassionate, though, and takes Carrie back to Bountiful for one last visit to her old homestead. When her son arrives, he realizes the importance of Bountiful to his mother and she is content to return home to Houston.

The Trip to Bountiful is just one of seven Lyceum events during the 2005-2006 academic year. Other events include the Kansas City Symphony, the Shangri-La Chinese Acrobats, and Rhonda Vincent & The Rage. All events are free to Truman students.

Students in attendance were thrilled with the performance and the Lyceum Series. Freshman biology major Kendal Geno said, "The quality of entertainment is of the highest caliber. It is really wonderful that here on campus we have the opportunity to take in these cultural events free of charge. Normally a ticket for events such as these would cost $20-$50. I have always had an enjoyable experience at Lyceum events and I will continue to attend them as long as the University offers them."

"In general, the Lyceum is a wonderful program that brings in high quality acts that are very enjoyable. Last semester's events were amazing! At the acrobat show, two guys in a lion suit jumped off the stage, came into the seats and 'bit' the guy next to me. I forgot I was in Baldwin Hall for a couple of hours."

For more information on the Kohlenberg Lyceum Series, visit lyceum.truman.edu.

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Yes, it's true: Truman is a Top 10 university. Truman students ranked 3rd in the nation on the Uniform CPA Examination according to a report of the 2004 results recently released by the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy.

If numbers and logic are your sweet-spot and you foresee an accounting job in your future, Truman is just the right fit. Following are what makes Truman's CPA program sizzle.

Consistent Results
This is the third straight year Truman has placed among the top 5 universities in the nation. Truman was ranked #2 in 2003 and #4 in 2002.

Comprehensive Courses
Truman's accounting courses are not directed toward passing the CPA exam. Rather, the classes themselves go beyond what the CPA exam requires. Students work on skills, such as writing, speaking, teamwork, ethics and so on. The exam is not the center of the coursework; coursework is designed to ensure the future accounting success of Truman students. Accounting professor Sandra Weber states, "I'd like to think our coursework develops skills as well as knowledge—but not just for the CPA exam."

CPA Review Class
Unique to Truman's accounting department is a CPA review class, an intensive course organized by topic modules. Immediately after the spring semester and lasting until late July, students meet each weekday for three hours, covering one topic per day. To enrich the students' knowledge, students are given assignments to tackle the night before each new topic. Because Truman has a rich repertoire of accounting faculty members, one of nine professors, who each have different specializations, leads class discussion and covers exam-type questions each day.

Click here to read the full State Board Report.

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