RISE

For the past two years, Tessa Jennings, a junior majoring in plant sciences, has worked in the lab of Antje Heese, an associate professor in the Department of Biochemistry. Photo courtesy of Kelly Mason.

Oct. 15, 2020

An Interdisciplinary Connection

Tessa Jennings found a passion for plant sciences as a high school FFA student participating in career development events. That passion has continued to grow as a student at the University of Missouri – especially after being selected as a member of the Freshman Research in Plants (FRIPS) Program in 2018. For the past two years, Jennings, a junior majoring in plant sciences, has worked in the lab of Antje Heese, an associate professor in the Department of Biochemistry. In the Heese lab, Jennings is responsible for research related to how clathrin-coated vesicle components make sure that proteins with immune…
There are a handful of requirements to become a Litton Leadership Scholar, including being a current CAFNR student, being a second-year student at MU at the time of entering the cohort and holding a 3.0 minimum GPA when entering the cohort. This is a picture of the 2019-20 Litton Leadership Scholar Cohort.

Sep. 16, 2020

Developing Student Leaders

Nearly a decade ago, and just one year into his teaching career at the University of Missouri, Jon Simonsen traveled with a handful of MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) faculty and administrators to Chillicothe, Mo. The purpose of the trip was to meet with board members of the Jerry Litton Family Memorial Foundation, which was created in 1976 after the tragic passing of Jerry, his wife and their two children. Over the years the Foundation has supported the development of future leaders in the agricultural industry and beyond. CAFNR was interested in partnering with the Foundation…
The Mizzou Academic Quadrathlon team finished tied for first at the national competition, which was held in July. The team finished second overall after tiebreakers were taken into consideration. They finished first in the lab practical, second in the written exam and the quiz bowl, and third in the oral presentation. Team members include, from left to right: Emily Shanks, Madison Filley, Anna Tarpey and Jacob Blank. (Photo taken in early 2020.)

Aug. 14, 2020

Showcasing a Competitive Spirit

The COVID-19 pandemic pushed the national Animal Society of Animal Science (ASAS) Academic Quadrathlon to a virtual competition. That didn’t slow down the Mizzou Academic Quadrathlon team. After winning their regional competition, MU finished tied for first at the national competition, which was held in July. The team finished second overall after tiebreakers were taken into consideration. They finished first in the lab practical, second in the written exam and the quiz bowl, and third in the oral presentation. “I’m super proud of the entire team and how far they’ve come,” said Addison Byrne, instructor in the Division of Animal…
The Agribusiness Career Connections Program is designed to connect CAFNR undergraduates to various agribusinesses located throughout the Midwest. It is sponsored, in part, by the John Brown Scholars Fund. Photo courtesy of Bryan Garton.

Feb. 4, 2020

Building a Network

As the director of career services in the CAFNR Office of Academic Programs, Matt Arri dedicates his time to building networks and relationships between CAFNR students and industry professionals. Arri’s goal is to make sure those students are career ready – and he has introduced a variety of new initiatives to help them along the way. It was an alum who helped set up the most recent Agribusiness Career Connections Program trip. Craig Bacon, senior vice president of technical services for Simmons Prepared Foods, was part of CAFNR’s Robert O. Reich Executive-in-Residence Program in October 2018. Bacon returned to campus…
RISE in CAFNR

Sep. 13, 2019

Rising to the Occasion

We know CAFNR students always rise above the rest, but now – it’s official. As part of the “CAFNR Strategic Plan, Drive to Distinction,” launched in April, all undergraduate students will take part in a “signature experience” during their time on campus. This is denoted as the “RISE” initiative: Research, International, Service learning, Experiential learning. (Of course, students don’t have to stop at one – students are welcome to participate in as many signature experiences they can fit into their college career!) “RISE is another part of what we call ‘The CAFNR Experience,’” said Bryan Garton, Senior Associate Dean…