Plant Science and Technology

Historic columns in sunlight

Sep. 12, 2024

CAFNR welcomes new faculty for Fall 2024

Eighteen new faculty members have recently joined CAFNR.
rob meyers stands among mature corn.

Sep. 5, 2024

Five ways the Center for Regenerative Agriculture is cultivating growth in Missouri

For Rob Myers, preparing farmers for a productive future is a top priority. With over $40 million in funding, his center is transforming farming techniques in Missouri and beyond.
Soyon Park holds a petri dish with parasitic plants.

Sep. 4, 2024

CAFNR plant scientist’s innovative research could revolutionize genome editing in high-value crops

A CAFNR plant scientist’s research could reimagine possibilities for genome editing in plants — especially for many high-economic-impact plants in Missouri like soybeans and maize. Soyon Park, assistant professor of plant science and technology, is attempting to develop a protocol that would allow scientists to edit plant genomes through parasitic plants.
Melissa Draves

Sep. 3, 2024

Graduate student spotlight: Q&A with Melissa Draves

Melissa Draves is a third-year Ph. D. student in the Division of Plant Science and Technology with a focus in plant breeding, genetics and genomics.
Harmeet Singh stands in a soybean field

Sep. 3, 2024

Graduate Student Spotlight: Q&A with Harmeet Singh

Harmeet Singh is pursuing a Ph.D. in plant, insect and microbial and conducts his research at the Fisher Delta Research, Extension and Education Center in Portageville, Mo.
Students work in a lab.

Aug. 22, 2024

CAFNR Hosts Summer Academies for High School Students

CAFNR offers many opportunities for high school students to explore the different majors in the college during the summer.
Scholars posing and smiling.

July 31, 2024

CAFNR Students Selected for Honors College Cherng Summer Scholars Program

The Cherng Summer Scholars program allows Honors College students at the University of Missouri to explore their passions through research projects aimed at questions they are interested in analyzing.
Six people pose for a photo.

July 31, 2024

Mizzou Student Chapter of the American Institute of Floral Designers Win Awards at AIFD National Symposium in Orlando, FL

The MU Student American Institute of Floral Designers (SAIFD) Chapter placed 2nd in the nation in the student competition during the American Institute of Floral Designers National Symposium in Orlando, July 2-6.
Joseph Lynch

July 31, 2024

Joseph H. Lynch

Dr. Lynch grew up in rural Washington State and received his BS in Biology from Gonzaga University. He then earned his PhD from Washington State University in the Molecular Plant Sciences program, with his graduate research in the lab of Dr. Sanja Roje focusing on the metabolism of flavin cofactors. After completion of his degree, he took a postdoctoral position in Dr. Natalia Dudareva’s lab at Purdue University studying the production and release of phenylpropanoid/benzenoid volatiles in plants. During his postdoc, he helped elucidate a cytosolic pathway for synthesis of the amino acid phenylalanine in plants that operates in parallel…
Emily Althoff smiling.

July 31, 2024

Emily Althoff

Althoff holds a split appointment between MU and Lincoln University. Here, she hopes to research local concerns in pest management and conservation working with local, state, and federal partners. Results from her research are incorporated into her extension programming. Requesting Insect Identification from the Althoff Lab: Photos: Submit clear, well-lit photos of the insect (top, bottom, head, abdomen, legs) and any damage it caused. Include its location. Briefly describe where you found the insect and any issues it’s causing. Email: Send everything to emilyalthoff@missouri.edu. We look forward to working with you to solve Missouri insect mysteries! Educational background Ph.D.