Kayla Spence Email & Phone Number

Worked as a freelance transcriptionist with TranscribeMe from January 2021 to September 2021. Published in the University of Missouri's Artifacts Journal of Undergraduate Research in Issue 19, found in the Summer 2021 publication. The publication was awarded for writing a problem-solving essay concerning an issue in one's hometown, and the article was titled, "Atrazine: An Issue Needing Action." This publication addresses the issue of atrazine, a common herbicide used on corn and sorghum crops, which has been found in the drinking water provided to 14 counties, nine water districts, and 72,942 people. The levels found in Mark Twain Lake and the Mark Twain Lake Watershed are supposed to be below 3 μg/¹ in drinking water to be at an acceptable level but they have been tested to be at 5.88 μg/¹. The symptoms of atrazine poisoning can be as common as diarrhea and vomiting, irritation of the eye and mucous membranes, abdominal pain, and skin reactions such as rashes. Some of the long-term side-effects for newborns include birth defects, low fetal weights, and urinary system and limb defects. Other side-effects for adults with lifetime exposure can include damage to the liver, kidneys, and heart, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, as well as increased risks of ovarian and prostate cancer. This is an area that needs more awareness to protect rural Missourians as well as the environment. Wrote grants and was awarded both the Fall 2021 HEERF III and Spring 2022 HEERF III grant. Awarded the Chancellor's Award and Bright Flight Scholarships upon admission to the University of Missouri for achievement in high school testing.For high academic achievement, awarded membership to the University of Missouri's Dean's List from the beginning of enrollment in August 2020 to the present in addition to enrollment in the University of Missouri's Honor's College. Currently maintaining a 3.938 GPA and have taken courses every semester since enrollment, including the Summer 2021 semester.Member of the MU Women in STEM, Mizzou ASL Club, Autism Speaks U University of Missouri, and the American Institute of Chemical Engineers.