Carissa Bersche and Morgan Watkins were recognized as CAFNR’s Outstanding Seniors at the college’s annual Celebration of Excellence ceremony April 23.
Bersche is a biochemistry major, and Watkins is an agricultural education major. Both have made an impact within CAFNR and beyond based on their academic and real-world achievements.
Through several different experiences, Bersche has built the foundation for a career in research. She works as an undergraduate researcher at the University of Missouri, focusing on plant genetics key to understanding their growth and immune response. She has also spent summers as an undergraduate research intern at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Duke University.
“Working in my lab for over three years, Carissa has shown extraordinary intellectual curiosity in learning beyond the classroom,” said Antje Heese, associate professor emerita of biochemistry. “Carissa has advanced scientific knowledge impacting the plant cell biology fields worldwide.”
Bersche is a Goldwater Scholar, which has helped fund her lab work. The Barry M. Goldwater National Scholarship helps financially support outstanding undergraduates interested in pursuing research careers in science, engineering and mathematics.
Bersche is also an undergraduate research ambassador for Mizzou, a member of the Phi Mu sorority and served as president of the Biochemistry Club from 2023-25.
“As the Biochemistry Club President, I increased our meetings to bimonthly events, implementing one professional development and one social meeting per month,” Bersche said. “By including movie or game nights in addition to volunteer shifts and labs, the club developed into a tight-knit group of students, which was a rewarding outcome.”
Watkins’ experiences in the agricultural education field span across the state. She currently works as an agriculture educator and FFA advisor in Milan, Missouri – a community two hours north of Columbia. Her responsibilities as a student teaching intern include delivering hands-on instruction to students in seventh through 12th grade. She also designs and adapts lessons for a diverse student population, including English Language Learners (ELL).
“Morgan asked to be placed in a spot where she would be challenged to make a difference,” said John Tummons, associate professor and director of undergraduate studies for agricultural education and leadership. “In Milan, Missouri, English is not the most frequently spoken language among her students. Morgan took responsibility for each student, translating her lessons to both Spanish and French.”
Watkins said her experience in CAFNR and teaching in a diverse community has been crucial to shaping her purpose.
“In an industry often viewed as traditional, this experience has challenged me to think differently about how agricultural education can and should serve all students,” she said. “My overall student experience in CAFNR has intentionally prepared me for this moment by equipping me with a strong foundation in agricultural content, instructional strategies and culturally responsive teaching practices.”
Outside of the classroom, Watkins is also a member of the Sigma Alpha professional agriculture sorority and a member of CAFNR Student Council. She served as Missouri FFA state vice president from 2022-23 and was a Homecoming Steering Committee member from 2024-25.
The difference between Bersche’s and Watkins’ undergraduate experiences is a key example of the broad range of knowledge, interests and career paths that CAFNR comprises. Their passion for impacting their respective communities showcases the drive to make a difference that CAFNR instills in its students.