As another successful semester comes to a close, I reflect on how incredible our CAFNR students truly are. From participating in innovative research, to leading our student-run businesses, to using classroom learning to help the public, our students are excelling inside and outside of the classroom. For many students, the CAFNR experience will continue over break with participation in industry tours and study abroad programs.

I send a special congratulations to our December graduates! Commencement is such a rewarding experience, for students, families and faculty alike. Read about a few of our graduates below in the Senior Spotlight section.

Happy Holidays!
Bryan Garton
Senior Associate Dean
Director of Academic Programs

Five CAFNR graduates were featured this past week, ahead of December Commencement. Read more about these new alumni:

• Anna Fairchild, Nutrition & Exercise Physiology
• Maiya Foster, Biochemistry
• Caroline Matz, Parks, Recreation, Sport & Tourism
• Isaiah McKay, Natural Resource Science & Management
• Lucas Van Keirsbilck, Personal Financial Planning

Three CAFNR students participated in this year’s Entrepreneurship Quest Student Accelerator Finale, vying for a $30,000 prize pool.

National recognition adds to record of successes as Carissa Bersche prepares for graduate school.

Study shows less than half of openings will have a qualified candidate to fill it.

Mizzou National Marrow Donor Program chapter brings awareness to stem cell donation.

The MU Equine Teaching Facility typically has 2-4 assistant undergraduate managers and 4-6 barn staff members that work at the facility each year. These two groups of undergraduate students work to complete routine facility maintenance and stocking of supplies. The facility also has multiple equine courses offered each semester, in which the students enrolled assist with all of the horse care at the facility as part of their course requirement.

A small group of student volunteers, along with the undergraduate assistant managers, work very hard over the holidays to ensure the herd is cared for while most of the crew heads out of state for the university holiday breaks. They are an incredibly dedicated group of students that choose to stick around and help out!

CAFNR student in Top 10 for national peer-nominated award
Drew Welch, an agribusiness management major, has been named a Top 10 finalist for The Pig Planet’s Exhibitor of the Year. He was nominated by his peers and those in the livestock industry for this national contest drawing exhibitors from California, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Texas, Oklahoma and Missouri. Welch is Missouri’s sole representative in the Top 10.

Welch balances his academics, extracurricular involvement and competition at the national level in livestock shows.

The Pig Planet strives to bring accurate, timely show results, sale highlights and event information.

CAFNR students receive S.T.A.R. recognition
Six CAFNR students received the Student Training for Advancing Research recognition from the Office of Undergraduate Research in the fall semester. These students participated in five professional-development activities (workshops, compliance training, advising) offered by the office:

• Kendra Cullison, Animal Sciences
• Noah Davis, Plant Sciences
• Ava Gill, Biochemistry
• Kara Gene Karst, Biochemistry and Nutrition & Exercise Physiology
• Sophia Manzella, Biochemistry
• Paola Sanchez-Castro, Biochemistry