Graduate Mentors

Oct. 16, 2023

Jamie Courter

Educational background Ph.D., Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Nebraska – Lincoln M.S., Animal Breeding and Genetics, South Dakota State University B.S., Animal Science, Minor in Genetics, North Carolina State University…

Aug. 31, 2023

Jasmine Neupane

  Jasmine Neupane is an Assistant Professor of Agricultural Systems Technology in the Division of Plant Science and Technology. Her faculty appointment includes research and teaching responsibilities in Plant Science and Technology. Before starting her position at University of Missouri-Columbia, Neupane was serving as an Assistant Research Professor of Precision Agriculture at Montana State University. Neupane’s research is at the forefront of agricultural innovation, focusing on seamless integration of advanced agricultural technologies into cropping systems. Her work is driven by a deep commitment to addressing the complex challenges facing modern agriculture, such as increasing food production to feed a growing…

April 5, 2023

Andre Froes de Borja Reis

Andre FB Reis is the statewide specialist in soybean farming systems and joined the division of Plant Science and Technology in 2023. Educational background Ph.D., Crop Science, University of Sao Paulo (Brazil) M.S., Crop Science, Federal University of Tocantins (Brazil) B.S., Agronomy, University of Sao Paulo (Brazil)…

March 20, 2023

Stephen Mukembo

Mukembo’s interdisciplinary research aims to advance entrepreneurship and innovation as a tool for addressing societal challenges, promoting economic growth, and improving community livelihoods. His work focuses on cultivating the next generation of entrepreneurial and innovative thought leaders, equipped to tackle existing and emerging issues in agriculture, food, and natural resources, as well as rural economic development challenges in Missouri and beyond. Mukembo’s interdisciplinary interests include entrepreneurship and innovation in agriculture (agripreneurship), entrepreneurship and workforce development, sustainable entrepreneurship, sustainable food systems, rural entrepreneurship and ecosystem building, and international agricultural development. Educational background Ph.D., Agricultural Education (Minor Entrepreneurship), Oklahoma State University MBA.,…

Feb. 13, 2023

Stephanie Gates

Protein Quality Control (PQC) pathways include molecular chaperones that regulate protein folding and the substrate degradation by the Ubiquitin Proteasome System (UPS). In cancer, uncontrolled protein expression increases cellular dependence on PQC pathways, which protect, refold, or degrade misfolded proteins to promote cancer tumorigenesis. Conversely, a hallmark of neurodegeneration is the failure of PQC pathways to clear toxic proteins, including α-synuclein (Parkinson’s disease), Aβ and tau (Alzheimer’s disease). PQC pathways have a significant impact on human health, however fundamental aspects of these pathways are still not understood. My research group uses structural (cryo-EM), biophysical (smFRET), and biochemical approaches to determine…

July 18, 2022

Zachary Berndsen

The Berndsen Lab focuses on utilizing and developing state-of-the-art cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) techniques in combination with other biochemical, molecular, and computational tools to interrogate the structure and function of important biomolecular systems within the context of human disease. Our aim is to create bridges between basic and translational science with the goal of making discoveries that will both strengthen our fundamental understanding of these systems and accelerate the development of potentially life-saving therapies. To do so, we will not only rely on internal expertise but engage in extensive collaboration with other research laboratories both on the Mizzou campus and…

Dec. 20, 2021

Clarissa Durie

Cells must interface with and adapt to the outside world, and one critical way they achieve this is through the dynamic and specific action of secretion systems that transport molecules in and out of cells. Over the last several decades, scientists have identified numerous cellular secretion systems from bacteria to human. However, there are still many unanswered questions about precisely how and when they function. The goal of my research program is to integrate biochemical, biophysical, and genetic approaches to understand the structure, regulation, and function of bacterial secretion systems in their physiological contexts. Bacterial pathogens represent a significant threat…

July 14, 2021

Abed G. Rabbani

Rabbani is an associate professor and CFP Board-Registered Program Director in the Personal Financial Planning program at the University of Missouri. He received a BS degree from Khulna University, Bangladesh, and an MS from James Cook University, Australia. He also earned an MS from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and a PhD in Financial Planning at the University of Georgia. He is a Certified Financial PlannerTM. Educational background Ph.D., Financial Planning, Housing and Consumer Economics, University of Georgia M.S., University of Arkansas B.S., Khulna University, Bangladesh Courses taught FINPLN 3282 – Financial Counseling FINPLN 4386/7386 – Financial Planning:…

July 14, 2021

Rui Yao

Rui Yao’s research focuses on consumer and family financial decision-making and well-being. Specific topics include financial resilience, debt management, saving and investment behavior and motives, risk tolerance, financial capability, consumption patterns, employment-leisure decisions, as well as mental and physical health outcomes of financial events. Her interdisciplinary work targets at providing implications to stakeholders of consumer and family well-being and impacted millions of consumers and families through her publications, presentations, and media interviews. She received the best paper award from the CFP Board, AARP, American Council on Consumer Interests, and American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences. She is the editor…

June 30, 2021

Jacqueline Limberg

Specific areas of interest include: Neural control of blood flow and blood pressure Effect of exercise in neurovascular control Sex differences in cardiovascular regulation…