Stories
April 12, 2024
2024 Outstanding Mid-Career Research Award: Jaume Padilla
Jaume Padilla, associate professor, nutrition and exercise physiology, has received CAFNR’s 2024 Outstanding Mid-Career Research Award as part of the College’s annual Celebration of Excellence awards ceremony. Jaume Padilla Joining the University of Missouri in 2009 as a postdoctoral fellow, he become an associate professor with tenure in 2019. His research is having a major impact on the field of cardiovascular research. “His focus is on the connections between cardiovascular disease, physical inactivity, obesity, and type 2 diabetes, and addresses some of the greatest challenges facing society,” said nominator Dojin Ryu, director of the Division of Food, Nutrition and Exercise…
April 12, 2024
Soyon Park receives Early Investigator Research Award from College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
Soyon Park, assistant professor of plant science and technology, has received the Early Investigator Research Award. Trained in plant molecular biology, Park’s expertise lies in chlorophyll degradation, plant-agrobacteria interactions, and host-parasitic plant interactions. Her research, published in prestigious journals like Plant Cell and Molecular Cell, focuses on understanding host and parasitic plant interactions, particularly with parasitic plants like Cuscuta and Phelipanche, aiming to devise effective control strategies to enhance crop yield. Notably, her lab developed a groundbreaking Cuscuta transformation method, bypassing the time-consuming tissue culture process. This achievement led to a $2 million NSF proposal with Park as the principal…
April 2, 2024
Plant Science and Technology professor named to Soil Health Institute board of directors
Rob Myers, extension professor in the Division of Plant Science and Technology, was announced as a new member of the Soil Health Institute board of directors. Rob Myers The Soil Health Institute is a global non-profit with a mission of safeguarding and enhancing the vitality and productivity of soils through scientific research and advancement. The Institute brings together leaders in science and industry to conduct research and empower farmers and landowners to adopt soil health systems that contribute economic and environmental benefits to agriculture and society. Myers appointment was effective April 1.
April 2, 2024
Bethany Bedeker Named Driver to Distinction
CAFNR Vice Chancellor and Dean Christopher Daubert surprised Bethany Bedeker, cover crop outreach manager, with the Driver to Distinction award at the faculty and staff meeting March 21, 2024, for her tireless work engaging with farmers as part of the Center for Regenerative Agriculture.
March 5, 2024
2024 CAFNR Joy of Discovery Seed Grant Program Winners Announced
The third batch of proposals funded by CAFNR’s Joy of Discovery Seed Grant Program has been announced. The Joy of Discovery Seed Grant Program supports nascent, collaborative, multi transdisciplinary research with the goal of developing a competitive proposal for federal funding. The following proposals were selected (listed by the PI, Co-PI/s and title of the project): Mandy Bish (Plant Science and Technology); Characterization of Soil Microbial Communities Across Ecoregions as a Step TowardsImproving Soil Health Indicators Gary Stacey (Plant Science and Technology), collaborator from Yeshiva University; Development of Novel Calcium Sensors Chung-Ho Lin (School of Natural Resources), Isa Kupke (School of Natural…
March 1, 2024
Division of Applied Social Sciences graduate student named Mizzou 18
Rishabh Mahendra, agricultural and applied economics graduate student, was named to Mizzou 18, mentored by Harvey James.
Feb. 26, 2024
John Tummons received the 2023 Leadership Development Award from the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association
On Jan. 20, the Missouri Cattlemen's Association recognized John Tummons as the 2023 Leadership Development Award recipient at the 56th Annual Missouri Cattle Industry Convention.
Feb. 22, 2024
Michelle Niemeyer Named Driver to Distinction
CAFNR Vice Chancellor and Dean Christopher Daubert surprised Michelle Niemeyer, executive assistant, with a CAFNR Driver to Distinction award in honor of her exceptional work in CAFNR Advancement. She received a trophy from Daubert during the CAFNR faculty and staff meeting Feb. 20, 2024.
Feb. 21, 2024
DASS professor recognized by Missouri Dairy Hall of Honors
Dairy Hall of Honors recognized Scott Brown, associate extension professor in the Division of Applied Social Sciences, with the Meritorious Service Award on Jan. 26. This award recognizes and honors those individuals, usually in dairy related fields, who have rendered outstanding support and service to the Missouri dairy industry but who would not qualify for any other Foundation award. The meritorious service award was established in 1989.
Feb. 21, 2024
CAFNR staff member receives MU International Engagement Award
Lindsey Saunders, CAFNR International Programs projects manager, was awarded the 2023 MU International Engagement Award. The award was presented by the University of Missouri Council on International Initiatives and recognizes exemplary staff service advancing MU’s global reach and reputation.