Stories

Manisha Muthukarruppan, Carissa Bersche and Mathew Kimaku smile and hold their Awards for Academic Distinction.

April 14, 2026

Four CAFNR students receive Award for Academic Distinction, Hesburgh Scholarship

Three CAFNR students received the award and one CAFNR student received the scholarship at the annual ceremony.

Four people stand smiling in front of white banner with the words LEAD 21 in blue and green font.

April 14, 2026

Ryu, Thelen graduate from LEAD21

DJ Ryu, director of CAFNR's Division of Food, Nutrition and Exercise Sciences, and Jay Thelen, professor and associate chair, Division of Biochemistry, represented Mizzou among 84 individuals from across the country who completed the LEAD21 leadership-development program. The 21st class of LEAD21 represented land-grant institutions and their strategic partners from across the nation.

Emma Knudson, Harrison Luechtefeld and Carissa Bersche stand together and smile as 2026 Mizzou '39 recipients.

April 13, 2026

Meet CAFNR’s 2026 Mizzou ‘39 recipients 

Three CAFNR students share their undergraduate experiences after being recognized as one of Mizzou's 39 outstanding seniors.

Eva Ruterschmidt

March 19, 2026

From patient to future physician: Senior biochemistry major turns childhood experience into medical calling

Eva Ruterschmidt's medical history has sparked her passion to pursue a career in medicine.

Stephanie Gates holds her Golden Apple Award.

March 5, 2026

Stephanie Gates receives CAFNR Golden Apple Award

Gates is an assistant professor in CAFNR's Division of Biochemistry.

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…

Nov. 25, 2025

CAFNR announces Matching Equipment Grants Program winners

The CAFNR Office of Research has given out its most recent Equipment Matching Grants, which provide matching support for the purchase of major equipment that will advance the infrastructure available for research and will help improve research metrics identified in the CAFNR Strategic Plan. The equipment must be shared by several faculty members. In total, this funding period saw matching grants of $114,000 from CAFNR, with a total acquisition cost of $551,000 for all equipment.

Top 10 in 10 Years gather for recognition.

Nov. 25, 2025

CAFNR honors top 10 faculty members in research funding

The CAFNR Office of Research recognized the "Top 10 in 10 Years" Friday, Nov. 21, at the annual CAFNR Novemberfest celebration. These are the Top 10 faculty members in research funding over the past decade (2016-25) in CAFNR.

A student plays the pH Elevator game.

Nov. 14, 2025

Provost Student Success Grant provides gamified study materials for biochemistry students

A Provost Student Success Grant has paved the way for a partnership between CAFNR’s Division of Biochemistry and on-campus game studio, Adroit Studios, to develop learning and study aids for biochemistry students. The collaboration was spearheaded by Steven VanDoren, professor of biochemistry; Director of Adroit Studios Joe Griffin; and game designer Erin Weaver.

CAFNR Column Award 2025 winners

Nov. 7, 2025

2025 Column Awards recognize outstanding CAFNR alumni

The College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources honored six recipients with the 2025 CAFNR Column Award for Distinguished Alumni at an event Thursday, Nov. 6. This is the only award specifically for alumni presented by the college – the highest honor bestowed by the College in celebration of outstanding alumni. The awardee class includes one graduate from each of CAFNR’s six divisions, reflecting the six historic columns at the University of Missouri.