Insect Museum Open House, 150th anniversary celebration to be held Nov. 2 on Mizzou’s campus.

The Enns Entomological Museum, part of the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) at the University of Missouri, is opening its doors (and cabinets of fascinating specimens) to the local community in celebration of its 150^th anniversary.

The Open House will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, on the second floor of the Agriculture Building, at the northeast corner of Hitt and Rollins on the Mizzou campus. The celebration is free, open to the public and geared to all ages.

And although some of the specimens in its collection are from as far back as the 19^th century, that doesn’t mean they aren’t still very relevant in the 21^st century, said Enns Curator Robert Sites, professor of entomology in the Division of Plant Science and Technology. In fact, he ventures that they grow more relevant with time.

From virtual reality to robots, Tigers have access to the latest technology across campus. Check out 16 locations, tools and devices that will level up your college experience.

Technology empowers you to discover new possibilities. Change reality. Turn big, bold ideas into life-changing innovations.

The University of Missouri ensures students have access to the power of technology. From robots and drones to virtual reality and simulation labs, Mizzou is home to the latest gadgets, devices and systems that are transforming the world. This next-generation equipment lets students learn by doing — a process we call the Missouri Method.

Ready to geek out? Here are some of the techiest tools on campus.

A trio of researchers in Mizzou’s Roy Blunt NextGen Precision Health building have developed a treatment for a leading cause of heart disease in America.

Annual festival to take place Saturday, Oct. 19 in New Franklin.

A decrease in net farm income in 2024 is projected, according to the University of Missouri Rural and Farm Finance Policy Analysis Center’s fall report.

Hunter McConnell is pursuing a Ph.D. in Animal Sciences.

What is your research focus?
I study animal genomics. More specifically, investigating variation between individuals and what effects that can have on phenotype.

Why does this field interest you?
I have been fascinated by genetics since I first learned about the field in middle school. It’s really amazing that such small molecules can control every aspect of our lives. Livestock interest me specifically because the phenotypes we study are often very different from humans and in my opinion more exciting.

Why did you decide to come to Mizzou?
Mizzou has phenomenal faculty in their animal science department studying genetics. Being able to gain mentoring and advice from all of them while I’m still a student is an incredible opportunity!

What are your future career plans?
I want to continue working in research for the rest of my career. I will most likely stay in academia and work as a professor, but I have also considered working as a government scientist.

Who is your advisor?
Bob Schnabel

CAFNR Research Council Webinar Series will continue 3 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 13, featuring Daniel Credeur discussing a timely topic, “Generative AI for Interdisciplinary Innovation: Bridging Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources in Academia and Beyond.”

Watch at: https://umsystem.zoom.us/j/95927433042.

Daniel Credeur, Ph.D., is an associate teaching professor in the Division of Food, Nutrition and Exercise Sciences (FNES). He also serves as the Provost’s Academic Fellow in Artificial Intelligence. With a strong background in sports performance and exercise physiology, Dr. Credeur’s past research has focused on the impact of lifestyle factors—particularly physical (in)activity—on cardio-metabolic health outcomes. As an AI fellow in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR), he is actively involved in integrating generative AI into higher education teaching and research. His current research centers on enhancing student engagement and applying interdisciplinary approaches to improve the health and wellness of college-aged adults. Dr. Credeur’s expertise also intersects with agriculture, food and natural resources, driven by his interest in how physical activity and movement contribute to overall well-being, productivity and sustainability across diverse fields.

Registration is now open for the CAFNR Grants Office’s second annual fall workshop: Grants Aren’t Scary. This workshop will be completely virtual and take place 1 – 4 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 29.

This is a great opportunity for new faculty and other researchers to learn about the services offered by the CAFNR Grants Office. Topics covered include an overview of federal sponsor guidelines, budgetary requirements and limitations, campus timelines for getting proposals submitted and more!

Register online today!

Jordon Thomas, Eliminating the use of an intravaginal progesterone-releasing insert (CIDR) for control of the estrous cycle among beef cows and heifers: An application for Chorulon hCG in the 7 & 7 Synch protocol, Merck Animal Health, 11/1/24-10/31/26, $58,520

Stephen Anderson, Development of Mid-Infrared Library for Mapped Missouri Soils, USDA, 9/5/24-9/30/27, $297,631.20

Andrew Thomas, Advancing Organic Agriculture in the Mid-South: Phase II – Refining Solutions for Essential Challenges, Winrock International (NIFA), 10/7/24-3/31/28, $145,826

Jeffrey McHugh, AgIdea Increase, AgIdea USA,  LLC, 6/6/24-6/15/25, $9,825

Cecilia Constantino Rocha, Validating an approach to study the endometrial environment of beef cows in pregnant cycles without harming the respective pregnancy outcome, Society for the Study of Reproduction, 10/1/24-9/30/25, $10,000

Jay Chism, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Drones) Hands-on Training, Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development, 7/1/2024-6/30/2025, $3,696,000

Is It Better to Eat Before a Workout or After?
The New York Times

Dockworker strike threatens Missouri farm exports, But no panic yet.
St. Louis Post-Dispatch

MU Extension Takes to the Skies to Stamp Out Invasive Weeds
Farms.com

The weeds are winning
MIT Technology Review

Mizzou’s economists project $9 billion drop in America’s farm income
Missourinet

Making Soybeans Smarter
Farm Talk

Coming soon to Missouri: First frost and freezing temps
Missourinet

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Twitter: @CAFNRResearch

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