An exciting collaboration between three University of Missouri experts is opening the door to a unique learning opportunity for environmental sciences students, specifically those interested in studying weather. Eric Aldrich, Fang Wang and Xinhao Xu have combined their expertise in meteorology, virtual and augmented reality, and mixed-reality-based learning environments to help students gain a deeper understanding of mid-latitude cyclones, which…
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Bleeding Black and Gold
Justin Sykes was recently hired as Mizzou softball's first director of player development, a position he will officially begin when he earns his parks, recreation, sport and tourism degree in August
Justin Sykes grew up donning the black and gold at numerous University of Missouri athletic events. Soon, Sykes will be sporting Mizzou colors as an official staff member of the softball team. Sykes has been interning with the softball team for two years and was recently hired as its first director of player development, a position he will officially begin…
CAFNR Advisor Spotlight: Shari Freyermuth
Freyermuth serves as an academic advisor for the biochemistry degree program
How rewarding is it to work with students in the biochemistry degree program? I love working with biochemistry students. They are driven to do well and they want to make a difference both now and in their future careers. I’m amazed at how much studying, activities and work many of them can pack into one day! How do you assist…
From Student to Specialist
Nick Wesslak, who earned two degrees from CAFNR, is putting his education to use as an agronomy field specialist with MU Extension
As a high school student in Salem, Mo., Nick Wesslak was an active member of his local FFA chapter. That experience not only introduced him to the University of Missouri, it also showed him an interesting career path – one that he is now serving in with MU Extension. Wesslak earned two degrees from Mizzou – a bachelor’s degree in…
CAFNR Advisor Spotlight: Libby Johnson
Johnson serves as an academic advisor for the natural resource science and management degree program
How rewarding is it to work with students in the natural resource science and management degree program? I love it! I love relating to the students through my nerdy office décor and being interested in what they are interested in. I also feel like my faculty and students are so kind and down to earth. Even if I don’t feel…
Enhancing Learning Opportunities
New funding brings state-of-the-art equipment to Henry Kirklin Plant Sciences Learning Laboratory
Two years ago, CAFNR recognized Henry Kirklin, a celebrated Black farmer and educator who lived in and around Columbia from 1858 until his death in 1938, with the naming of the Henry Kirklin Plant Sciences Learning Laboratory (3-35 Agriculture Building). Plant sciences students have been able to benefit from the renovated space through a variety of courses and laboratory work.…
Pursuing His Dreams
CAFNR Celebrates Black History Month: Young alum Dorian Giles has built a strong career in player representation, marketing and brand building in the sports industry
Dorian Giles had a tough decision to make early on as a student at the University of Missouri. Giles, an avid basketball player throughout his youth, had dreamed of one day suiting up at the collegiate level. While those dreams were put on the back burner as Giles chose to attend Mizzou, during his sophomore year he was in contact…
An Exciting Global Partnership
Austria study abroad program allows students to tailor an internship experience to their interest area
Students interested in study abroad have numerous opportunities to gain international experience through a variety of MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) programs. CAFNR hosts experiences throughout the year and across the globe. One of the more unique opportunities is a summer program in Austria, which allows students to tailor an internship experience to their interest area.…
Turning a Passion into a Career
CAFNR Celebrates Black History Month: Young alum Kaija Caldwell found a passion for horses while at Mizzou
“Horses are my career.” Kaija Caldwell said the words still feel surreal coming out of her mouth. When Caldwell first arrived at the University of Missouri she wasn’t sure where her interest in animals was going to take her. She certainly wasn’t expecting to fall in love with horses. “I knew that MU had a great animal sciences program, which…
Endless Educational Opportunities
Industry tours allow CAFNR students to connect with professionals
As part of ensuring student success, the MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) offers its students numerous opportunities to connect in meaningful ways with industry professionals. Those interactions come through a variety of programs, from CAFNR-sponsored experiences to degree-specific trips. Recently, CAFNR students met with a variety of professionals through the Agribusiness Career Connections Program, Dickinson Scholars…