Stories

Aug. 30, 2021

Breakthrough Could Lead to Early Detection of Pregnancy Complications

Constantine Simintiras and his colleagues in Thomas Spencer’s lab have found a non-invasive way to study fluid produced in the uterus during pregnancy. The quest to create safer, more successful pregnancies is one of the top goals of modern science. While pregnancy is better understood today than ever before, with improvements in technology helping to lower the risk of negative outcomes, there is much researchers still don’t know about a vital part of the pregnancy process: uterine fluid. Secreted by glands in the uterus during pregnancy, uterine fluid is believed to play an important role in…
The zebra finch is capable of vocal learning, a rare talent in the animal kingdom and the foundation of human speech.

Aug. 30, 2021

Piecing Together the Puzzles of Bird Genomes

In 2003, scientists finished sequencing the entire human genome, paving the way for new discoveries about genetic disorders and the numerous ways that genes influence behavior, health and other traits. But the importance of a complete genome for scientific reference is not limited to humans — researchers are now engaged in an all-out push to assemble the genomes of vertebrates across the animal kingdom, racing to unlock the secrets behind the genetic origins of unusual behaviors and the evolution of devastating diseases. In a flagship paper recently featured on the cover of Nature, more than 100 researchers worldwide contributed groundbreaking research to…
Michael Stambaugh cuts a sample from a white pine in northern Pennsylvania.

Aug. 30, 2021

A Burning Passion for the Good Kind of Forest Fire

Michael Stambaugh wants people to know that fire is not always bad. He knows that to some people, this is like saying water is dry, and after 20 years as a researcher at the University of Missouri, he’s still trying to show the good that can come from one of nature’s most powerful forces. “Fire is a historical legacy,” said Stambaugh, who is currently an associate research professor in MU’s College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR). “We, as people, are linked to it for our survival.” Stambaugh inspects the stump of an old white pine…

Aug. 30, 2021

Hundley-Whaley Research Center to Showcase Projects During Field Day

The Hundley-Whaley Research Center is set to host an in-person field day on Saturday, Sept. 11. The event will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Registration will begin at 10 a.m. Along with traditional field day topics, several other events will be held throughout the day. A Classic Tractor Exhibit will be present, and there will be booths set up in the pavilion with representatives from agricultural companies. Representatives from MFA, NOVUS, BASF, Fiber Hemp Industry and more will be present. “We are super excited to host an in-person field day this year after our virtual event last year,”…
Portrait of Justin Calhoun

Aug. 27, 2021

Soils, Cropping Systems Specialist Joins Delta Research Center

Justin S. Calhoun starts Sept. 1 as a University of Missouri Extension state specialist in soils and cropping systems. He will be based at the Fisher Delta Research Center (FDRC) in southeastern Missouri near Portageville. Calhoun will also be an assistant professor in the MU Division of Plant Science and Technology. “Research at FDRC is key to the success of local producers. Justin brings great experience to the team, working with many different crops and soils,” said Shibu Jose, associate dean for research at the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR).

Aug. 24, 2021

Q&A With Emma Baer

Why did you decide to come to the University of Missouri and major in nutrition and exercise physiology, with a focus in human physiology and translational sciences? What do you enjoy about the program itself? The field of study? Coming to Mizzou as a pre-med student, I knew I wanted a degree program that would provide me the core knowledge I needed to advance throughout my studies, but that would also engage me and my interests in the process. I landed on this particular path because I had a basic understanding of the impact nutrition had on overall health, wanted…
agriculture building

Aug. 23, 2021

CAFNR Welcomes New Faculty

At the beginning of each semester, we welcome the new faculty members who have joined us. The College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources at the University of Missouri is proud to introduce 12 new faculty members this fall who are ready to immerse themselves in our core areas of teaching, research and Extension. Each of them brings a wealth of knowledge in their respective fields of study, and will be representing five of our six divisions: Animal Sciences; Biochemistry; Food, Nutrition & Exercise Science; Plant Science & Technology; and the School of Natural Resources. We are excited to feature…
An early passion for broadcast meteorology and a desire to get a degree from a university in the state he grew up in led Matt Beckwith to the University of Missouri. Beckwith thought the atmospheric science emphasis area within the MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) environmental sciences degree program would help prepare him for a career as a meteorologist. When Beckwith, who grew up in the Kansas City area, walked onto campus in 2015, he knew right away that he made the correct decision. Photo courtesy of Matt Beckwith.

Aug. 23, 2021

A well-rounded experience

The environmental sciences degree program prepared Matt Beckwith for a career as a broadcast meteorologist.
The Italy study abroad program is one of several summer offerings in CAFNR. The program takes place in the city of Florence, and is primarily for students interested in restaurant management or event planning – as well as Italian culture. Lauren Tippen was able to participate in the program this summer, after the program was cancelled last year. Photo courtesy of Lauren Tippen.

Aug. 23, 2021

Finding Joy in New Experiences

As a hospitality management student, Lauren Tippen was excited to participate in the Italy study abroad program last year through the University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR). That program is focused on the hospitality industry in Italy, as well as Italian culture. The pandemic forced the cancellation of the program, though, and Tippen, a senior, was unsure if she would have a similar opportunity during her collegiate career. “When it got cancelled, I was so upset and I really didn’t think I would have this opportunity again,” Tippen said. When Shanon Dickerson, CAFNR’s director of…
Jenna Fusinatto receiving the individual category award in the Mizzou Identity Brand Wagon Awards

Aug. 18, 2021

Jenna Fusinatto Wins Individual Category in Mizzou Brand Wagon Awards

Jenna Fusinatto, academic advisor in the School of Natural Resources, was recognized Aug. 16 in the individual category of the Mizzou Brand Wagon Awards for her work on the CAFNR Staff Advisory Council bi-monthly newsletter.