Stories

Group examines plants on devices in greenhouse.

Jan. 12, 2026

CAFNR greenhouse goes high-tech

A major technological upgrade to the University of Missouri’s East Campus Plant Growth Facility is transforming how researchers study plant responses to environmental stress — particularly drought.
NAI fellows portraits.

Jan. 7, 2026

CAFNR’s Henry Nguyen named 2025 NAI Fellow

Henry Nguyen is one of two Mizzou professors receiving the prestigious honor from the National Academy of Inventors this year.
NMDP: Find cures. Save lives.

Dec. 19, 2025

Saving lives starts on campus

On Mizzou’s campus, one student organization is working to give patients battling blood cancers and other life-threatening diseases a second chance at life. The National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) Chapter at Mizzou, which is led by president Gavin Schanz, focuses on raising awareness for stem cell and marrow donation by showing students how easy it is to make a real and life-saving impact.
Lucas in front of Jesse Hall, leaning on a column.

Dec. 19, 2025

CAFNR Senior Spotlight – Q&A with Lucas Van Keirsbilck

Van Keirsbilck is graduating in December 2025 with a degree in personal financial planning.
Portrait of Isaiah McKay in his graduation gown.

Dec. 18, 2025

CAFNR Senior Spotlight – Q&A with Isaiah McKay

McKay graduates December 2025 with a degree in natural resource science and management.
Students in caps and gowns.

Dec. 17, 2025

USDA study shows increased job demand for CAFNR graduates in the next five years

A new national employment outlook study conducted by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) projected a five-year outlook in those fields, from 2025 to 2030. The report forecasts more than 104,000 annual job openings, a demand expected to exceed the supply of qualified graduates.
Man asks question from audience.

Dec. 17, 2025

CAFNR students showcase small businesses, compete for funding

Last month, three CAFNR students participated in Mizzou's Entrepreneur Quest Student Accelerator Finale, with two placing high enough to receive funding for their business ideas – and all three receiving valuable experience.
The 2025 Agroforestry Symposium -- a room full of attendees with a speaker.

Dec. 16, 2025

Center for Agroforestry hosts 17th Annual Symposium, focused around opportunities in emerging tree crop industries

The Agroforestry Symposium: Growing Opportunities in Emerging Tree Crop Industries will feature farmers, researchers and industry professionals working to catalyze market development for perennial specialty crops across the United States. With a special focus on chestnut, pecan, hazelnut, black walnut, and elderberry, panelists will analyze and explore market drivers for these high-value crops from the farm gate to the grocery store shelf.
Maiya Foster in her graduation robe.

Dec. 16, 2025

CAFNR Senior Spotlight – Q&A with Maiya Foster

Q: Why did you choose to come to the University of Missouri?A: I chose the University of Missouri because I wanted to attend a large institution with broad opportunities to explore different paths. I knew I wanted to get involved in research early on, so I was excited that Mizzou is an R1 university with strong support for undergraduate researchers. The generous financial aid I received also played an important role, as it has allowed me to pursue my degree and gain extensive research experience while remaining on track to graduate debt-free. Q: Why did you choose to pursue your degree?A: My…
Dojin (DJ) Ryu

Dec. 15, 2025

Message from Dojin Ryu

Annual message for the Division of Food, Nutrition & Exercise Sciences alumni newsletter.