“The methods you use in trying to be a better musician are the same as those you use in trying to be a better student and researcher. You have to be focused.”
- Daphne Moutsoglou
Story Contact
Tim Nichols, Assistant Director of Academic Programs, timothy.nichols@sdstate.edu
On the Go
The classroom. The library. The laboratory. The symphony hall. Regardless of geography, SDSU College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences senior Daphne Moutsoglou spends time where her interests are.
Because the Brookings native is a pre-medicine student double majoring in microbiology and chemistry, that she spends a lot of time in the classroom is probably unsurprising. It’s interesting, though, that while Moutsoglou appreciated one of her major fields before she came to SDSU, she didn’t feel the same about the other; in fact, she said that “other” was somewhat of a bear before she came to SDSU. But the ABS College helped change that.
“In high school, I struggled to do well in chemistry,” Moutsoglou said. “But due to SDSU’s strong chemistry program, I found it to be quite enjoyable.”
Perhaps there is something to enjoying one’s schoolwork—Moutsoglou has done exceedingly well in the classroom. Her classroom honors start with being named to the ABS College dean’s list every year (2004–present), continue on to her earning membership in three academic honor societies (Alpha Lambda Delta, 2004–present; Phi Kappa Phi, 2006–present; and Tri-Beta, 2006–present), and move to her winning a prestigious Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship in 2007. What makes the Goldwater special? Well, while it can mean up to $7,500 per year for educational expenses, its exclusivity may be best reflected in another number: 300 (as in just 300 sophomores and juniors nationwide win the Goldwater each year).
That her undergraduate career has been successful is evident. But Moutsoglou’s journey involves more than just one accomplishment, more than just one destination. For the time she has spent inside both the classroom and the library, her postgraduate interests are also prime motivators. After all, classroom desks and library study tables enameled with books and notes are de rigueur for those interested in pursuing advanced degrees, and Moutsoglou wants to earn both an M.D. and Ph.D.
She said she wants those advanced degrees so she can help effect change, and she is particularly interested in conducting advanced biomedical research. Given that she has already conducted separate research on, among other things, the eye disease uveitis, stem cells, and the effect of an herbal supplement on certain chemotherapy drugs, her goal is certainly reachable.
“The clinical aspects of research intrigue me,” she said. “Trying to solve problems from a research perspective, that is interesting.”
As the preceding list of research topics shows, Moutsoglou is already intimately familiar with the landscape of laboratories. In fact, she began conducting research in the SDSU laboratories prior to her freshman year at the University. That she began conducting research at SDSU before she began her college career is a testament to two things: 1) she was an exceptionally talented pre-undergraduate, and 2) SDSU both recognized and facilitated that talent.
But SDSU isn’t the only entity that has identified Moutsoglou as being exceptional; she has also attracted the attention of the National Eye Institute (NEI) at the National Institute of Health (NIH). In addition to the three research projects she has taken on and completed at SDSU, Moutsoglou has twice had the opportunity to intern at the NEI. Moutsoglou said the time she has spent at the NEI has been helpful in multiple regards, and the real-world expectations and exposure she experienced will help her in the future.
“My experience at the NIH taught me a lot,” said Moutsoglou. “Not only did I have to present my research, which means writing it up and taking care of the other endeavors that go with that, but I also received experience in an international laboratory.”
As a result of her research efforts both at and away from SDSU, Moutsoglou has had the opportunity to make four noteworthy presentations: two were to South Dakota legislators; one, noted above, was at the NIH; and one was at the annual meeting of the American Society of Microbiology.
But there is more to Moutsoglou than stacks of books, crisp lab coats, microscopes, and safety glasses. Because she is a top-notch viola and violin player, she spends quite a bit of time in the practice room and the symphony hall. She has been a member of the SDSU Civic Symphony since she was a freshman in high school, and she is also a member of the SDSU String Ensemble.
“It’s a part of me,” said Moutsoglou about music. “It’s important for me to continue it.”
The emphasis she places on music has led to further success and opportunity. In addition to earning first-chair viola honors for the symphony in 2003, she teaches private lessons in both the violin and the viola, has coached and taught at SDSU’s String Festival since 2004, and gives a combined eight performances a year as part of the symphony and of the ensemble.
Moutsoglou says succeeding as a student, or as a researcher, or as a musician requires similar skills. “They all fit together,” she said. “When you play an instrument, you really have to put a lot of effort into it. The methods you use in trying to be a better musician are the same as those you use in trying to be a better student and researcher. You have to be focused.”
Xiuquing Wang, SDSU associate professor of biology and microbiology, said Moutsoglou has an abundance of positive qualities, including focus. She said these qualities likely bode well, both for Moutsoglou and for others. “She has persistence. She is intelligent. And she is focused,” said Wang. “Those young people who are educated and ambitious, they can make a difference.”
Moutsoglou said the opportunity to make a difference is one of the reasons she chose to attend SDSU. “The University facilitates by shaping you, and by providing you opportunities, and by letting you know what’s out there,” she said. “And then you have to go get it. They help you, but you decide how far you want to go.”
It’s apparent that Moutsoglou has decided that her journey is just beginning.
Related Links
SDSU ABS College
SDSU Biology and Microbiology Department
National Eye Institute
SDSU Division of Student Affairs
AgBio Scholarships info