September 04, 2025
Noah Lee, recipient of a prestigious Stamps Scholarship, is excited to explore research opportunities available to Mizzou undergraduates.
Throughout his time as a student at Rock Bridge High School in Columbia, Missouri, Noah Lee was an active member of the cross country team as well as the track and field team. His passion for competition eventually turned into a passion for improving his running efficiency.
鈥淚 was fascinated with biomechanics and performance optimization throughout my time on those teams,鈥 Lee said. 鈥淚 had personal experience with injuries and saw my teammates struggle with injuries, too. Through that, I really got interested in medical imagery and recovery techniques. Those interests led to a further desire to study this field when I got to college, especially through research.鈥
Lee will explore those interests at Mizzou this fall. He plans to pursue a biomedical engineering degree and is one of seven incoming Tigers who were awarded the Stamps Scholarship.
Mizzou has partnered with the Stamps Scholars Program since 2017 to offer this premier scholarship to more than 50 Tigers. Mizzou聽聽receive a four-year, full cost of attendance scholarship, plus an additional $16,000 enrichment fund to be used during the student鈥檚 four years to enhance their studies and academic pursuits. Stamps Scholars are enrolled in the Honors College for all four years, working toward the completion of the Honors Certificate. This year, Mizzou will welcome seven Stamps Scholars.
Around 20 semifinalists are invited each February to the Stamps interview weekend where they learn more about the Mizzou campus, meet current Stamps Scholars and interview for the scholarship.
鈥淚 had a lot of people tell me that I should leave my hometown for college, so I did have some reservations about coming to Mizzou,鈥 Lee said. 鈥淭he Stamps interview weekend completely changed my perspective of what Mizzou had to offer. I have several ties to Mizzou, so I kind of figured I had seen it all. The weekend really opened my eyes. It was nice to be able to sit through some Honors College classes, meet the current Stamps Scholars and interact with so many wonderful people. The energy throughout the weekend was amazing, and I appreciated how generous everyone was with their time.鈥
The Stamps Scholarship also includes a research placement, and many Stamps Scholars begin research projects during their first semester on campus. Lee said he鈥檚 excited to explore the research opportunities throughout campus, especially those tied to his interest areas.
鈥淭he entire Stamps Scholars Program is incredible, and I鈥檓 excited about the connections I鈥檒l be able to make on the research side,鈥 Lee said. 鈥淭his is an incredible opportunity and one I鈥檓 ready to dive into.
鈥淭his scholarship allows students to take control of their own education. I think this will be a great opportunity for me to kind of carve out my own way.鈥
As a native of Columbia, Lee was able to take a few dual credit courses at Mizzou. He also had a tie to campus through his father, who received a Ph.D. in chemistry from Mizzou. Lee attended Tiger sporting events and other university functions and said he鈥檚 thrilled to get involved as an official college student.
鈥淭here are so many great people in the Mizzou community,鈥 Lee said. 鈥淚 do already have some connections, and I鈥檓 eager to build more relationships throughout campus.鈥
.