Mary Hendrickson, associate professor in the Division of Applied Social Sciences, has been presented with the CAFNR Distinguished Research Award for her internationally recognized scholarship on food systems.

Her research addresses corporate concentration in agriculture, local and alternative food systems and the pursuit of resilient, equitable food networks. A prolific scholar, she has over 70 publications, more than 3,000 citations and has secured over $20 million in research funding as PI or Co-PI.

Hendrickson’s interdisciplinary work bridges sociology, economics, ecology and law, with findings cited globally, including in United Nations reports. She has presented across five continents, testified before the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee and contributed to federal policy discussions. A 2019-20 Fulbright Scholar in Iceland, she is also known for her impactful mentorship and collaboration across academic and community sectors.

Colleagues praise her for intellectual leadership and tireless advocacy. Her work has shaped academic discourse and influenced real-world agricultural policy, solidifying her reputation as one of the leading rural sociologists in the country. Her scholarship not only transforms how agriculture is studied but how it is practiced.

“One of the things that most stands out to me about Dr. Hendrickson’s research work is that she is an extremely effective collaborator and contributes in a very competent way in team research projects by asking probing questions, helping organize the research team, and energizing the entire team about the research focus and potential impacts,” said Rob Myers, professor of Plant Science and Technology and director of the MU Center for Regenerative Agriculture. “In my opinion, most great research happens when investigators collaborate, particularly across disciplines, and I have found Dr. Hendrickson to be one of the most effective interdisciplinary researchers I have ever worked with, out of over 50 collaborators.”