Black History Month 2022

Learn about some of our outstanding Black students this month in honor of Black History Month. More stories to come throughout February!

An Eye-Opening Honor

Marco Walden, CAFNR’s first Henry Kirklin Memorial Scholarship awardee, has worked in numerous greenhouses on the MU campus

Marco Walden, a junior majoring in plant sciences, was the first student to receive the Henry Kirklin Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded annually to underrepresented minority students studying plant sciences. Photo courtesy of Marco Walden.Marco Walden, a junior majoring in plant sciences, was the first student to receive the Henry Kirklin Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded annually to underrepresented minority students studying plant sciences. Photo courtesy of Marco Walden.

A Rewarding Journey

Graduate student Jermayne Smith has been researching the effects of remnant and restored prairies on small mammal and tick diversity

For nearly two years, graduate student Jermayne Smith has been researching the effects of remnant and restored prairies on small mammal and tick diversity. The goal of the work has been to examine how prairie type affects small mammal and tick diversity, as well as how the time since restoration impacts both species abundance and tick diversity. Photo courtesy of Jermayne Smith.For nearly two years, graduate student Jermayne Smith has been researching the effects of remnant and restored prairies on small mammal and tick diversity. The goal of the work has been to examine how prairie type affects small mammal and tick diversity, as well as how the time since restoration impacts both species abundance and tick diversity. Photo courtesy of Jermayne Smith.

A New World of Possibilities

Brittney Cade’s academic journey has taught her about the multiple opportunities in the environmental field

A George Washington Carver Graduate Fellow, Brittney Cade is using citizen science from multiple individuals throughout the southwestern United States who have recorded findings about the screwbean mesquite since 2002. Cade said the tree is an important habitat for wildlife and different desert birds and has historical significance as indigenous cultures use the wood for multiple purposes. Photo courtesy of Brittney Cade.A George Washington Carver Graduate Fellow, Brittney Cade is using citizen science from multiple individuals throughout the southwestern United States who have recorded findings about the screwbean mesquite since 2002. Cade said the tree is an important habitat for wildlife and different desert birds and has historical significance as indigenous cultures use the wood for multiple purposes. Photo courtesy of Brittney Cade.

Making the Most of Multiple Opportunities

Isaiah Massey’s time at MU has been marked by involvement in numerous organizations, hands-on learning opportunities

Junior Isaiah Massey, who is majoring in agricultural education, has been incredibly involved during his time at Mizzou, serving in leadership roles in multiple clubs and organizations. He is the president of Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS); and the president of National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC). Massey is also a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and serves on the CAFNR Inclusivity, Diversity and Equity (IDE) Committee. Photo courtesy of Isaiah Massey.Junior Isaiah Massey, who is majoring in agricultural education, has been incredibly involved during his time at Mizzou, serving in leadership roles in multiple clubs and organizations. He is the president of Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS); and the president of National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC). Massey is also a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and serves on the CAFNR Inclusivity, Diversity and Equity (IDE) Committee. Photo courtesy of Isaiah Massey.

Finding the Right Path

Senior Brandy Williams has found a passion for wildlife-related research

The natural resource science and management degree program opened doors for senior Brandy Williams to connect with wildlife in a unique way – and several research opportunities deepened that connection. Williams has participated in undergraduate research since her sophomore year. Photo courtesy of Brandy Williams.The natural resource science and management degree program opened doors for senior Brandy Williams to connect with wildlife in a unique way – and several research opportunities deepened that connection. Williams has participated in undergraduate research since her sophomore year. Photo courtesy of Brandy Williams.