Research

April 17, 2025
Morgan Davis receives Outstanding Early Investigator Research Award as part of Celebration of Excellence
At Mizzou since 2020, Davis is a standout early-career researcher with a rapidly growing national reputation. His interdisciplinary work focuses on soil greenhouse gas emissions, soil health, cover crops and sustainable agriculture practices.

April 10, 2025
A walk in the park? Research takes a deeper look at urban green spaces
Nilon’s work focuses on understanding how plants and animals use urban spaces and how people connect with those ecosystems.

April 2, 2025
Felix Fritschi named AAAS Fellow in recognition of contributions to field of crop physiology
Felix Fritschi, the C. Alice Donaldson Professor in CAFNR’s Division of Plant Science and Technology and interim director of the Missouri Soybean Center, is among four University of Missouri researchers recognized by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) as 2024 Fellows for their distinguished efforts in advancing various fields of science. Felix Fritschi These researchers push the boundaries of science to drive breakthroughs that transform lives. Their relentless curiosity fuels discoveries that shape the future of Missouri and beyond. “I am incredibly proud of Dr. Fritschi in receiving this fitting honor and humbled to work alongside scientists…

March 31, 2025
Agricultural Education student presents at Undergraduate Research Day at the Missouri State Capitol
Jaron VanHouden, senior in agricultural education, teacher certification, presented his research on student teachers finding community in their programs.

March 26, 2025
From biochemistry to nutrition and exercise physiology: The path to a PhD
PhD student Anna Gonsalves found her passion for nutrition and exercise physiology through undergraduate research.

March 13, 2025
Mako shark trekking patterns reveal a hidden impact of changing ocean temperatures
Shortfin mako sharks, an endangered species, are among the fastest and most elusive predators in the ocean, and new research led by Michael Byrne, associate professor of wildlife ecology at the University of Missouri’s School of Natural Resources (SNR) sheds light on the limitations of their habitat availability caused by oceanography. The research tracked mako sharks over vast distances using satellite telemetry. Byrne’s findings reveal a pattern in movements and distribution of the apex predators spanning thousands of miles across the Pacific Ocean, highlighting the sharks’ dependence on one very specific factor — oxygen levels in the water. “I love…

March 7, 2025
MU Digital Agriculture Research and Extension Center to host second Digital Agriculture Symposium
2024 DAREC Symposium participants discuss a poster presentation. The University of Missouri’s Digital Agriculture Research and Extension Center (DAREC) is hosting its second Digital Agriculture Symposium, “Empowering Agriculture Using AI and Digital Agriculture Technology” in April. “The landscape of agriculture is changing rapidly as digital technology advances,” said Jianfeng Zhou, associate professor of Agricultural Systems Technology in MU’s College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources. “We are delighted to be able to share these advances and some of our research in that space and help Missouri’s agricultural producers make informed decisions about incorporating these new technologies into their farming practices.”…

March 7, 2025
Strengthening Missouri agriculture through partnership
Soybeans ready for harvest at the Farm for Soy Innovation. The College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) at the University of Missouri and the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council (MSMC) share a steadfast commitment to research and innovation that drives the future of soybean farming in Missouri. Their long-standing partnership focuses on sustainability, agronomic advancements, developing the next generation of plant scientists and increasing the efficiency and profitability of soybean production. “Our partnership with CAFNR has been beneficial in driving research, innovation and sustainability efforts that impact Missouri’s soybean growers.” said Missouri Soybean Association CEO and Executive Director…

March 4, 2025
MU Center for Agroforestry patents first black walnut cultivar, marking a milestone for Missouri’s tree nut industry
After a quarter of a century of development, the University of Missouri Center for Agroforestry made a significant step toward a long-term goal of furthering the black walnut industry in Missouri with a recent patent for its first black walnut cultivar — The UMCA® “Hickman” Walnut.

Feb. 26, 2025
Missouri’s snowy winter: How La Niña and cold temperatures teamed up to bring more snow
According to Zack Leasor, Missouri State Climatologist and associate professor in the University of Missouri’s School of Natural Resources, a weather phenomenon known as La Niña — cooler than average water surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean — is partly to blame.