Kathryn Wenger was named Outstanding Junior at CAFNR’s 2024 Celebration of Excellence awards ceremony, held Tuesday, April 16.  

Wenger, who is also completing minors in both Spanish and Latin American studies, has taken on numerous leadership roles in CAFNR. She is currently a CAFNR Ambassador, where she served as vice president in 2023. In this role, Wenger worked with faculty to schedule event shifts, manage incentives and motivate involvement; 22 new members joined CAFNR Ambassadors during her year of service.   

Wenger also gains hands-on experience toward her goal of becoming a physician by working as a research assistant in the Lin Brain Lab, aiding in Alzheimer’s disease research. She also serves as a Tiger Connect MU Health Care Volunteer Family Resource Specialist and MedZou Community Health Clinic Front Desk Volunteer.    

Wenger also serves the campus community as Caring for Columbia Director of Projects, Vice President of Administration for Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority, and a Life Sciences Quest Camp Counselor.   

“The biochemistry major is difficult and time consuming, yet Kathryn manages her extracurricular activities and academics well,” said Shari Freyermuth, assistant dean of academic programs. “Her ability to talk with and mentor younger students is a great skill. I really enjoyed working with Kathryn in her role as Ambassador leader because she was dependable, thoughtful and creative. When I have prospective families come for visits, I always appreciate when Kathryn can join the conversation because she connects well with the families, presents CAFNR in the best possible light and is a great spokesperson for MU.”