Bing Yang, professor of plant science and technology, has been named director of Mizzou’s Plant Transformation Core Facility. Yang will begin this new role July 1.
The goal of the Plant Transformation Core (PTC) at the University of Missouri is to enhance both basic and applied research in plant biology by providing fee-based plant transformation services. Currently, much of the transformation activities of the facility are focused on maize and soybean.
Nearly 500 University of Missouri students and postdoctoral fellows presented their research and creativity activity during the inaugural Show Me Research Week April 17-21. The week, which celebrated MU students as creators, innovators, problem solvers and thinkers, culminated with an Award and Recognition Ceremony held at the Bond Life Sciences Center.
The following CAFNR students were recognized for their work during the ceremony, which also praised MU faculty for serving as mentors:
Jill Kanaley, professor and interim chair of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology, was awarded the Citation Award by the American College of Sports Medicine. Kanaley received the award during the organization’s annual meeting in Denver, Colo.
The Citation Award of the American College of Sports Medicine is one of its two most prestigious awards and is granted to an individual or group who has made significant and important contributions to sports medicine and/or the exercise sciences. These contributions may include, but are not limited to: research and scholarship; clinical care; and/or administrative or educational services in sports medicine or exercise science.
A paper by Ranjith Udawatta, research professor of soil, environmental and atmospheric sciences, “Grassland conversion to croplands impacted soil pore parameters measured via X-ray computed tomography,” was recently named a top-cited paper in Soil Science Society of America Journal.
The recognition covers work published between January 2021 and December 2022.
Matt Wade, a master’s student in dietetics, was recently selected as one of eight students nationwide for the Gatorade Sports Nutrition Immersion Program Fellowship.
The Gatorade Sports Nutrition Immersion Program (SNIP) matches full-time sports dietitians with Collegiate and Professional Sports Dietitians Association members interested in getting more practical hands-on experience working with athletes and sports programs. Each fellow will focus on career development under the mentorship of a host sports dietitian.
Wade will travel to Seattle, Washington, in July to begin his fellowship.
Four CAFNR faculty have been awarded International Faculty Collaboration Grants from the CAFNR Office of International Programs. The purpose of this incentive fund is to stimulate international research, teaching and outreach collaborations consistent with CAFNR Strategic Plan Goal Six — Championing Global Citizenship and Engagement. The collaborations can be in any area considered appropriate for CAFNR faculty. Collaborations involving faculty from more than one division within MU or involving junior faculty are encouraged.
The four CAFNR faculty awards are:
Vicki Bryan, program coordinator in plant science and technology, has received the 2023 Chancellor’s Outstanding Staff Award.
These awards represent those who best reflect honor upon the University and the community through a combination of job performance, job-related personal qualities, relationship with their associates, and the ability to relate their work to the missions and values of the University. One award is given to a staff member in each of the five job categories: Administrative/Professional, Clerical/Office, Crafts/Maintenance, Technical/Paraprofessional, Temp and UM System. Bryan was recognized in the Administrative/Professional category.
Bryan will be honored during the 2023 Staff Recognition Week.
Robert Sharp, Curators’ Distinguished Professor of Plant Science and Technology, recently received the UM System President’s Thomas Jefferson Award for his research. The award recognizes one outstanding faculty member annually who has been nationally or internationally recognized for and demonstrated clear distinction in research, scholarship, teaching and public service.
Sharp, also former director of the Interdisciplinary Plant Group (IPG), received the award for his stellar reputation as an international collaborator furthering the field of plant science, his work overseeing key joint hires at MU and the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, helping with the development of the new East Campus Plant Growth Facility, hosting the International Society of Root Research symposium and leading the effort to expand the IPG’s engagement with the MU South African Partnership program.
“Dr. Robert Sharp’s leadership of the IPG for more than 10 years speaks to the respect he commands among plant scientists,” University of Missouri President Mun Choi said. “The work at the IPG has improved our understanding of the ways in which plants respond to changing environments, which in turn helps us better serve our citizens in Missouri.”
Ahmed Balboula, assistant professor in the Division of Animal Sciences, received the 2023 SSR Virendra B. Mahesh New Investigator Award from the Society of the Study of Reproduction (SSR).
This award recognizes an active, regular member of the society for outstanding research completed and published within 12 years after receiving their PhD or other equivalent degree. In order to be considered for nomination, candidates undergo assessment based on the novelty, importance, and influence of their research in the field of reproductive sciences or related areas, as well as the extent to which their work was conducted independently from that of their mentor.
The Missouri FFA Association named a number of CAFNR faculty and staff members Honorary State FFA Degree recipients at the 95th Missouri FFA Convention held April 20-21 in Columbia. This recognition was given for years of support, including service as state superintendents for agriculture, food and natural resources Career Development Events.
Those honored include:
The Missouri FFA Association recognizes Honorary State FFA Degree recipients for their valuable efforts and contributions to the FFA organization and its members. Those eligible to receive the Honorary FFA Degree include farmers, school superintendents, principals, members of the board of education, chapter advisors, teachers, staff members in agricultural education, business professionals and others who are helping to advance agricultural education and the FFA.
