MIZZOU INFO 1/21/2026 - 1/27/2026

Get ready to refuel! Celebrate Shake Smart's grand opening in the main lobby of MizzouRec all day on Jan. 27. This is your new go-to spot for a quick, healthy protein boost between classes, after a sweat sesh or anytime you need a delicious pick-me-up. Stop by and snag a FREE regular-sized shake just for visiting – no Rec membership required; the main lobby is open to all.

Get ready to refuel! Celebrate Shake Smart's grand opening in the main lobby of MizzouRec all day on Jan. 27. This is your new go-to spot for a quick, healthy protein boost between classes, after a sweat sesh or anytime you need a delicious pick-me-up. Stop by and snag a FREE regular-sized shake just for visiting – no Rec membership required; the main lobby is open to all.

NEXT SATURDAY, JAN. 31, 7 p.m.
MISSOURI THEATRE
TICKETS/Public Online OR Call: 573/449-3009 for Public/Student Tix.

“We Always Swing”® Jazz Series proudly presents PIANIST ALFREDO RODRIGUEZ & PERCUSSIONIST-VOCALIST PEDRITO MARTINEZ, the supremely accomplished dynamic AFRO-CUBAN DUO, who return to host the Dr. Carlos & Laura Perez-Mesa Memorial Concert.

The pair’s sound not only fills the hall but also mesmerizes audiences with fearless and virtuosic playing. Each player, from musical families, took radically different paths to success. Rodriguez, a Quincy Jones protégé, was schooled in Havana’s rigorous classical conservatories, his artistry derived as much from Bach & Stravinsky as it is from his Afro-Cuban Jazz. Martinez’s musical acumen took hold on Old Havana’s Cayo Hueso neighborhood streets, eventually leading to global touring and performances with Sting, Paul Simon and Wynton Marsalis.

Together, the two masters take concertgoers on a special and exciting journey.

“Martinez’s music treats joy as a guiding ideal. The rhythms bubbling from his congas conjure the image of sweat thrashing from his body unheeded, the effort as its own reward… [Rodriguez] is assiduous, building complex rhythmic trelliswork at breakneck speeds with a facility that’s tough to fathom. But he projects an illusion of absolute composure – that’s part of his appeal.” – Giovanni Russonello, The New York Times.

NEXT SATURDAY, JAN. 31, 7 p.m.
MISSOURI THEATRE
TICKETS/Public Online OR Call: 573/449-3009 for Public/Student Tix.

“We Always Swing”® Jazz Series proudly presents PIANIST ALFREDO RODRIGUEZ & PERCUSSIONIST-VOCALIST PEDRITO MARTINEZ, the supremely accomplished dynamic AFRO-CUBAN DUO, who return to host the Dr. Carlos & Laura Perez-Mesa Memorial Concert.

The pair’s sound not only fills the hall but also mesmerizes audiences with fearless and virtuosic playing. Each player, from musical families, took radically different paths to success. Rodriguez, a Quincy Jones protégé, was schooled in Havana’s rigorous classical conservatories, his artistry derived as much from Bach & Stravinsky as it is from his Afro-Cuban Jazz. Martinez’s musical acumen took hold on Old Havana’s Cayo Hueso neighborhood streets, eventually leading to global touring and performances with Sting, Paul Simon and Wynton Marsalis.

Together, the two masters take concertgoers on a special and exciting journey.

“Martinez’s music treats joy as a guiding ideal. The rhythms bubbling from his congas conjure the image of sweat thrashing from his body unheeded, the effort as its own reward… [Rodriguez] is assiduous, building complex rhythmic trelliswork at breakneck speeds with a facility that’s tough to fathom. But he projects an illusion of absolute composure – that’s part of his appeal.” – Giovanni Russonello, The New York Times.

If you are an undergraduate student who completed a research project in the last few semesters, you can submit your work to the Mizzou Libraries Undergraduate Research Contest.

You already did the hard work! Now just submit it; it’s so easy!

You submit your already-complete project as-is, and the only extra work is including a brief Research Process Statement with details about your research process.

A “research project” can be a traditional research paper, a musical composition, a work of art, a video, a web page or other creative work.

Not sure what to submit? Check out past submissions for inspiration.

The deadline for submission of all materials is January 31, 2026. Winners will be announced in February 2026.

Questions? Contact Rachel Brekhus, brekhusr@umsystem.edu.

If you are an undergraduate student who completed a research project in the last few semesters, you can submit your work to the Mizzou Libraries Undergraduate Research Contest.

You already did the hard work! Now just submit it; it’s so easy!

You submit your already-complete project as-is, and the only extra work is including a brief Research Process Statement with details about your research process.

A “research project” can be a traditional research paper, a musical composition, a work of art, a video, a web page or other creative work.

Not sure what to submit? Check out past submissions for inspiration.

The deadline for submission of all materials is January 31, 2026. Winners will be announced in February 2026.

Questions? Contact Rachel Brekhus, brekhusr@umsystem.edu.

As part of broader efforts to understand mental health among college students and young adults, the field of psychology has acknowledged that some individuals are not well-represented in the existing psychology literature. To address this gap, the lab of Dr. Samantha Portis is recruiting LGBT+ participants for a research study about how religion, geographic location, mental health, and other factors during upbringing shape individual experiences. Participation will include an online survey. If interested, you may opt to be contacted for a follow-up Zoom interview.

General requirements:

• LGBTQ+ - identifying individuals
• Age 18-80+
• Persons who were raised in religious and/or rural communities

Contact information:

Samantha Portis, Ph.D.

Email: gneuropharmlab@missouri.edu

Phone: 573-882-4892

As part of broader efforts to understand mental health among college students and young adults, the field of psychology has acknowledged that some individuals are not well-represented in the existing psychology literature. To address this gap, the lab of Dr. Samantha Portis is recruiting LGBT+ participants for a research study about how religion, geographic location, mental health, and other factors during upbringing shape individual experiences. Participation will include an online survey. If interested, you may opt to be contacted for a follow-up Zoom interview.

General requirements:

• LGBTQ+ - identifying individuals
• Age 18-80+
• Persons who were raised in religious and/or rural communities

Contact information:

Samantha Portis, Ph.D.

Email: gneuropharmlab@missouri.edu

Phone: 573-882-4892

Are you married or in a long-term cohabiting relationship for at least one year? Are both partners ages 45–64, overweight or obese, and does at least one partner have type 2 diabetes? If so, you may be eligible to participate in a University of Missouri research study examining how couples’ daily routines—such as sleep and activity patterns—and relationship quality relate to cardiovascular health and everyday well-being.

Participation involves one or two in-person research visits at the University of Missouri, followed by a 20-day at-home period. During this time, both partners will wear a wrist device that measures sleep and activity and a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) worn on the arm, complete brief smartphone-based surveys four times per day and return devices at the end of the study.

Each partner can earn up to $215 for full participation, for a total of up to $430 per couple.
For more information, contact Eunjin Tracy in the Department of Human Development and Family Science, University of Missouri — eunjintracy@missouri.edu.

Location: MU Physical Activity and Wellness (PAW), Gwynn Hall, Room 004, Columbia, MO 65211

Are you married or in a long-term cohabiting relationship for at least one year? Are both partners ages 45–64, overweight or obese, and does at least one partner have type 2 diabetes? If so, you may be eligible to participate in a University of Missouri research study examining how couples’ daily routines—such as sleep and activity patterns—and relationship quality relate to cardiovascular health and everyday well-being.

Participation involves one or two in-person research visits at the University of Missouri, followed by a 20-day at-home period. During this time, both partners will wear a wrist device that measures sleep and activity and a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) worn on the arm, complete brief smartphone-based surveys four times per day and return devices at the end of the study.

Each partner can earn up to $215 for full participation, for a total of up to $430 per couple.
For more information, contact Eunjin Tracy in the Department of Human Development and Family Science, University of Missouri — eunjintracy@missouri.edu.

Location: MU Physical Activity and Wellness (PAW), Gwynn Hall, Room 004, Columbia, MO 65211

Are you generally healthy, between the ages of 45-75, without major dietary restrictions/allergies, not taking cholesterol/statin medication and exercise less than 2.5 hours per week? If so, you may be eligible for a meal-based metabolism study looking at the impact of certain types and amounts of protein on build-up (plaque) in blood vessels. This study involves a screening visit (~4 hours) and 4 overnight meal test visits with blood sampling and endothelial cell collection (~20 hours each; one with body imaging DEXA scan). Eligible participants will be compensated up to $1,000. Complete this brief survey to see if you are eligible. For more information contact Dr. Mittendorfer’s lab at MittendorferLab@umsystem.edu.

Are you generally healthy, between the ages of 45-75, without major dietary restrictions/allergies, not taking cholesterol/statin medication and exercise less than 2.5 hours per week? If so, you may be eligible for a meal-based metabolism study looking at the impact of certain types and amounts of protein on build-up (plaque) in blood vessels. This study involves a screening visit (~4 hours) and 4 overnight meal test visits with blood sampling and endothelial cell collection (~20 hours each; one with body imaging DEXA scan). Eligible participants will be compensated up to $1,000. Complete this brief survey to see if you are eligible. For more information contact Dr. Mittendorfer’s lab at MittendorferLab@umsystem.edu.

If you're a sophomore, junior or a non-graduating senior considering graduate education, the McNair Scholars Program can help prepare you. We provide paid undergraduate-research internship with faculty members; conduct workshops and seminars on gaining admission and succeeding in graduate school and offer GRE preparation and funded travel opportunities. For more information and application procedures, we invite eligible students to attend an informational session on Thursday, January 22 at 5 p.m. (RSVP on Engage) or Wednesday, January 28 at 5 p.m. (RSVP on Engage) or set up an appointment to meet with a McNair staff member 882-1962 or mugradmcnairschlr@missouri.edu.

If you're a sophomore, junior or a non-graduating senior considering graduate education, the McNair Scholars Program can help prepare you. We provide paid undergraduate-research internship with faculty members; conduct workshops and seminars on gaining admission and succeeding in graduate school and offer GRE preparation and funded travel opportunities. For more information and application procedures, we invite eligible students to attend an informational session on Thursday, January 22 at 5 p.m. (RSVP on Engage) or Wednesday, January 28 at 5 p.m. (RSVP on Engage) or set up an appointment to meet with a McNair staff member 882-1962 or mugradmcnairschlr@missouri.edu.

Are you 30-45 years old, have a weight status classified as obese (BMI: 30-45 kg/m2) and not currently consuming a healthy diet? If so, you might be eligible to participate in a study examining the effects of grapes on immune and gut health. This study involves a 1-hr screening visit, four 3-hr and two 1-hr research visits at MU. Main study measurements involve blood, stool and mental well-being tests. Study foods (whole freeze-dried grape powder) provided. Total compensation for the study is $250. For more information, contact Caitlyn Winn in the Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology, University of Missouri at NepImmuneHealthStudy@missouri.edu.

Are you 30-45 years old, have a weight status classified as obese (BMI: 30-45 kg/m2) and not currently consuming a healthy diet? If so, you might be eligible to participate in a study examining the effects of grapes on immune and gut health. This study involves a 1-hr screening visit, four 3-hr and two 1-hr research visits at MU. Main study measurements involve blood, stool and mental well-being tests. Study foods (whole freeze-dried grape powder) provided. Total compensation for the study is $250. For more information, contact Caitlyn Winn in the Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology, University of Missouri at NepImmuneHealthStudy@missouri.edu.

Are you 18-45 years old and have a weight status classified as normal, overweight or mildly obese (BMI: 18-35 kg/m2)? If so, you might be eligible to participate in a study examining the effects of lean beef on cardiometabolic health outcomes and gut microbiome. This study involves a 1-hr screening visit, two 3-hr and one 1-hr research visits at Gwynn Hall/CRC. Main study measurements involve blood, stool and sensory tests. Study foods (cooked meat portions) provided. Total compensation for study is $200. For more information, contact Elaheh Rabbani in the Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology, University of Missouri at MuNepBeefStudy@missouri.edu.

Are you 18-45 years old and have a weight status classified as normal, overweight or mildly obese (BMI: 18-35 kg/m2)? If so, you might be eligible to participate in a study examining the effects of lean beef on cardiometabolic health outcomes and gut microbiome. This study involves a 1-hr screening visit, two 3-hr and one 1-hr research visits at Gwynn Hall/CRC. Main study measurements involve blood, stool and sensory tests. Study foods (cooked meat portions) provided. Total compensation for study is $200. For more information, contact Elaheh Rabbani in the Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology, University of Missouri at MuNepBeefStudy@missouri.edu.

MU LAMP Lab is seeking young adults for a paid research study looking at brain and mental processes during learning of new visual cues for liquid rewards. Individuals age 21-25 who drank alcohol at least twice in the past month may be eligible. The study involves 3 lab visits to MU Campus (Marx Building) within 1 week, and 5 short (<15 min) electronic (online) surveys across 12 months. During the lab visits, we will record your EEG (brain waves) while you view shapes on a computer screen and get small sips of fruit juice and alcohol. You will consume about 1 standard drink total at each lab visit. You can earn up to $350 total for completing the entire study. Visit the Sips and Shapes 3 webpage for details and take the eligibility screener.

MU LAMP Lab is seeking young adults for a paid research study looking at brain and mental processes during learning of new visual cues for liquid rewards. Individuals age 21-25 who drank alcohol at least twice in the past month may be eligible. The study involves 3 lab visits to MU Campus (Marx Building) within 1 week, and 5 short (<15 min) electronic (online) surveys across 12 months. During the lab visits, we will record your EEG (brain waves) while you view shapes on a computer screen and get small sips of fruit juice and alcohol. You will consume about 1 standard drink total at each lab visit. You can earn up to $350 total for completing the entire study. Visit the Sips and Shapes 3 webpage for details and take the eligibility screener.

Join us for Coffee with Campus Employers! Employers will be available to meet with students interested in part-time employment on Friday, January 30 from 10 a.m.-Noon in Stotler Lounge of Memorial Union. Please register on MU Engage!

Join us for Coffee with Campus Employers! Employers will be available to meet with students interested in part-time employment on Friday, January 30 from 10 a.m.-Noon in Stotler Lounge of Memorial Union. Please register on MU Engage!

Researchers in the MU Dept. of Occupational Therapy are seeking youth ages 8-12 to participate in a research study. After a brief phone screen to confirm eligibility, participants will complete a one-time, in-person assessment session lasting about 60 minutes. They will complete tasks like ordering food items from a paper menu while following rules, making playdough with a picture recipe, and drawing lines between numbers and letters in sequence. Participation is voluntary, and participants can withdraw consent at any time without penalty. Participants will be compensated for their time. Principal Investigator: Dr. Melanie Tkach at melanie.tkach@health.missouri.edu or 573-882-0992.

Researchers in the MU Dept. of Occupational Therapy are seeking youth ages 8-12 to participate in a research study. After a brief phone screen to confirm eligibility, participants will complete a one-time, in-person assessment session lasting about 60 minutes. They will complete tasks like ordering food items from a paper menu while following rules, making playdough with a picture recipe, and drawing lines between numbers and letters in sequence. Participation is voluntary, and participants can withdraw consent at any time without penalty. Participants will be compensated for their time. Principal Investigator: Dr. Melanie Tkach at melanie.tkach@health.missouri.edu or 573-882-0992.

The Nutrition and Exercise Physiology Department is recruiting healthy postmenopausal women who are non-nicotine users under the age of 70 for a research study. This project examines blood pressure in women during pre-menopause, perimenopause and post-menopause. This study has one 60-minute, in-person screen visit (Gwynn Hall) and one 5-hour research visit (Clinical and Translational Sciences Unit at the University of Missouri Hospital). Participants will receive body composition and blood panel results and be compensated up to $150 for their time and effort. Please contact limberglab@missouri.edu or visit our webpage to complete a short questionnaire to find out if you qualify!

The Nutrition and Exercise Physiology Department is recruiting healthy postmenopausal women who are non-nicotine users under the age of 70 for a research study. This project examines blood pressure in women during pre-menopause, perimenopause and post-menopause. This study has one 60-minute, in-person screen visit (Gwynn Hall) and one 5-hour research visit (Clinical and Translational Sciences Unit at the University of Missouri Hospital). Participants will receive body composition and blood panel results and be compensated up to $150 for their time and effort. Please contact limberglab@missouri.edu or visit our webpage to complete a short questionnaire to find out if you qualify!

January 28, 2026
3 to 4 p.m.
Online via Zoom
Registration

New to Mizzou as a grad student? Join us for a webinar where we will discuss:

1. Accessing academic research.
2. Where to find subject specific help.
3. Grad student specific tools available through the libraries.

Mizzou Libraries and librarians are here to help you navigate this new stage in your research journey!

January 28, 2026
3 to 4 p.m.
Online via Zoom
Registration

New to Mizzou as a grad student? Join us for a webinar where we will discuss:

1. Accessing academic research.
2. Where to find subject specific help.
3. Grad student specific tools available through the libraries.

Mizzou Libraries and librarians are here to help you navigate this new stage in your research journey!

Funding applications are open for the Student Fee Capital Improvement Fund, which supports student-focused projects between $2,500 and $50,000. The application deadline is January 30, and awards will be announced later in the spring semester. Students, faculty and staff may apply for funding. Full eligibility details and Student Fee Capital Improvement Application are available online. Please contact Chris Provorse (provorsec@umsystem.edu) with questions.

Funding applications are open for the Student Fee Capital Improvement Fund, which supports student-focused projects between $2,500 and $50,000. The application deadline is January 30, and awards will be announced later in the spring semester. Students, faculty and staff may apply for funding. Full eligibility details and Student Fee Capital Improvement Application are available online. Please contact Chris Provorse (provorsec@umsystem.edu) with questions.

Do you play a string instrument? Are you interested in playing with a low key orchestra that meets on campus one evening a week for 90 minutes? The Mid-Missouri Community Orchestra, sponsored by the MU School of Music, welcomes new members for the spring semester. The orchestra plays intermediate level pieces and performs a concert at the end of each semester. Register and view more information.

Do you play a string instrument? Are you interested in playing with a low key orchestra that meets on campus one evening a week for 90 minutes? The Mid-Missouri Community Orchestra, sponsored by the MU School of Music, welcomes new members for the spring semester. The orchestra plays intermediate level pieces and performs a concert at the end of each semester. Register and view more information.

The Department of Medicine is seeking individuals between 60-80 years of age who do not have diabetes or heart disease to participate in a research study. This study includes use of the medication empagliflozin and studies its effect on vascular health. Total compensation for the study will be $600. Study will last about 5 months. If you are interested in participating, please contact Andrea Atkins by email at MUENDOManriqueLab@health.missouri.edu.

The Department of Medicine is seeking individuals between 60-80 years of age who do not have diabetes or heart disease to participate in a research study. This study includes use of the medication empagliflozin and studies its effect on vascular health. Total compensation for the study will be $600. Study will last about 5 months. If you are interested in participating, please contact Andrea Atkins by email at MUENDOManriqueLab@health.missouri.edu.

Mizzou TecHub welcomes grad students, post docs, campus stakeholders and members of the public to a next-level event: “Networking for Greater Vision in 2026.” Join us from 5-6:30 p.m. in Ketcham Auditorium of Feb. 4, 2026, for an in-seat only event offering “in real life” (IRL) practice building your network. With 20+ years in professional development, our guest speaker, Meg Langland, M.Ed., LPC, founder of Greater Visions Consulting, brings to life interactive networking opportunities and emphasizes etiquette in attending social events. Professionals of all disciplines welcome. Come and gain essential networking skills to last a lifetime! RSVP for this in-seat event.

Mizzou TecHub welcomes grad students, post docs, campus stakeholders and members of the public to a next-level event: “Networking for Greater Vision in 2026.” Join us from 5-6:30 p.m. in Ketcham Auditorium of Feb. 4, 2026, for an in-seat only event offering “in real life” (IRL) practice building your network. With 20+ years in professional development, our guest speaker, Meg Langland, M.Ed., LPC, founder of Greater Visions Consulting, brings to life interactive networking opportunities and emphasizes etiquette in attending social events. Professionals of all disciplines welcome. Come and gain essential networking skills to last a lifetime! RSVP for this in-seat event.

January 29, 2026
Noon to 1 p.m.
Online via Zoom
Registration

Explore the world of literature reviews through this hands-on workshop highlighting different types of reviews, the process involved in creating each one and an overview of best practices. Interactive searching and writing activities will give you the practical skills and resources needed to structure literature reviews for your discipline, while saving you time and effort.

January 29, 2026
Noon to 1 p.m.
Online via Zoom
Registration

Explore the world of literature reviews through this hands-on workshop highlighting different types of reviews, the process involved in creating each one and an overview of best practices. Interactive searching and writing activities will give you the practical skills and resources needed to structure literature reviews for your discipline, while saving you time and effort.

The 2026 Missouri A&OER Online Conference is seeking virtual poster presenters to share their experiences using, creating, or sharing Open Educational Resources.

We want to hear from those who have:

• Adopted OER in their courses
• Created or remixed open educational resources for a course
• Championed OER on their campus

What's involved:

• Virtual poster (no Q&A)
• Poster template and simple submission form provided
• $50 honorarium for Missouri-based posters selected

This opportunity is open to everyone from experienced OER enthusiasts to those just starting out. 

Click here for submission details, deadline and contact information.

The 2026 Missouri A&OER Online Conference is seeking virtual poster presenters to share their experiences using, creating, or sharing Open Educational Resources.

We want to hear from those who have:

• Adopted OER in their courses
• Created or remixed open educational resources for a course
• Championed OER on their campus

What's involved:

• Virtual poster (no Q&A)
• Poster template and simple submission form provided
• $50 honorarium for Missouri-based posters selected

This opportunity is open to everyone from experienced OER enthusiasts to those just starting out. 

Click here for submission details, deadline and contact information.