RISE

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…
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.
Ben Brown (left), Katy Parcell (right of Truman), and Taylon Morgan (right), pose with other coworkers at the 2025 College Roadshow event.

Nov. 14, 2025

The show must go on: Students take the lead

When the U.S. Farm Report College Roadshow rolled into Columbia this fall, the excitement in Traditions Plaza was hard to miss. Behind the scenes of the national broadcast were two CAFNR students – Katy Parcell and Taylon Morgan – whose hard work and coordination helped make the event one of the largest and most successful Roadshows yet.
Tiger Garden's jungle refurbish in the Rec.

Oct. 23, 2025

A jungle in the Rec: Tiger Garden brings nature indoors

This past summer, the rec green space underwent a transformation by Hanna Souther, wedding and event coordinator at Tiger Garden, and one of her students.
Nigel Turner smiling.

July 29, 2025

Q&A with Summer Welcome Leader Nigel Turner Jr.

Nigel Turner Jr., a sophomore from Raytown, Missouri, majoring in biochemistry, served as a Summer Welcome Leader.
Kiersten Rogers smiling.

July 29, 2025

Q&A with Summer Welcome Leader Kiersten Rogers

Kiersten Rogers, a sophomore from Fairview Heights, Illinois, majoring in animal sciences, served as a Summer Welcome Leader.
Two students with a sheep.

July 28, 2025

From the livestock barn to the pageant stage, the Missouri State Fair offers young agriculturalists unique leadership roles

Student leaders from CAFNR will gather in Sedalia, Missouri, August 7-17, to ensure the state’s largest agricultural expo runs smoothly.
A student in a lab.

July 22, 2025

CAFNR Students Selected for Honors College 2025 Cherng Summer Scholars Program

The Cherng Summer Scholars program allows Honors College students at the University of Missouri to explore their passions through research projects aimed at questions they are interested in analyzing.
Izzy Freymuth smiling.

July 17, 2025

Agricultural education student combines passion for sheep showmanship with classroom learning to help the next generation

Izzy Freymuth, senior in agricultural education – teacher certification, hosts a sheep showmanship camp on her farm each summer.
Ruth Williamson in the lab.

May 13, 2025

Plant sciences student presents innovative research at Undergraduate Research Day at the Missouri State Capitol

Ruth Williamson, a senior in plant sciences (breeding, biology and biotechnology emphasis) presented her research on the benefits of being outside on human health.