Student Success

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…
Woodland & Floral Garden, Parents Weekend, fall 1979

July 31, 2020

History in Bloom

Successful efforts by a handful of energetic horticulture students in the late 1970s led to the planning and execution of an ambitious garden project located next to MU’s Agriculture Building. The space was dedicated as the Woodland and Floral Gardens in April 1980. A public celebration to mark the garden’s 40th anniversary and rededicate what remains of the original landscape as the Missouri Woodland Garden was scheduled to be held April 2020, but has been postponed until further notice. Left to right: Kevin Karel and Bill Ruppert, the horticulture students who worked to design and build the Woodland & Floral…
The Mizzou National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA) team recently had several members earn awards and scholarships during the 2020 NAMA Student Marketing Competition and Conference. This photo was taken in early March while the Mizzou NAMA team pitched its product to the MoKan NAMA Chapter and networked with the K-State NAMA team. Photo courtesy of the Mizzou NAMA team.

June 30, 2020

Deserved Recognition

While the in-person version of the 2020 National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA) Student Marketing Competition and Conference was cancelled, several members of the Mizzou NAMA team still earned awards and scholarships via an online version in late spring. The Mizzou NAMA team was one of six teams to win recognition for its written executive summary for the Student Executive Summary Competition. Within that competition, students develop a business proposition with a service description that includes a strategy statement, as well as goals, objectives and assumptions. The team conducts a market analysis, while looking at trends and potential. They also put…
Michaela Thomson (left) and Devesh Kumar were two of four Mizzou ‘39 Award recipients in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources.

June 22, 2020

An Outstanding Recognition

Each year, the Mizzou Alumni Association Student Board selects 39 outstanding seniors for its annual Mizzou ‘39 Award. Mizzou ‘39 recipients are chosen for their academic achievement, leadership and service to Mizzou and the community. In the spirit of service that was the cornerstone of the 1839 founding of the University of Missouri, the award is presented each spring. This year, the MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources had four students receive the Mizzou ‘39 Award, two within the Department of Biochemistry –  Devesh Kumar and Michaela Thomson. Devesh Kumar As a Columbia native, Kumar knew all that…
CONGRATS to our Mizzou Grads 2020

May 16, 2020

CAFNR Congrats: 20 Words or More for our 2020 Graduates

“You will shape the world in a whole new way with your epic 2020 insights and Tiger resiliency and pride — no matter where you land. ROAR FIERCELY!” — Mary Simon Leuci, BS ’77, faculty/staff “You’ve earned your stripes. Now go forth and embrace them and show them off to the world.” — Madison Byrd, BS Science & Agricultural Journalism ’18 “Stay a life long learner. Seek to learn something from every person and every situation. Learn about yourself, your community, your industry, your family and friends. Ask questions and really listen to the answers.” — Robin Wenneker, BSBA ’91,…

May 14, 2020

CAFNR Outstanding Senior: Natalie Ayers

It was pretty much a given where Natalie Ayers was going to get her degree after she graduated high school. Ayers’ parents both earned degrees from the University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR). Ayers knew she was going to be a Tiger one day, too, just like her parents. “I had attended countless events on the University of Missouri campus as a child, and there are too many family photos in front of the historic Academic Hall columns to count,” Ayers said. “MU was actually the only university I applied to because my decision to…

May 14, 2020

CAFNR Outstanding Senior: Caleb Quinlan

Growing up on his family’s farm, Caleb Quinlan developed a passion for agriculture and drive for success. That passion and drive only became stronger when Quinlan joined the University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) four years ago. Now, celebrating his senior year and nearing graduation, Quinlan is planning on taking that passion and drive into the workforce. “My experience on my family’s farm operation allowed me to develop that initial passion for agriculture and drive for success in my life,” said Quinlan, a plant sciences major. “It also allowed me to understand the value of…

May 13, 2020

CAFNR Outstanding Junior: Jacob Blank

Jacob Blank didn’t realize it at the time, but coming to the University of Missouri would open his eyes in ways he would have never believed. Originally, Blank was attending MU out of necessity – as Mizzou features a strong veterinary school and Blank was interested in obtaining a doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM). Once Blank got more involved in the University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR), he felt a new inspiration. “In all honesty, my personal decision to attend Mizzou was truly unbeknown to me until I started participating more frequently in CAFNR,” Blank…