Dr. Kyoungtae Kim – Department Head Roy D. Blunt Life Science Endowed Professor (2023-2026) Distinguished Professor |
Shannon Matthews Academic Administrative Assistant III
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Dr. Rachel Heth Academic Administrative Assistant II
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Barbi Dickensheet Part-Time Office Assistant
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For more information about the Biology Department visit their webpage.
Student and Alumni News
From maps to mountains – Geography and planning students explored Romania through education abroad.
Learning from the landscape – Geology students complete an 11-day field course though the Pacific Northwest.
Investing in tomorrow’s talent: TOTH commits $150,000 to support Mo State engineering students.
More about TOTH here: https://tothassociates.com/
CALL FOR SUBMISSION: CNAS graduate students submit your slides to CNAS@MissouriState.edu by October 20th! More information here: https://science.missouristate.edu/Events.htm
Faculty and Staff News
NSF award advances deep learning research at Mo State – Undergraduates will tackle real-world technology challenges through new research opportunities.
If you have information about students, faculty, or staff accomplishments that should be shared on the CNAS Blog and CNAS News, please send information to CNAS@MissouriState.edu
Upcoming Events
ENGINEERING THAT CONNECTS: Mo State and Missouri S&T’s cooperative engineering program to host the inaugural Springfield Engineers Day Banquet on October 15. Tickets and more information available here.
October 7 Chemistry Seminar – Steven Keller
October 9-10 Fall Break (offices open)
October 14 Football game
October 14 Chemistry Seminar – Sarah Roughton
October 15 Physics Seminar – Dr. Anagh Bhaumik
October 16 Biology Seminar – Josh Wisdom
October 16 CNAS Emeritus Faculty and Staff Luncheon, Kentwood Hall
October 16 Urban Land Institute Build Day (Dr. Krista Evans/SEES)
October 17 Great Plains Limnology Conference (Dr. Deb Finn/BIO), GPLC 2026
October 21 CNAS Career Expo 1-4pm. PSU Ballroom
October 21 Chemistry Seminar – Alicia Byrd
October 22 CNAS 3MT, 3:00-5:00 PM, Blunt Hall 101
October 22 Physics Seminar – Praphull Kumar
October 23 Biology Seminar – TBA
October 27 Football game
October 28 Chemistry Seminar – Michael Nichols
October 29 Physics Seminar – Dr. Alan Poon
November 4 Chemistry Seminar – Troy Wymore
November 5 FCTL #4: Package Teaching for Tenure/Promotion and Faculty Success
November 6 MSU 3MT Competition, 5pm Glass 101
November 6 Public Viewing Night – Baker Observatory
LISTEN TO THIS WEEK’S ASTRO BRIEF
CNAS Student Success and Advisement Center (Offices in Roy Blunt Hall 107)
Sophia Raithel Coordinator of Student Success and Advisement Office and Academic Advisor Advisor for Biology – Pre-Optometry, Pre-Pharmacy, Pre-Vet, Pre-Med, and Forensics students.
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Dylan Welker Academic Advisor Advisor for Pre-Engineering and Computer Science transfer students.
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Dylan Earnshaw Academic Advisor Advisor for Computer Science students.
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Student and Alumni News
Advancing environmental insight – Two SEES graduate students explore floods and river systems.
Pushing the boundaries of mathematics – CNAS students engage in research to advance traffic prediction and combinatorics.
Physics, perseverance and the podium – Graduating senior Lana Janson selected as a student speaker for Mo State’s spring 2026 commencement.
From microscopic to ecosystem: life in focus – CNAS students conduct research to advance nanobiology and pollinator conservation.
Success for engineering and computer science Bears at regional competition – Teams placed first and third in two divisions.
Mo State engineering students earn top honors at ASCE regional symposium – Teams won 3 awards against 17 universities.
Congratulations to all of the CNAS Summer Dean’s List Recipients
Faculty and Staff News
Advancing sustainability through global learning – Dr. Asif Ishtiaque selected for second Education Abroad Faculty Fellow Program cohort.
Leading regional growth through planning and partnership – CNAS staff member Jason Ray earns SBJ 40 under 40 honor.
MSU professor talks about the importance of civic engagement and its role in democracy – Dr. Kevin Evans speaks with KSMU.
Missouri State professor earns CUSA Faculty Achievement Award – Dr. Paul Durham honored for contributions to migraine research and student mentorship.
Four former employees selected for Wall of Fame – Dr. Erwin Mantei, SEES emeritus, is among the 2026 inductees.
Missouri State contributes to Advancing American Elderberry research – Dr. Avery Russell and graduate student, Jenny Burrow, are working to better understand and support the production of the American elderberry.
If you have information about students, faculty, or staff accomplishments that should be shared on the CNAS Blog and CNAS News, please send information to CNAS@MissouriState.edu.
Upcoming Events
September 2 Chemistry Seminar – Alexei Demchenko
September 2 Fall 2026 Academic Advisor Forum Series: Military Science Lunch and Learn, Bridging Pathways: Understanding ROTC for Enhanced Student Support. PSU Ballroom East, 11:30 AM-12:30 PM. Registration Required RSVP here.
September 9 CNAS Student Expo (student organizations), 11am- 1pm. Roy Blunt Hall Courtyard
September 9 Chemistry Seminar – Patrick Desrochers
September 10 Engineering Back to School Pizza Party, 5:00-7:00 PM
September 10 Fall 2026 Academic Advisor Forum Series: Enrollment Management Updates PSU 313, 12:00-1:00 PM. Register Here.
September 11 Biology Picnic, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, RSVP with Rachel Heth
September 14 EGR STEM VANS, 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM
September 16 Chemistry Seminar – Ashley Butzlaff
September 16 Education Abroad Faculty Reception, 2:00-4:00 PM, PSU 400 Union Club
September 17 Fall 2026 Academic Advisor Forum Series: Arts, Social Sciences, Humanities & Spreadsheets, Oh My! PSU 313, 12:00-1:00 PM. Register here.
September 18 FCTL Session #2: Teaching Practices & Learning Climate
September 18 Biology Seminar – Dr. Hayley Lanier
September 19 Fall Showcase. 8:45 – 9:30am at GSB Arena. 10:30am-12pm: Academic Open Houses.
September 21 Fall 2026 Academic Advisor Forum Series: Learning a “BIT” about Mo State’s Behavioral Intervention Team. 12:00-1:00 PM via Zoom. Register here.
September 23 CNAS Ice Cream Social. Cheek Hall Lobby, 1:00-3:00 PM
September 29-Oct 1 Public Affairs Conference 2026 – Public Affairs – Missouri State
September 29 Fall 2026 Academic Advisor Forum Series: ATLAS: Advising Toolkit for Learning & Academic Success. 12:00-1:00 PM via Zoom. Register Here.
September 30 Chemistry Seminar – Manashi Nath
LISTEN TO THIS WEEK’S ASTRO BRIEF
A quick update about the blog format: We will now be sending CNAS News as a monthly newsletter via email to all CNAS students, faculty, staff, alumni, and donors. If you have something important to be added to the newsletter or are not subscribed but would like to be, please reach out via CNAS@MissouriState.edu. We will continue to update this blog with the relevant information and will be uploading links to the previous DISCOVERIES page so you can view the web version of the email newsletter there: https://blogs.missouristate.edu/cnas/discoveries/
Meet the leadership team
Top Row From Left: Sean Maher, Bob Mayanovic, Adam Wanekaya, Marc Owen, Ajay Katangur.
Bottom Row From Left: Kyoungtae Kim, Gary Michelfelder, Jason Ray, Bill Bray, Theresa Odun-Ayo, Jorge Rebaza, Magdalena Toda, Gale Lininger, Holly Keehner
CNAS Leadership Team
Dr. Magdalena Toda, Dean
Dr. Jorge Rebaza, Associate Dean
Dr. Kyoungtae Kim, Department Head, Biology
Dr. Sean Maher, Director of Bull Shoals Field Station
Jason Ray, Director of Center Resource Planning and Management (CRPM)
Dr. Adam Wanekaya, Department Head, Chemistry and Biochemistry
Dr. Ajay Katangur, Department Head, Computer Science
Dr. Theresa Odun-Ayo, Program Director, Cooperative Engineering Program
Dr. Gary Michelfelder, School Director, School of Earth, Environment and Sustainability
Dr. William Bray, Department Head, Mathematics
Marc Owen, Director of Ozarks Environmental and Water Resources Institute (OEWRI)
Dr. Robert Mayanovic, Department Head, Physics, Astronomy and Materials Science
Gale Lininger, Executive Assistant, Dean’s Office
Holly Keehner, Administrative Assistant, Dean’s Office
Student and Alumni News
Bats, brilliance and big wins – Mo State students and faculty participate in bat research symposium.
Curiosity in action – Three CNAS students pursue discoveries in physics, astronomy and material science.
Code with purpose – Computer science graduate students explore how AI can improve health care.
Pursuing engineering excellence – Two CNAS students explore how research drives innovation in health care and energy systems.
Bringing chemistry to life – CNAS students use research to help improve health and the environment.
A big opportunity on the horizon – Junior biology major Jordan Porsch receives NOAA Hollings award.
Biology student’s shares Ozark ecology inspired artwork with the community – Sophie Bryan, a senior in Biology, was recently interviewed by KY3 about her mural that can be found on Battlefield Road.
Faculty and Staff News
Meet the new CNAS Dean – Why Mo State already feels like home for Dr. Magdalena Toda.
Dr. Cyren Rico featured in Mind’s Eye – His research uncovers how plants absorb nutrients and respond to environmental stressors, helping improve crop quality and food security.
Connecting scientists through crystallography – Dr. Nikolay Gerasimchuk shares insights on thallium chemistry at international conference.
Building better engineers – Dr. Ryan Hutcheson receives Missouri S&T Faculty Achievement Award.
Dr. Tiglet Besara featured in Mind’s Eye – Creating new compounds to harness waste heat and energy.
A recognition of excellence – Ten CNAS faculty awarded endowed professorships.
From field camps to far horizons – Dr. Matt McKay recognized for program milestone in education abroad.
Josh Hess named new OEWRI assistant director – As an alum of Missouri State, Josh worked with former director Dr. Bob Pavlowsky in his time as a student. He graduated in 2019. Josh joined OEWRI in 2020 as a research specialist. In March 2026, he was named the new assistant director for the Institute.
Upcoming Events
August 17 Full Semester & First Block Classes Begin!
August 18 CNAS All College meeting, Roy Blunt Hall 102, 3:30 PM. This is for all current faculty and staff to attend!
September 9 CNAS Student Expo (student organizations), 11am- 1pm. Roy Blunt Hall Courtyard.
September 11 Biology Picnic
September 19 Fall Showcase. 8:45 – 9:30am at GSB Arena. 10:30am-12pm: Academic Open Houses.
September 23 CNAS Ice Cream Social. Roy Blunt Hall, 11am-1pm. All CNAS students welcome!
Sept 29-Oct 1 Public Affairs Conference 2026 – Public Affairs – Missouri State
October 9-10 Fall Break (offices open)
LISTEN TO THIS WEEK’S ASTRO BRIEF
My forty years at Missouri State University is nearly complete. I have cherished every moment spent with students in the classroom and laboratory for it is the reason why we are here. I have tried to surround myself with people who are smarter than I am so that together we could be a really good team. Faculty and staff of CNAS – you are amazing. You work hard every day for the students and even though each of you is an individual you do this with a team spirit that allows us to not only serve the college but the entire university. I accomplished little but together we accomplished great things – new programs, curriculum revisions, construction projects and interdisciplinary research opportunities. It is truly time for me to step away and let new leaders carry on. I will miss everyone every day. I will be visiting family and hiking and reading and jogging (slowly) and using my talents in new ways in the coming months and years. Be kind, be positive, be strong and be safe. Tammy
Upcoming Events and Important Notices
It is week five summer classes. There is no SOAR this week.
Dr. Magdalena Toda’s first official day as Dean is Wednesday, July 1st.
CNAS NEWS
Mo State engineering students earn top honors at ASCE regional symposium
Success for engineering and computer science Bears at regional competition
From microscopic to ecosystem: life in focus
Student Research Highlights on CNAS Newswatch:
Curiosity in Action – Three CNAS students (Bishwash Devkota, Brogan Homburg, and Moupia Tajrin Oyshi) pursue discoveries in physics, astronomy and material science
Code with purpose – Computer science graduate students (Zubair Faruqui and Abiha Chodhury) explore how AI can improve health care.
Pursuing engineering excellence – Two CNAS students (Jacob Sharon and David Steel) explore how research drives innovation in health care and energy systems.
Bringing chemistry to life – CNAS students (Kyle Ramakar and Trishna Timalsena) use research to help improve health and environment.
Advancing environmental insight – Two SEES graduate students (Kaiser Mostafiz and Katherine Brand) explore floods and river systems.
From microscopic to ecosystem: life in focus – CNAS NewsWatch – Learn more about biology students.
Calendar
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July 3 |
Independence Day Observed, no classes/offices closed |
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July 23-24 |
Summer Finals |
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August 1 |
New Faculty report to work |
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August 12 |
FCTL Showcase |
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August 17 |
Fall Classes begin |
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August 20-21 |
Boomers Block Party |
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Sept 7 |
Labor Day, no classes/offices closed |
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Sept 29-Oct 1 |
Media
- Subscribe to follow CNAS NewsWatch (also available on CNAS homepage)
- Find past eblasts and subscribe to CNAS Blog.
- Tune in every Thursday morning at 9:45 a.m. for 5-minute Astro Brief on KSMU.
It is week four of SOAR and Summer School 2026.
Retirement celebration will take place on June 23rd from 3-5:00 PM on the Fourth floor of Roy Blunt Hall in the atrium area. Refreshments will be available and the program will begin at 4:00 PM.
OEWRI has developed a Green Brewery program with Missouri Association of Manufacturers, Missouri Craft Brewers Guild and the University of Northern Iowa’s Iowa Waste Reduction Center (IWRC). More information can be found in the attachment.
CNAS NEWS
Mo State engineering students earn top honors at ASCE regional symposium
Success for engineering and computer science Bears at regional competition
From microscopic to ecosystem: life in focus
Student Research Highlights on CNAS Newswatch:
Curiosity in Action – Three CNAS students (Bishwash Devkota, Brogan Homburg, and Moupia Tajrin Oyshi) pursue discoveries in physics, astronomy and material science
Code with purpose – Computer science graduate students (Zubair Faruqui and Abiha Chodhury) explore how AI can improve health care.
Pursuing engineering excellence – Two CNAS students (Jacob Sharon and David Steel) explore how research drives innovation in health care and energy systems.
Bringing chemistry to life – CNAS students (Kyle Ramakar and Trishna Timalsena) use research to help improve health and environment.
Advancing environmental insight – Two SEES graduate students (Kaiser Mostafiz and Katherine Brand) explore floods and river systems.
From microscopic to ecosystem: life in focus – CNAS NewsWatch – Learn more about biology students.
Roy Blunt Hall Construction Update:
Renovation continues. Completion date is scheduled at the end of July.
Cheek Hall Construction Update:
Current Construction Schedule.
- Completion – December of 2026
Calendar
| June 23 | Dean Jahnke Retirement Celebration, 3 PM, Blunt Hall 4th Floor |
| June 26 | June Summer Visit Day |
| July 3 | Independence Day Observed, no classes/offices closed |
| July 23-24 | Summer Finals |
| August 1 | New Faculty report to work |
| August 12 | FCTL Showcase |
| August 17 | Fall Classes begin |
| August 20-21 | Boomers Block Party |
| Sept 7 | Labor Day, no classes/offices closed |
| Sept 29-Oct 1 | Public Affairs Conference |
Media
- Subscribe to follow CNAS NewsWatch (also available on CNAS homepage)
- Find past eblasts and subscribe to CNAS Blog.
- Tune in every Thursday morning at 9:45 a.m. for 5-minute Astro Brief on KSMU.
It is week three of SOAR and Summer School 2026.
Staff Appreciation Week is this week. See the events for the week here: 2026 Staff Appreciation Week. Reminder that President Williams is dismissing staff early at 3 PM on June 18th. And a reminder that the university is closed on June 19th.
The Career Center is hosting a school supply drive to benefit BIG (Big Brothers & Big Sisters of the Ozarks) Monday, June 8 – Thursday, June 18th as part of the United Way Day of Caring. They will have 2 collection bins – located in Carrington Hall and Glass Hall – set up to receive donations or donations may be dropped at our offices in Carrington Hall 309/Glass Hall 276.
CNAS NEWS
Mo State engineering students earn top honors at ASCE regional symposium
Success for engineering and computer science Bears at regional competition
From microscopic to ecosystem: life in focus
Student Research Highlights on CNAS Newswatch:
Curiosity in Action – Three CNAS students (Bishwash Devkota, Brogan Homburg, and Moupia Tajrin Oyshi) pursue discoveries in physics, astronomy and material science
Code with purpose – Computer science graduate students (Zubair Faruqui and Abiha Chodhury) explore how AI can improve health care.
Pursuing engineering excellence – Two CNAS students (Jacob Sharon and David Steel) explore how research drives innovation in health care and energy systems.
Bringing chemistry to life – CNAS students (Kyle Ramakar and Trishna Timalsena) use research to help improve health and environment.
Advancing environmental insight – Two SEES graduate students (Kaiser Mostafiz and Katherine Brand) explore floods and river systems.
From microscopic to ecosystem: life in focus – CNAS NewsWatch – Learn more about biology students.
Roy Blunt Hall Construction Update:
Renovation continues. Completion date is scheduled at the end of July.
Cheek Hall Construction Update:
Current Construction Schedule.
- Completion – December of 2026
Calendar
| June 15-19 | Staff Appreciation Week |
| June 18 | University closed @ 3 PM |
| June 19 | Juneteenth Holiday, no classes/offices closed |
| June 23 | Dean Jahnke Retirement Celebration, 3 PM, Blunt Hall 4th Floor |
| June 26 | June Summer Visit Day |
| July 3 | Independence Day Observed, no classes/offices closed |
| July 23-24 | Summer Finals |
| August 1 | New Faculty report to work |
| August 12 | FCTL Showcase |
| August 17 | Fall Classes begin |
| August 20-21 | Boomers Block Party |
| Sept 7 | Labor Day, no classes/offices closed |
| Sept 29-Oct 1 | Public Affairs Conference |
Media
- Subscribe to follow CNAS NewsWatch (also available on CNAS homepage)
- Find past eblasts and subscribe to CNAS Blog.
- Tune in every Thursday morning at 9:45 a.m. for 5-minute Astro Brief on KSMU.
It is week two of SOAR and Summer School 2026.
Thursday, June 11 – Take note of Hot Rod Power Tour parking, traffic changes – Safety First – Missouri State University
The Career Center is hosting a school supply drive to benefit BIG (Big Brothers & Big Sisters of the Ozarks) Monday, June 8 – Thursday, June 18th as part of the United Way Day of Caring. They will have 2 collection bins – located in Carrington Hall and Glass Hall – set up to receive donations or donations may be dropped at our offices in Carrington Hall 309/Glass Hall 276.
CNAS NEWS
Mo State engineering students earn top honors at ASCE regional symposium
Success for engineering and computer science Bears at regional competition
From microscopic to ecosystem: life in focus
Student Research Highlights on CNAS Newswatch:
Curiosity in Action – Three CNAS students (Bishwash Devkota, Brogan Homburg, and Moupia Tajrin Oyshi) pursue discoveries in physics, astronomy and material science
Code with purpose – Computer science graduate students (Zubair Faruqui and Abiha Chodhury) explore how AI can improve health care.
Pursuing engineering excellence – Two CNAS students (Jacob Sharon and David Steel) explore how research drives innovation in health care and energy systems.
Bringing chemistry to life – CNAS students (Kyle Ramakar and Trishna Timalsena) use research to help improve health and environment.
Advancing environmental insight – Two SEES graduate students (Kaiser Mostafiz and Katherine Brand) explore floods and river systems.
From microscopic to ecosystem: life in focus – CNAS NewsWatch – Learn more about biology students.
Roy Blunt Hall Construction Update:
Renovation continues. Updates are being sent to unit leaders weekly. Let me know if you are not receiving them.
Cheek Hall Construction Update:
Current Construction Schedule.
- Phase 2 Start: NOW, Completion – December of 2026
Calendar
| June 15-19 | Staff Appreciation Week |
| June 18 | University closed @ 3 PM |
| June 19 | Juneteenth Holiday, no classes/offices closed |
| June 23 | Dean Jahnke Retirement Celebration, 3 PM, Blunt Hall 4th Floor |
| June 26 | June Summer Visit Day |
| July 3 | Independence Day Observed, no classes/offices closed |
| July 23-24 | Summer Finals |
| August 1 | New Faculty report to work |
| August 12 | FCTL Showcase |
| August 17 | Fall Classes begin |
| August 20-21 | Boomers Block Party |
| Sept 7 | Labor Day, no classes/offices closed |
| Sept 29-Oct 1 | Public Affairs Conference |
Media
- Subscribe to follow CNAS NewsWatch (also available on CNAS homepage)
- Find past eblasts and subscribe to CNAS Blog.
- Tune in every Thursday morning at 9:45 a.m. for 5-minute Astro Brief on KSMU.
Upcoming Events and Important Notices
SOAR and summer courses begin today, June 1.
The Career Center is hosting a school supply drive to benefit BIG (Big Brothers & Big Sisters of the Ozarks) Monday, June 8 – Thursday, June 18th as part of the United Way Day of Caring. They will have 2 collection bins – located in Carrington Hall and Glass Hall – set up to receive donations or donations may be dropped at our offices in Carrington Hall 309/Glass Hall 276.
CNAS NEWS
Success for engineering and computer science Bears at regional competition
From microscopic to ecosystem: life in focus
Leading regional growth through planning and partnership
Student Research Highlights on CNAS Newswatch:
Curiosity in Action – Three CNAS students (Bishwash Devkota, Brogan Homburg, and Moupia Tajrin Oyshi) pursue discoveries in physics, astronomy and material science
Code with purpose – Computer science graduate students (Zubair Faruqui and Abiha Chodhury) explore how AI can improve health care.
Pursuing engineering excellence – Two CNAS students (Jacob Sharon and David Steel) explore how research drives innovation in health care and energy systems.
Bringing chemistry to life – CNAS students (Kyle Ramakar and Trishna Timalsena) use research to help improve health and environment.
Advancing environmental insight – Two SEES graduate students (Kaiser Mostafiz and Katherine Brand) explore floods and river systems.
From microscopic to ecosystem: life in focus – CNAS NewsWatch – Learn more about biology students.
Roy Blunt Hall Construction Update:
Renovation continues. Updates are being sent to unit leaders weekly. Let me know if you are not receiving them.
Cheek Hall Construction Update:
Current Construction Schedule.
- Phase 2 Start: NOW, Completion – December of 2026
Calendar
| June 1 | Summer SOAR sessions begin
Summer courses begin |
| June 15-19 | Staff Appreciation Week |
| June 18 | University closed @ 3 PM |
| June 19 | Juneteenth Holiday, no classes/offices closed |
| June 23 | Dean Jahnke Retirement Celebration, 3 PM, Blunt Hall 4th Floor |
| July 3 | Independence Day Observed, no classes/offices closed |
| July 23-24 | Summer Finals |
| August 1 | New Faculty report to work |
| August 17 | Fall Classes begin |
Media
- Subscribe to follow CNAS NewsWatch (also available on CNAS homepage)
- Find past eblasts and subscribe to CNAS Blog.
- Tune in every Thursday morning at 9:45 a.m. for 5-minute Astro Brief on KSMU.
Upcoming Events and Important Notices
Dr. Magdalena Toda named CNAS dean. Please welcome Dr. Toda as she begins on July 1st.
Next week SOAR and Summer School start on June 1.
Congratulations to Emeritus faculty member Dr. Erwin Mantei for being selected as one of the next group to be added to the Mo State Wall of Fame. The induction ceremony will take place in the fall.
CNAS NEWS
Success for engineering and computer science Bears at regional competition
From microscopic to ecosystem: life in focus
Leading regional growth through planning and partnership
Student Research Highlights on CNAS Newswatch:
Curiosity in Action – Three CNAS students (Bishwash Devkota, Brogan Homburg, and Moupia Tajrin Oyshi) pursue discoveries in physics, astronomy and material science
Code with purpose – Computer science graduate students (Zubair Faruqui and Abiha Chodhury) explore how AI can improve health care.
Pursuing engineering excellence – Two CNAS students (Jacob Sharon and David Steel) explore how research drives innovation in health care and energy systems.
Bringing chemistry to life – CNAS students (Kyle Ramakar and Trishna Timalsena) use research to help improve health and environment.
Advancing environmental insight – Two SEES graduate students (Kaiser Mostafiz and Katherine Brand) explore floods and river systems.
From microscopic to ecosystem: life in focus – CNAS NewsWatch – Learn more about biology students.
Roy Blunt Hall Construction Update:
Renovation continues. Updates are being sent to unit leaders weekly. Let me know if you are not receiving them.
Cheek Hall Construction Update:
Current Construction Schedule.
- Phase 2 Start: NOW, Completion – December of 2026
Calendar
| June 1 | Summer SOAR sessions begin
Summer courses begin |
| June 19 | Juneteenth Holiday, no classes/offices closed |
| July 3 | Independence Day Observed, no classes/offices closed |
| July 23-24 | Summer Finals |
| August 1 | New Faculty report to work |
| August 17 | Fall Classes begin |
Media
- Subscribe to follow CNAS NewsWatch (also available on CNAS homepage)
- Find past eblasts and subscribe to CNAS Blog.
- Tune in every Thursday morning at 9:45 a.m. for 5-minute Astro Brief on KSMU.
Upcoming Events and Important Notices
The All Faculty Recognition Reception was held on May 4. Find a recap of the event here, if you were unable to attend. Congratulations to Dr. Paul Durham for earning the CUSA Faculty Achievement award and Dr. Tayo Obafemi Ajayi for earning the Foundation Award for Research.
Many of our faculty were honored for their years of service at the reception as well. See the full list below:
10 Years of Service:
Fei Wang, CHM
Tayo Obafemi-Ajayi, EGR/CSC
Matt McKay, SEES
Bernard Kitheka, SEES
La Toya Kissoon-Charles, BIO
Joann Barnett, MTH
20 Years of Service:
Adam Wanekaya, CHM
Xiaomin Qui, SEES
Xin Miao, SEES
25 Years of Service:
Erich Steinle, CHM
Mike Reed, PAMS
Gay Ragan, MTH
Nick Gerasimchuk, CHM
Paul Durham, BIO
35 Years of Service:
Cameron Wickham, MTH
Shyang Huang, PAMS
40 Years of Service:
Tammy Jahnke, Dean/CHM
CNAS NEWS
Success for engineering and computer science Bears at regional competition
From microscopic to ecosystem: life in focus
Leading regional growth through planning and partnership
Student Research Highlights on CNAS Newswatch:
Curiosity in Action – Three CNAS students (Bishwash Devkota, Brogan Homburg, and Moupia Tajrin Oyshi) pursue discoveries in physics, astronomy and material science
Code with purpose – Computer science graduate students (Zubair Faruqui and Abiha Chodhury) explore how AI can improve health care.
Pursuing engineering excellence – Two CNAS students (Jacob Sharon and David Steel) explore how research drives innovation in health care and energy systems.
Bringing chemistry to life – CNAS students (Kyle Ramakar and Trishna Timalsena) use research to help improve health and environment.
Advancing environmental insight – Two SEES graduate students (Kaiser Mostafiz and Katherine Brand) explore floods and river systems.
From microscopic to ecosystem: life in focus – CNAS NewsWatch – Learn more about biology students.
Roy Blunt Hall Construction Update:
Renovation continues. Updates are being sent to unit leaders weekly. Let me know if you are not receiving them.
Cheek Hall Construction Update:
Current Construction Schedule.
- Phase 2 Start: NOW, Completion – December of 2026
Calendar
| May 29 | One Day SOAR session |
| June 1 | Summer SOAR sessions begin
Summer courses begin |
| June 19 | Juneteenth Holiday, no classes/offices closed |
| July 3 | Independence Day Observed, no classes/offices closed |
| July 23-24 | Summer Finals |
| August 1 | New Faculty report to work |
| August 17 | Fall Classes begin |
Media
- Subscribe to follow CNAS NewsWatch (also available on CNAS homepage)
- Find past eblasts and subscribe to CNAS Blog.
- Tune in every Thursday morning at 9:45 a.m. for 5-minute Astro Brief on KSMU.