Molly Peters knows research isn’t just reserved for a select group of experts – it’s driven by curious people asking questions and working to find answers that make a difference.
“I felt like there was this prevailing idea that the scientists and problem-solvers of the world are an invisible force that’s not like you and me,” she said. “But everyone can be a scientist at heart; it just requires an understanding that asking questions and failing are simply necessary steps in making progress.”
Peters is a junior at the University of Missouri studying plant sciences. She was immediately drawn to the idea of doing research at a young age and is currently conducting studies on maize.
“My research explores the difficulties that some mutant strains of maize face on both a visible and invisible level, with growing and reproducing or a lack thereof,” she said. “It underlines the importance of how identifying these deficiencies might lead to a better understanding of how we can shape crops to withstand an uncertain future in agriculture.”
Beginning her research journey at Mizzou at the start of her freshman year, Peters joined the Freshman Research in Plant Science (FRIPS) program. She’s been working under Paula McSteen, a professor of biological sciences, since then.
“As a researcher, I want to do my best to help a world that has more questions than answers, and perhaps more problems than solutions,” Peters said.
Funding the future
Peters is one of several undergraduate students in CAFNR who have received funding to advance their research during the 2026-27 academic year. CAFNR students can apply for these undergraduate research internships by developing a research proposal with a faculty member. If approved, students prepare and present research results at a poster display in the spring.
These one-year internships provide students with financial support that applies to financial aid as a scholarship. These funds will help Peters continue her work to improve the agricultural industry.
“This scholarship funding has given me the opportunity to clear so many hurdles that come with the costs of research, from small supplies to the very complicated microscopes that produce many of the results in my data,” she said.
Peters said receiving this funding has opened many doors for her to learn and grow in her field.
“It also really solidified that I’m becoming a true researcher,” she said. “Having the opportunity to allocate the funding towards a greater cause that could improve the way we approach agriculture someday was such an extraordinary feeling.”
In the future, Peters hopes to take her research to places outside the lab.
“My research has completely expanded my horizons beyond what I thought was possible,” she said. “I hope to work in fields, forests, conservation areas and communities so that I can bring what I have worked towards to those who might need it the most.”
Peters is also studying German and aims to continue her education after graduation by moving to Germany to pursue a master’s degree.
“I very much look forward to finding where my passions in the field might lead me, because there are so many ways to make an impact,” she said. “I would not be where I am today without the wonderful people and opportunities in CAFNR.”