Two years ago, CAFNR recognized Henry Kirklin, a celebrated Black farmer and educator who lived in and around Columbia from 1858 until his death in 1938, with the naming of the Henry Kirklin Plant Sciences Learning Laboratory (3-35 Agriculture Building). Plant sciences students have been able to benefit from the renovated space through a variety of courses and laboratory work.…
Research ⋅ Page 1
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…
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: Taylor Nix
Nix will graduate with a degree in agricultural education
As a sophomore, Taylor Nix attended CAFNR’s Career Fair hoping to find an internship opportunity that would give her a chance to join a company within the agriculture industry. Nix found immediate success, serving as a practical farm research assistant for Becky’s Hybrids during the summer of 2020. It was her first exposure to research – something that she quickly…
First-Generation Student Spotlight: Brooke Weiler
Discovery Fellows program jumpstarted Brooke Weiler's interest in research
The Discovery Fellows program at the University of Missouri, offered through the Honors College, gives first-year students the opportunity to join a research laboratory the minute they step onto campus. For Brooke Weiler, the one-year scholarship has turned into a four-year research journey. Weiler, a senior majoring in both biochemistry and psychology, has found a passion for research while working…
Growing His Writing Portfolio
Joe Butler's job with Gardener's Path allows him to combine his two passions – plants and writing
Through numerous hands-on learning opportunities as a plant sciences major at the University of Missouri – and a variety of jobs and internships – Joe Butler gained valuable experiences that he knew would one day prepare him for the workforce. Those experiences showcased multiple industry options to Butler, who realized that he wanted to find a career where he could…
Building a Research Footprint
Kristen Barwick, junior biochemistry major, secured two national awards this summer
When Kristen Barwick made the decision to attend the University of Missouri, her primary goal was to get into a research laboratory. Barwick enjoyed biology and chemistry as a high school student and developed an interest in research after listening to a professor describe their research endeavors. “I honestly didn’t even know research was an option until my senior year…
Senior Spotlight: Laith Almashharawi
Almashharawi will graduate with degrees in biochemistry and film studies
The son of a physician, Laith Almashharawi chose the pre-med path when he made the decision to attend the University of Missouri, and the biochemistry degree program at MU offered him exactly what he was looking for. Almashharawi grew up in Columbia and attended Rock Bridge High School, and said Mizzou was his first choice when it came to secondary…
Senior Spotlight: Elias Bunting
Bunting will graduate with a degree in natural resource science and management
Elias Bunting has been able to gain valuable research experiences as an undergraduate student at the University of Missouri through the McNair Scholars Program. Bunting, who will earn his natural resource science and management degree in May, has spent nearly three years taking part in various research projects across the Mizzou campus. Those hands-on research opportunities have opened multiple doors…
Senior Spotlight: Hunter Seubert
Seubert will graduate with a degree in plant sciences
As a college freshman, Hunter Seubert was working toward a degree in aviation when he realized that path wasn’t the correct one for him. He returned home to Blue Springs, Mo., and was soon connected with Colonial Gardens, a community greenhouse and local nursery. Seubert worked for Kevin Keilig, greenhouse manager at Colonial Gardens, who introduced Seubert to the University…