Research ⋅ Page 1

CAFNR Plant Scientist Named AAAS Fellow

Bing Yang recognized for contributions in plant genomics 

In recognition of nearly two decades of work creating rice varieties resistant to certain types of bacteria, Bing Yang, professor of plant sciences, was named as a 2022 American Association for the Advancement of Science fellow. “There is so much diversity within the Society, and it is an honor to be among them,” Yang said. “The recognition of my work…

Finding the Perfect Degree

Memphis Bancroft said she has fallen in love with the food science and nutrition degree

When Memphis Bancroft made the decision to pursue a food science and nutrition degree at the University of Missouri she didn’t realize the real-world application of what she was studying would be so immediate. When Bancroft chose the degree program her mother was on a very restrictive diet due to a colon cancer diagnosis. “With the effects of surgery we…

First-Generation Student Spotlight: Brooke Weiler

Discovery Fellows program jumpstarted Brooke Weiler's interest in research

The Discovery Fellows program at the University of Missouri, offered through the Honors College, gives first-year students the opportunity to join a research laboratory the minute they step onto campus. For Brooke Weiler, the one-year scholarship has turned into a four-year research journey. Weiler, a senior majoring in both biochemistry and psychology, has found a passion for research while working…

CAFNR Welcomes New Faculty

Seven new faces join CAFNR faculty for the fall 2022 semester

With the fall semester underway, we are excited introduce and welcome the new faculty members in our college. The College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources at the University of Missouri is proud to introduce seven new faculty members this semester who are equipped to advance our core missions of research, teaching and extension. They each bring a wealth of…

An Entrepreneurial Desire

Jason Zhang's interest in food science led him to the University of Missouri

Jason Zhang grew up with an entrepreneurial spirit – as well as an interest in food science. He now pursues both passions as cofounder of Layer Origin Nutrition, a group focused on human gut health, specifically forward-thinking prebiotics. Zhang’s path to running his own business comprised of a handful of stops, including a few years at the University of Missouri,…

A New World of Opportunities

Sebastian Moreno's time at MU allowed him to discover his passions

While Sebastian Moreno strengthened his passions for urban ecology and ornithology, the scientific study of birds, as a graduate student in natural resources at the University of Missouri, he also discovered a desire to connect with people on a deeper level. Moreno’s graduate research in CAFNR centered on how large concentrations of vacant lots in northern neighborhoods of St. Louis…

Building a Research Footprint

Kristen Barwick, junior biochemistry major, secured two national awards this summer

When Kristen Barwick made the decision to attend the University of Missouri, her primary goal was to get into a research laboratory. Barwick enjoyed biology and chemistry as a high school student and developed an interest in research after listening to a professor describe their research endeavors. “I honestly didn’t even know research was an option until my senior year…

Taking Risk

Abed Rabbani is an assistant professor in personal financial planning (PFP), studying financial risk tolerance

Measuring financial risk tolerance is not always simple as many over or underestimate their true risk tolerance. What does this mean for investors and financial planners? That’s where the research of University of Missouri professor is coming in. Abed Rabbani, assistant professor in personal financial planning (PFP), teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in the department, along with performing research in…

Sparking an Interest in Research

FRIPS Program allows first-year students an opportunity to get a first-hand look at plant research at MU

One of the University of Missouri’s College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) Programs of Distinction, the Interdisciplinary Plant Group (IPG) is a community of MU faculty postdoctoral fellows and professionals who are pursuing novel, creative and transformative ideas in the field of plant biology. Students across the Mizzou campus, including those in CAFNR, play an important role in…

Taking a Chance

Mason Ward's research portfolio has earned him two awards from the Entomological Society of America

As a freshman, Mason Ward took a chance and applied to the Freshman Research in Plants (FRIPS) Program with the thought that he would give research a try. Ward wasn’t sure if research would be a major part of his collegiate career, but figured by pushing himself he would certainly learn something new. Now, three years later, Ward’s extraordinary research…