Stories

Nick Wesslak earned two degrees from Mizzou – a bachelor’s degree in plant sciences and a master’s degree in natural resources. After stops in two states, Wesslak recently joined MU Extension as an agronomy field specialist where he covers eight counties in northeast Missouri. Photo courtesy of Nick Wesslak.

March 9, 2023

From Student to Specialist

As a high school student in Salem, Mo., Nick Wesslak was an active member of his local FFA chapter. That experience not only introduced him to the University of Missouri, it also showed him an interesting career path – one that he is now serving in with MU Extension. Wesslak earned two degrees from Mizzou – a bachelor’s degree in plant sciences and a master’s degree in natural resources. After stops in two states, Wesslak recently joined MU Extension as an agronomy field specialist where he covers eight counties in northeast Missouri. “I’m really happy to be…
A map of the United States shows a large green shaded area that covers all but the northwestern and southwestern corners of the state of Missouri, indicating above average precipitation is expected for the spring months. The east central portion of the state is shaded a darker shade of green.

March 8, 2023

An End in Sight

The Spring Equinox will usher in the season of blooms and rebirth in just a couple of weeks, and according to one expert, this year it will bring some much-needed relief to farmers after devastating drought last year. It may, however, also bring with it a dark side — an increased likelihood of severe weather. Tony Lupo, University of Missouri professor of atmospheric science and interim state climatologist, tracks long-term weather patterns, and he is confident that this spring and summer will bring drought relief and excellent growing conditions for the bulk of the state. He attributes the…

March 1, 2023

Five CAFNR Students Earn Mizzou ’39 Honors

This week, the Mizzou Alumni Association and Alumni Association Student Board named the 2023 Mizzou 18 Award and Mizzou ’39 Award recipients. In the spirit of service that was the cornerstone of the 1839 founding of the University of Missouri, the Mizzou Alumni Association Student Board presents the Mizzou ’39 Award to 39 outstanding seniors each year. Recipients are chosen for their academic achievement, leadership, and service to Mizzou and the community. The five CAFNR students to earn the honor are:
Libby Johnson serves as an academic advisor for the natural resource science and management degree program.

Feb. 25, 2023

CAFNR Advisor Spotlight: Libby Johnson

How rewarding is it to work with students in the natural resource science and management degree program? I love it! I love relating to the students through my nerdy office décor and being interested in what they are interested in. I also feel like my faculty and students are so kind and down to earth. Even if I don’t feel competent in the position, the students are appreciative of my help. I feel like I get to help them and see fruits of both their labor and my own. Many times I get to help them…
Ag Building

Feb. 22, 2023

2023 CAFNR Joy of Discovery Seed Grant Program Winners Announced

The second 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):
Dorian Giles, a 2016 CAFNR graduate, serves in numerous roles across the sports industry. He is the manager of long-time friend Charles Harris, a defensive end with the Detroit Lions, and worked with Moses Moody, a first round draft pick of the Golden State Warriors, during the Warriors’ championship season (2021-22). Giles currently serves as a consultant to two technology companies, too. He is also the basketball director with Humble Over Hype, a nonprofit focused on making changes through the spiritual development of athletes. It’s a lot to juggle but Giles said he enjoys the freedom that comes with each of his roles. Photo courtesy of Dorian Giles.

Feb. 21, 2023

Pursuing His Dreams

Dorian Giles had a tough decision to make early on as a student at the University of Missouri. Giles, an avid basketball player throughout his youth, had dreamed of one day suiting up at the collegiate level. While those dreams were put on the back burner as Giles chose to attend Mizzou, during his sophomore year he was in contact with a university about a playing opportunity. He suddenly had a life-changing choice to consider. A simple conversation with former men’s basketball player Torren Jones not only kept Giles at MU – it helped jumpstart his career.
One of the more unique CAFNR study abroad opportunities is a summer program in Austria, which allows students to tailor an internship experience to their interest area. The first half of the program, which is offered through Salzburg College, prepares students for the international working environment they will eventually experience during their internship. CAFNR had four students participate in the Austria study abroad program last year – from left to right, Armana Gusewelle, Grayson Alexander, Matt Donzelli and Ellen Phillips. Photo courtesy of Salzburg College.

Feb. 14, 2023

An Exciting Global Partnership

Students interested in study abroad have numerous opportunities to gain international experience through a variety of MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) programs. CAFNR hosts experiences throughout the year and across the globe. One of the more unique opportunities is a summer program in Austria, which allows students to tailor an internship experience to their interest area. The first half of the program, which is offered through Salzburg College, prepares students for the international working environment they will eventually experience during their internship. This year’s program will run from May through August – and…
With an eye toward student health and well-being, the School of Natural Resources (SNR) and Tiger Garden teamed up last semester to create a more welcoming environment in six classrooms across the Anheuser-Busch Natural Resources (ABNR) Building. Funding for the project, which includes a variety of enhancements, was awarded through the University of Missouri Office of the Provost.

Jan. 29, 2023

Creating a Welcoming Environment

With an eye toward student health and well-being, the School of Natural Resources (SNR) and Tiger Garden teamed up last semester to create a more welcoming environment in six classrooms across the Anheuser-Busch Natural Resources (ABNR) Building. Funding for the project, which includes a variety of enhancements, was awarded through the University of Missouri Office of the Provost. A trio of SNR faculty helped make the award a possibility – Robin Rotman, assistant professor; Sonja Wilhelm Stanis, professor and associate director; and Patrick Market, director. “This was something that we really felt called to do,” Rotman said.
man with white hair wearing a black suit coat and red tie.

Dec. 13, 2022

Book Edited By CAFNR Faculty Member Published

A new book edited by CAFNR faculty member published by the Australian Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization.
Senior Spotlight graphic featuring student with curly hair wearing MU shirt.

Dec. 12, 2022

Senior Spotlight: Marlon Guzman

Guzman will graduate with a degree in parks, recreation and sport.