Division of Applied Social Sciences
July 16, 2024
Lijing Gao
Gao was trained as an agricultural science communication specialist and an environmental sociologist, focusing on the interconnectedness of agricultural systems with socio-economic, political, and ethical decisions. Her current research focuses on understanding perceptions of livestock biotechnology, particularly genome editing. Gao employs a mixed-method approach. Educational background Ph.D. in Sociology and Sustainable Agriculture, Minor in Statistics, Iowa State University (ISU) 2022 Courses taught Sociology of Natural Resources Transition in Agriculture Introduction to Sociology…
June 26, 2024
Mizzou Students Awarded Agriculture Future of America Scholarships
Twelve Mizzou students were selected to receive Agriculture Future of America (AFA) Scholarships. AFA’s mission is to “build bridges for young leaders, fostering engagement and innovation in food and agriculture.”
June 17, 2024
New director announced for RaFF
The Rural and Farm Finance Policy Analysis Center (RaFF) at the University of Missouri has selected Alejandro Plastina as the center’s new director, starting Sept. 1, 2024. Plastina will join the Division of Applied Social Sciences (DASS) faculty as an associate professor within the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) at the University of Missouri. “I am thrilled and honored to be named the new director for the Rural and Farm Finance Policy Analysis Center (RaFF),” Plastina said. “I will focus on expanding and solidifying the good research, extension and education work of the Center. My ultimate goal…
June 7, 2024
Torq’N Tigers Team takes 5th place at ASABE Quarter-Scale Tractor Competition
The University of Missouri Torq'N Tigers team competed in the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) International Quarter-Scale Tractor Student Design Competition this month. The team placed 5th overall and placed 1st in the Overall Performance Event and Durability Competition.
June 3, 2024
Landowners and tenants invited to respond to 2024 Missouri Cash Rental Rate Survey
MU Extension researchers invite Missouri landowners, farmers, ranchers and hunters to participate in the 2024 Missouri Cash Rental Rate Survey.
May 29, 2024
DASS faculty member honored by Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City
The Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City honored Scott Brown, associate extension professor in the Division of Applied Social Sciences, with the group’s prestigious Jay B. Dillingham Award for Agricultural Leadership and Excellence at a luncheon held May 16 in Kansas City’s historic Union Station.
May 22, 2024
Jodee Stock
May 13, 2024
FAPRI looks back on 40 years
Abner Womack speaks during the the 10th Annual Abner Womack Missouri Agriculture Outlook Conference in Columbia, Mo. In the early 1980s, a small group of mathematicians and agricultural economists saw a need that few others acknowledged — objective analysis of agricultural markets and policies. With perseverance to find funding and an academic home — both of which were challenging — that small group of people brought the Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute (FAPRI) at the University of Missouri to life in 1984. Today, FAPRI is a valuable resource for a wide range of stakeholders including the U.S. Congress, USDA,…
May 13, 2024
Mizzou National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA) team places 5th in national competition
The Mizzou NAMA qualified for the final round of the student marketing competition at the 2024 Agri-Marketing Conference held in Kansas City, April 24-26.
May 2, 2024
Alan Spell recognized with Provost’s Award for Creative Extension Programming by New Faculty
Alan Spell, assistant extension professor, Division of Applied Social Sciences, has been chosen to receive the Provost’s Award for Creative Extension Programming by New Faculty. Spell specializes in economic and industry research for MU Extension’s Exceed program. Spell’s work includes publishing the monthly Missouri Economy Indicator briefs, conducting broadband studies and industry economic impact analyses, and providing data training. This award recognizes faculty with a current (at least 25 percent) extension assignment who have made exceptional accomplishments in their first four years of service to MU in the field of extension or continuing education.