Stories

A photo of two students and a parent.

Nov. 7, 2023

Q&A with first-generation student Makenna Shifflett

In honor of National First-Generation Student Week, Makenna Shifflett, freshman biochemistry major from Conway, Missouri, discusses her experience as a first-generation college student.

Frees stands holding two plaques.

Nov. 7, 2023

George Frees, senior biochemistry and plant sciences major, receives National FFA American Star in Agriscience Award

George Frees, senior biochemistry and plant sciences major, received the National FFA American Star in Agriscience Award at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana, Nov.

a group of six crystal awards sitting on a black tablecloth

Nov. 2, 2023

A night of honors: CAFNR celebrates distinguished alumni

2023 Column Awards recognize six exceptional CAFNR alumni.

Weisman receives award

Sep. 19, 2023

Curators’ Distinguished Professor of Biochemistry Receives Fellows Award from Academy of Science-St. Louis

Gary Weisman, curators' distinguished professor of biochemistry, was recognized by the Academy of Science-St. Louis as a 2020 fellows awardee. The organization delayed their 2020 celebration due to COVID-19, and recognized those awardees, including Weisman, in its 2023 celebration on Sept. 20.

AFA logo; blue and green slender lettering

Aug. 17, 2023

Mizzou Students Awarded Agriculture Future of America Scholarships

Seven Mizzou students were selected to receive Agriculture Future of America (AFA) Scholarships. AFA’s mission is to “build bridges for young leaders, fostering engagement and innovation in food and agriculture.”

Collage of photos of Trillion, Andres and Kathryn with a gold background and a header saying: Tap Day 2023

May 9, 2023

CAFNR Students Tapped for Honor Societies

CAFNR students took part in induction ceremonies for Mizzou honor societies April 28 as part of 2023 Tap Day. Inducted were Andres Mesa, Trillion Rosborough and Kathryn Wenger.

female student with dark hair that's pulled back is standing in a lab with several instruments while wearing a lab coat

April 16, 2023

CAFNR Junior Named Goldwater Scholar

Kristen Barwick, junior in biochemistry, was one of four University of Missouri students selected as a Goldwater Scholar for 2023. Each year, universities nominate up to four students for this prestigious national scholarship — this year, all four nominees from Mizzou were named to the scholar program. The Goldwater Scholarship is a competitive national scholarship program that recognizes outstanding undergraduate students in the fields of mathematics, natural sciences and engineering. It provides $7,500 for tuition, fees, books, and room and board, and is awarded based on academic merit, research experience and potential for future achievement. This year, 413…

Jesse Hall and campus

April 12, 2023

CAFNR Represented Among 14 MU Students, Alumni Honored by National Science Foundation

The National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program recognizes and supports outstanding graduate students in NSF-supported STEM disciplines who are pursuing research-based master’s and doctoral degrees at accredited U.S. institutions. The five-year fellowship includes three years of financial support including an annual stipend of $34,000 and a cost of education allowance of $12,000 to the institution. This year’s recipients included three CAFNR students and alumni: Daniel Lamm, BS ’20 (biochemistry); Joseph Fritsche, BS ’21 (biochemistry); and Chantelle Wimms, current graduate student in natural resources. Alyssa Smolensky, current graduate student in natural resources, received an honorable mention. Wimms…

Antje Heese

April 11, 2023

Antje Heese Received Outstanding Graduate Advisor Award as Part of 2023 Celebration of Excellence

Antje Heese received the 2023 CAFNR Outstanding Graduate Advisor Award at the Celebration of Excellence awards ceremony April 11. She is an associate professor of biochemistry and part of the Interdisciplinary Plant Group; she chaired the Graduate Admissions Committee for biochemistry from 2018-20.  Heese’s graduate students have achieved highly, thanks to her expert mentorship, according to nominators. For example, her students have given a total of 19 talks, including 10 at international conferences; presented 35 poster presentations; received 18 travel grants; been awarded nine fellowships; and have published 11 scientific publications.   “Antje…

Scott Peck posing.

April 11, 2023

Scott Peck Received Roger L. Mitchell Fellow Award as Part of 2023 Celebration of Excellence

Scott Peck, professor of biochemistry, received the 2023 Roger L. Mitchell Fellow Award at the CAFNR Celebration of Excellence awards ceremony April 11.   Peck joined Mizzou in 2005 and has made numerous seminal discoveries on the functions of specific protein kinases and phosphatases that control plant defense responses to bacterial pathogens. His papers have garnered more than 10,000 total citations.  Peck has been appointed as an Extraordinary Professor at the University of the Western Cape in South Africa, and as a Joint Professor at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology in…