Mizzou School of Natural Resources

Back from Finland!🇫🇮🐦✈️

Dr. Christine Brodsky has returned to campus after her time at the University of Helsinki. This trip came from her collaboration with Ian MacGregor-Fors on urban ecology research. Her work focuses on advancing theoretical frameworks in urban ecology, examining how the term “urban” is defined and applied within the field, and exploring cultural perspectives on how birds are perceived in cities. This trip was supported by the CAFNR International Collaborations Grant.

For Brodsky, the most rewarding part about the trip was having dedicated time to have these big picture discussions we don’t really have.

"Being able to sit down over coffee with colleagues and have conversations about the state of our discipline and how it can move forward is always incredibly valuable. I appreciate those moments to reflect together on the broader philosophy of what we aim to do."

During her visit, she was also invited to present a talk at the Helsinki Institute of Urban and Regional Studies (Urbaria).

As for her plans over the summer, Brodsky will be observing urban birds in Columbia’s parks. 🌳🔎She is pursuing a paired approach using social surveys and bird surveys to see where there’s alignment.

“Not only are we seeing what birds are using those parks, but we are exploring how people are interacting with birds when they are recreating. Do they see benefits of bird diversity? Do they see birds as contributing to the aesthetics of the park, or do they think they are carrying diseases?”

This paired project is funded by MU’s Research Council.

From Columbia to FIFA World Cup 2026! ⚽Taylor Ashford is a Mizzou alum who earned a degree in parks, recreation, sport and tourism from Mizzou’s College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources. He will be a Host City Volunteer Manager for the FIFA World 2026 Cup in Kansas City.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that brought Ashford back to his hometown and will place him near the center of one of the world’s largest sporting events. Before this, Ashford spent several years working with the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks and the NFL’s Houston Texans.

He is an example of the great places a degree in PRST can take you to! SNR is excited for you Taylor! M-I-Z! 🐯 🖤💛

To learn more about Ashford, his time at Mizzou and the big moment when he got the call about this opportunity, click the link below: https://showme.missouri.edu/2026/how-mizzou-propelled-one-alumnus-to-a-leadership-role-at-this-years-fifa-world-cup/

For more about Parks, Recreation, Sports and Tourism degree path, visit cafnr.missouri.edu.

~ Photo courtesy of Taylor Ashford

Meet RJ Pannell, from Slater, MO 📍
Environmental Science (ENV_SC) student who will begin classes Fall 2026.

Why did you choose this major? 😎🌦
👉🏽 "I’d like to make a career in Atmospheric Science. I’m really interested in broadcast meteorology, weather journalism, and weather photography."

What are you looking forward to on campus?
👉🏽 "I’m ready to experience living in a bigger city and having the opportunity to meet new people."

What’s your favorite study snack? 😁
👉🏽 "Peanut Butter M&M’s. It’s a must-have!"

The SNR crew wish you all the best, RJ! We can't wait to hear some weather stories this fall semester! 🐾 MIZ! 🐅

Way to stay calm under pressure, Noah!

University of Missouri graduate and current Arkansas meteorologist, Noah Simmons, continued a live broadcast tracking severe tornados even after a studio light had caught fire in the newsroom. Simmons earned his Bachelors in Environmental Science with an emphasis in Atmosphere in 2024 and his masters in the same emphasis in 2025.

Interviewed by TODAY.com, Noah responded to the event saying “You have to make that split second decision of well, yeah, my viewers are in danger with the tornado warning, but am I in danger?” Simmons tells TODAY.com. “I felt it was far enough away and I was still able to do my coverage.”

No injuries were reported from the fire, CBS news reported.

Read the full story here or on www.TODAY.com: https://www.today.com/news/meteorologist-fire-studio-live-report-arkansas-rcna349012

Summer Welcome is happening now and we're going to introduce you to a few of our incoming students throughout the month of June!

Meet Abraham Rhoades from Columbia, MO 📍
Parks, Recreation, Sport, & Tourism (PRST) student who will begin classes Fall 2026.

Why did you choose this major? 🏞🚲🏈🗺
👉🏽 "High recommendations! I have a few friends already in the PRST major and they told me how much they like it. I've always loved and followed sports, so it seemed like a great fit."

What are you looking forward to on campus?
👉🏽 "I've grown up here in town so I've been around Mizzou sports, but it's exciting to now be a part of the student section at the games. I'm also looking forward to attending my courses in the big lecture halls and ready to meet new people."

What would be your "walk on" song as you enter one of those big lecture halls? 😁
👉🏽 "Anything by the artist, Future."

The SNR crew wish you all the best, Abraham! We can't wait to see your smiling face in our hallways come the fall semester! 🐾 Go Tigers! 🐅

Congrats to our SNR grads!

🎓 Environmental Science = 47
🎓 Natural Resource, Science & Management = 29
🎓 Parks, Recreation, Sport & Tourism = 52

An imaginative grad cap by Hayden Henson, (B.S.
Natural Resource Science & Mgmt., emphasis
Fisheries & Wildlife).

In our CAFNR Alumni Spotlight, we’re highlighting Amber Edwards, B.S. Fisheries and Wildlife ’07 from our Mizzou School of Natural Resources, Property Manager, Mizzou Alumni Association (MAA) Life Member, Association of Missouri Interpreters, and member of the Conservation Federation of Missouri.

Q: What makes you ?
A: Proud enough to become a MAA LIFE MEMBER! I take pride in knowing where we came from and where we want to go. Not only in my profession but also how being a MIZZOU grad has helped me along the way. Knowing where our School, College, and campus fits into the bigger mission connecting us to the future.

Q: Why did you want to serve on the CAFNR Alumni Board?
A: I love helping people connect with resources, whether that is people or the world around them. I want to see all six divisions' students and alumni feel connected and know how they can engage.

Q: What’s your favorite way to connect with other CAFNR alumni?
A: I am not sure I can pinpoint one event but the Homecoming "BLOAT" (boat/float) we used to have was one of the best. I am still connected with alumni at professional events I attend.

Thanks, Amber, for all you do to support CAFNR and our students!

Another great semester at SNR!
Thanks for the memories—enjoy your summer, Tigers!

Earlier this week, formally bestowed its highest teaching honor, the Kemper Award, to Assistant Teaching Professor, Eric Aldrich. Aldrich, an SNR alum, teaches Synoptic Meteorology I & II, the Broadcast Meteorology sequence, our Introductory course, and several others.

Congratulations Eric!

Sonja Wilhelm Stanis pictured with Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Matthew Martens, was the recipient of the Provost’s Award for University Citizenship in Mentoring. In the spirit of the Citizenship/Mentoring award, a colleague said she could “state without reservation that her mentorship has had a meaningful and lasting impact on both individual faculty members and the broader academic culture within PRST and the School of Natural Resources.”