Stories
March 13, 2025
Mako shark trekking patterns reveal a hidden impact of changing ocean temperatures
Shortfin mako sharks, an endangered species, are among the fastest and most elusive predators in the ocean, and new research led by Michael Byrne, associate professor of wildlife ecology at the University of Missouri’s School of Natural Resources (SNR) sheds light on the limitations of their habitat availability caused by oceanography. The research tracked mako sharks over vast distances using satellite telemetry. Byrne’s findings reveal a pattern in movements and distribution of the apex predators spanning thousands of miles across the Pacific Ocean, highlighting the sharks’ dependence on one very specific factor — oxygen levels in the water. “I love…
March 4, 2025
MU Center for Agroforestry patents first black walnut cultivar, marking a milestone for Missouri’s tree nut industry
After a quarter of a century of development, the University of Missouri Center for Agroforestry made a significant step toward a long-term goal of furthering the black walnut industry in Missouri with a recent patent for its first black walnut cultivar — The UMCA® “Hickman” Walnut.
Feb. 26, 2025
Missouri’s snowy winter: How La Niña and cold temperatures teamed up to bring more snow
According to Zack Leasor, Missouri State Climatologist and associate professor in the University of Missouri’s School of Natural Resources, a weather phenomenon known as La Niña — cooler than average water surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean — is partly to blame.
Feb. 24, 2025
Environmental sciences major explores new ecosystem through Gilman Scholarship
Lindsey Cunningham, junior environmental sciences major from Springfield, Missouri, studied abroad in Costa Rica over winter break.
Feb. 5, 2025
First woman of Mizzou wildlife
Katheryn Paullus, BS ’47, Mizzou’s pioneering female graduate in conservation, transformed the field with bobwhite quail research that inspired generations.
Jan. 16, 2025
Center for Agroforestry to host 16th Annual Symposium
The University of Missouri’s Center for Agroforestry is holding its 16th Agroforestry Symposium: Working Lands for Restoration and Harvest on Jan. 30 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the center for Missouri Studies in Columbia, Mo.
Jan. 16, 2025
Inaugural director named for Johnny Morris Institute of Fisheries, Wetlands & Aquatic Systems
The Johnny Morris Institute of Fisheries, Wetlands and Aquatic Systems at the University of Missouri’s College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) has selected Rick Relyea as its first director, starting July 1, 2025.
Dec. 10, 2024
Graduate Student Spotlight: Q&A with Jhonathan Ordinola Diaz
What is your research focus? My research focuses on energy policy and their implications on the population. Currently, I am conducting research on the public perception of nuclear waste in Missouri, learning from the public’s experience, to approximate the concerns that will occur in a future permanent repository, yet to be defined by the Department of Energy, but needed soon. Jhonathan Ordinola Diaz Why does this field interest you? I grew up in a small town in northern Peru (Pucala), surrounded by huge sugar cane fields owned by a single company. Our water, air and energy sources were closely affected…
Dec. 9, 2024
CAFNR Senior Spotlight – Q&A with Lindsey Batson
Batson is a senior graduating in December with a degree in parks, recreation, sport and tourism.
Dec. 6, 2024
Jason Young, instructor in the School of Natural Resources, receives the Golden Apple Award
Young, internship supervisor for Parks, Recreation, Sport and Tourism students in the School of Natural Resources, received the award to acknowledge his teaching excellence.