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…
Plant Science and Technology ⋅ Page 1
CAFNR Welcomes New Faculty
Ten new faculty members join CAFNR for the spring 2023 semester
With the spring semester underway, we are excited to introduce and welcome the new faculty members in our college. The College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources at the University of Missouri is proud to introduce 10 new faculty members this semester who will further elevate our research, teaching and extension mission. They each bring a wealth of knowledge in…
A Global Journey
Mizzou’s PFFFD program helped attract new Plant Sciences faculty with global experience
Jaime Barros’s academic career has been an adventure beginning in his home country in Spain and spanning three continents, but he says landing at Mizzou for a faculty appointment in plant sciences is exactly where he wants to be. “The faculty, facilities and resources available here at Mizzou are top-notch, particularly for Plant Science.” Barros said, noting that the people…
MU Grape & Wine Institute Grows as Interest in Winemaking Grows
The collaboration between Plant Science & Technology and Food, Nutrition & Exercise Sciences fuel Mizzou's Grape and Wine Institute
Interest in Missouri winemaking exploded during the coronavirus pandemic and the University of Missouri Grape and Wine Institute (GWI) has responded to meet the demand. The GWI is a collaborative partnership between the Missouri wine and grape industry and the University of Missouri. The Missouri Wine and Grape Board provides guidance and oversight to ensure that GWI fulfills its responsibilities.…
Enhancing Learning Opportunities
New funding brings state-of-the-art equipment to Henry Kirklin Plant Sciences Learning Laboratory
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.…
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…
CAFNR Faculty Selected to Participate in LEAD21 Program
David Braun, director of the Interdisciplinary Plant Group (IPG) and professor, plant science & technology and biological sciences; and Deborah Finke, professor and director of undergraduate studies, plant science and technology; were selected as participants in the 19th class of the LEAD21 program, a leadership program aimed at developing leaders in land-grant institutions and their strategic partners who link research,…
The Joy of Collaboration
Interdisciplinary team uses Joy of Discovery seed grant to launch NSF project
One year ago, a team of plant scientists and biochemists from Mizzou was among faculty awarded the first-ever CAFNR Joy of Discovery Seed Grant funding. Today, that team has parlayed that funding into a $1.25 million National Science Foundation grant that could lead to a deeper understanding of how plant immunity impacts the plant nutrient systems than ever before. The…
CAFNR Plant Scientist Named AAAS Fellow
Bing Yang recognized for contributions in plant genomics
In recognition of nearly two decades of work creating rice varieties resistant to certain types of bacteria, Bing Yang, professor of plant sciences, was named as a 2022 American Association for the Advancement of Science fellow. “There is so much diversity within the Society, and it is an honor to be among them,” Yang said. “The recognition of my work…
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…