Biochemistry

Katherine Spitzmiller stands next to her research poster on American elderberry compounds and their effect on fighting influenza.

April 27, 2026

Biochemistry student presents research on health-promoting compounds in American elderberries at Show Me Research Week 

Katherine Spitzmiller is exploring how a plant native to Missouri can help fight illness.
Carissa Bersche, Allison Collier and Randi Noel.

April 24, 2026

CAFNR students, alumna named NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program recipients

Two CAFNR students and one alumna have been named recipients of the 2026-2027 NSF GRFP.
Celebration of Excellence

April 24, 2026

Carissa Bersche, Morgan Watkins named 2026 CAFNR Outstanding Seniors

Carissa Bersche and Morgan Watkins were recognized as CAFNR’s Outstanding Seniors at the college’s annual Celebration of Excellence ceremony April 23. 
Celebration of Excellence

April 24, 2026

Gwynivere Newbrough named 2026 CAFNR Outstanding Freshman 

University of Missouri freshman Gwynivere Newbrough was recognized as CAFNR’s Outstanding Freshman at the college’s annual Celebration of Excellence ceremony April 23. 
Manisha Muthukarruppan, Carissa Bersche and Mathew Kimaku smile and hold their Awards for Academic Distinction.

April 14, 2026

Four CAFNR students receive Award for Academic Distinction, Hesburgh Scholarship

Three CAFNR students received the award and one CAFNR student received the scholarship at the annual ceremony.
Emma Knudson, Harrison Luechtefeld and Carissa Bersche stand together and smile as 2026 Mizzou '39 recipients.

April 13, 2026

Meet CAFNR’s 2026 Mizzou ‘39 recipients 

Three CAFNR students share their undergraduate experiences after being recognized as one of Mizzou's 39 outstanding seniors.
Eva Ruterschmidt

March 19, 2026

From patient to future physician: Senior biochemistry major turns childhood experience into medical calling

Eva Ruterschmidt's medical history has sparked her passion to pursue a career in medicine.
Stephanie Gates holds her Golden Apple Award.

March 5, 2026

Stephanie Gates receives CAFNR Golden Apple Award

Gates is an assistant professor in CAFNR's Division of Biochemistry.
Maiya Foster in her graduation robe.

Dec. 16, 2025

CAFNR Senior Spotlight – Q&A with Maiya Foster

Q: Why did you choose to come to the University of Missouri?A: I chose the University of Missouri because I wanted to attend a large institution with broad opportunities to explore different paths. I knew I wanted to get involved in research early on, so I was excited that Mizzou is an R1 university with strong support for undergraduate researchers. The generous financial aid I received also played an important role, as it has allowed me to pursue my degree and gain extensive research experience while remaining on track to graduate debt-free. Q: Why did you choose to pursue your degree?A: My…
Nigel Turner smiling.

July 29, 2025

Q&A with Summer Welcome Leader Nigel Turner Jr.

Nigel Turner Jr., a sophomore from Raytown, Missouri, majoring in biochemistry, served as a Summer Welcome Leader.