With our commencement ceremonies set for Saturday and Sunday, May 17-18, we’re highlighting a few of the incredible students who will soon be alumni of the College of Health Sciences.

Read on to learn more about Cydney Mayfield of Otterville, Missouri, who is completing a Master of Public Health.

Favorite quote:

“The impossible: What no one can do until somebody does.”

An interesting fact about you:

I collect rare sports cards, mostly football and basketball with a few baseball and F1 cards sprinkled in.

What does graduating from the Mizzou College of Health Sciences mean to you?

Graduating from the Mizzou College of Health Sciences with my Master of Public Health is incredibly meaningful to me. Not just as a milestone, but as a continuation of a journey that began years ago. With both my undergraduate and graduate degrees from Mizzou, I feel deeply connected to this campus and all it represents. The University of Missouri has been more than a place of learning — it’s been the foundation of my growth, both professionally and personally.

This MPH degree signifies more than academic achievement; it reflects countless hours of dedication, curiosity, and a commitment to public service. It has prepared me to tackle real-world challenges and given me the tools to make a meaningful impact, especially in the field of research administration and project management for laboratory research, where I now find my professional home. Through this program, I’ve developed a deeper understanding of how research translates into health outcomes and how thoughtful project leadership can drive scientific progress. I’m proud to carry the values of Mizzou forward — integrity, service, and innovation — as I continue working alongside brilliant scientists and public health professionals to support discovery and improve lives. Being a two-time Mizzou graduate is a legacy I hold with immense pride. MIZ!!!!!! 

What was one of your favorite classes within your degree track?

Hands down, my Research Methods class with Dr. Susana Quirós. I loved everything about it, even though it was probably one of the most rigorous courses in my degree track. It gave me real-world experience drafting scientific protocols, doing literature reviews, and really targeting precisely how to write a good-quality scientific report. It was very practical to what I do now, and I credit that class for making me a better collaborator as well as project manager. 

What activities have you been involved in along the way?

At the student, faculty and staff luncheon, I was given the opportunity to present a PCORI grant proposal on creating a Core Center Grant on health literacy at the College of Health Science within the Department of Public Health. I received great feedback and great ideas on ways to move this idea forward. 

Who helped you during your college journey?

I wouldn’t be here without the support of Laura Herblin and Stacee Baker. Both of these women work within the MU School of Medicine. And both of them are rock stars at what they do. They mentored and encouraged me to pursue my degree and helped me develop ideas along the way. I couldn’t have asked for a better support system. Additionally, I couldn’t have done it without the love and patience my son (Dalton who is 16, a junior at Rock Bridge High School) extended to me to allow me the time to focus and work on my degree. 

What memories stand out from your time at Mizzou?

So many memories stand out from my time at Mizzou, it’s hard to choose just one! Professionally, I’ll always remember the incredible opportunities I had working within the Clinical and Translational Science Office at the School of Medicine. That experience gave me a strong foundation in research support and academic collaboration, and it set the stage for one of the most meaningful milestones of my career: my promotion to program project manager at the Bond Life Sciences Center and the Laboratory for Infectious Disease Research. Being part of groundbreaking infectious disease research and supporting world-class scientists has been both humbling and inspiring.

But it’s not all been work! Some of my favorite memories include Saturdays at Faurot Field — cheering on the Tigers with 60,000-plus fans in sold-out crowds these past two seasons has been electric. There’s just nothing like the energy of Mizzou football and the sense of community it brings. These years at Mizzou have been filled with growth, joy, and incredible people — mentors, friends, and colleagues who’ve made this journey unforgettable. Whether in the lab, at the office, or in the stands, every moment has shaped who I am today — and I’m proud to forever be part of the Mizzou family.

What are your plans after graduation?

I plan to continue my path in research administration. I have a good background in regulated human clinical studies, and I am sharpening my skills and learning more about work in the lab and good laboratory practices. I would love nothing more than to help my PI, Anthony Griffiths, realize his vision for improving LIDR and increasing private collaboration in the infectious disease space. 

What advice do you have for current and future students?

To my fellow graduates: Your journey doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. If you have a passion, chase it. If you see a door, push it open. If someone tells you that you don’t belong in a space you want to be in, walk in anyway. Because if a lawyer can find a way to work in virology, then I promise you, there is no limit to what you can achieve.