Experiential Learning ⋅ Page 1

An Immersive Learning Opportunity

Unique collaboration between three Mizzou Colleges offers environmental sciences students an opportunity to study weather through virtual reality

An exciting collaboration between three University of Missouri experts is opening the door to a unique learning opportunity for environmental sciences students, specifically those interested in studying weather. Eric Aldrich, Fang Wang and Xinhao Xu have combined their expertise in meteorology, virtual and augmented reality, and mixed-reality-based learning environments to help students gain a deeper understanding of mid-latitude cyclones, which…

Bleeding Black and Gold

Justin Sykes was recently hired as Mizzou softball's first director of player development, a position he will officially begin when he earns his parks, recreation, sport and tourism degree in August

Justin Sykes grew up donning the black and gold at numerous University of Missouri athletic events. Soon, Sykes will be sporting Mizzou colors as an official staff member of the softball team. Sykes has been interning with the softball team for two years and was recently hired as its first director of player development, a position he will officially begin…

From Student to Specialist

Nick Wesslak, who earned two degrees from CAFNR, is putting his education to use as an agronomy field specialist with MU Extension

As a high school student in Salem, Mo., Nick Wesslak was an active member of his local FFA chapter. That experience not only introduced him to the University of Missouri, it also showed him an interesting career path – one that he is now serving in with MU Extension. Wesslak earned two degrees from Mizzou – a bachelor’s degree in…

Endless Educational Opportunities

Industry tours allow CAFNR students to connect with professionals

As part of ensuring student success, the MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) offers its students numerous opportunities to connect in meaningful ways with industry professionals. Those interactions come through a variety of programs, from CAFNR-sponsored experiences to degree-specific trips. Recently, CAFNR students met with a variety of professionals through the Agribusiness Career Connections Program, Dickinson Scholars…

Finding the Perfect Degree

Memphis Bancroft said she has fallen in love with the food science and nutrition degree

When Memphis Bancroft made the decision to pursue a food science and nutrition degree at the University of Missouri she didn’t realize the real-world application of what she was studying would be so immediate. When Bancroft chose the degree program her mother was on a very restrictive diet due to a colon cancer diagnosis. “With the effects of surgery we…

An Incredible Experience

Sophie Cunningham Classic offers students a look at organizing a high-profile event

In early December, high school girls basketball teams from three states took part in the inaugural Sophie Cunningham Classic, a three-day shootout in Columbia created by women athletes for young female athletes. The Classic allowed those athletes to take center stage and allowed Cunningham to give back to the community where she dominated opponents on the court as a high…

A Tasty Experience

Food science and nutrition students spent the fall semester developing a variety of barbeque sauce flavors

A capstone course within the food science and nutrition degree program, the Food Product Development (F_S 4970) class allows students to integrate the various disciplines of food science to create new food products. Andrew Clarke, an associate professor, has taught the writing-intensive course for more than two decades – helping to lead students on a journey that begins with them…

Senior Spotlight: Remi Levinson

Levinson will graduate with a degree in hospitality management

For Remi Levinson, the hospitality management degree program at the University of Missouri offered her exactly what she was looking for. Levinson has always had an interest in planning events – and saw the hospitality management program as a great opportunity to build on that interest, as well as give her additional insights into one of the largest industries in…

Senior Spotlight: Michael McLaughlin

McLaughlin will graduate with a degree in plant sciences

Michael McLaughlin’s first visit to the University of Missouri was an unofficial one, but that’s all it took for him to realize that MU was the place he needed to be. McLaughlin, who was 14 years old at the time of the trip, was visiting his cousin and saw numerous spots across campus. It was the final stop that sold…

Senior Spotlight: Marlon Guzman

Guzman will graduate with a degree in parks, recreation and sport

Marlon Guzman hasn’t had the typical finish to his collegiate career. Guzman has spent his final semester at the University of Missouri on a different continent, participating in an internship with Wilderness Patagonia, a travel company located in Bariloche, Argentina. The internship has given Guzman an opportunity to combine his interests in natural resources, sustainability and tourism. And while the…