Alumni, Page 5

Nick Wesslak earned two degrees from Mizzou – a bachelor’s degree in plant sciences and a master’s degree in natural resources. After stops in two states, Wesslak recently joined MU Extension as an agronomy field specialist where he covers eight counties in northeast Missouri. Photo courtesy of Nick Wesslak.

March 10, 2023

From Student to Specialist
Dorian Giles, a 2016 CAFNR graduate, serves in numerous roles across the sports industry. He is the manager of long-time friend Charles Harris, a defensive end with the Detroit Lions, and worked with Moses Moody, a first round draft pick of the Golden State Warriors, during the Warriors’ championship season (2021-22). Giles currently serves as a consultant to two technology companies, too. He is also the basketball director with Humble Over Hype, a nonprofit focused on making changes through the spiritual development of athletes. It’s a lot to juggle but Giles said he enjoys the freedom that comes with each of his roles. Photo courtesy of Dorian Giles.

Feb. 22, 2023

Pursuing His Dreams
When Kaija Caldwell first arrived at the University of Missouri she wasn’t sure where her interest in animals was going to take her. Caldwell left Mizzou in 2020 with an animal sciences degree and the equine science and management certificate. She had also found a passion for horses. Photo courtesy of Kaija Caldwell.

Feb. 13, 2023

Turning a Passion into a Career
Students in the PRST 3400 course (Sport and Recreation Marketing) helped with numerous facets of the Sophie Cunningham Classic, from early marketing strategies to helping with actual game day activities. The students also worked closely with Cunningham (pictured second from the right) and her family. Photo courtesy of Michelle Brimecombe.

Jan. 19, 2023

An Incredible Experience
Senior Spotlight graphic featuring student wearing suit coat and red tie.

Dec. 13, 2022

Senior Spotlight: Adam Slayton
Anna Hartke and Mark Wendell grew up in different parts of Illinois and both arrived at Mizzou as animal sciences majors in 2016. They had a couple of courses together during their freshmen year, but they first struck up a conversation during a Swine Club meeting as sophomores. Those conversations led to a relationship, which continued as the couple earned their degrees in 2020 and transitioned to MU’s College of Veterinary Medicine to pursue their Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degrees. Hartke and Wendell are now engaged, with their wedding set for June, just three weeks after they will earn their DVM degrees. Photo courtesy of Anna Hartke and Mark Wendell.

Dec. 12, 2022

Growing together
Litton Hall name plate on the side of ASRC

Oct. 24, 2022

A Genetic Pioneer
Joe Butler secured a job with Gardener's Path, a website dedicated to helping others with gardening advice, planting pointers and in-depth reviews of products, before graduation. While having a job did relieve him of some stress, Butler’s final day as a student did come with some pressure. He was one of two graduates who spoke during the ceremony, the first time that CAFNR has had students speak.

Oct. 22, 2022

Growing His Writing Portfolio
Hired in 2019, Verónica Negrón-Pérez has spent the past three-plus years as an assistant researcher and principal investigator at one of the University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez’s agricultural experiment stations (Tropical Animal Reproduction Investigation Center) – this one located in Gurabo, on the eastern side of Puerto Rico. It has been a perfect opportunity at the same university where she earned her undergraduate degree. Photo courtesy of Verónica Negrón-Pérez.

Oct. 14, 2022

Meeting Her Goals
Alex Muñoz just began his new role this summer as director of student recruitment in CAFNR. His job allows him to travel throughout the state and share how CAFNR helped prepare him for the future, as well as the great hands-on learning opportunities in each of the College’s 14 degree programs. He regularly meets with students and parents on campus as well. Photo courtesy of Alex Muñoz.

Oct. 11, 2022

An Advocate for CAFNR