Kerry Clark

Kerry Clark, Ph.D., serves as Associate Research Professor in the School of Natural Resources at the University of Missouri (MU) and has directed CAFNR International Programs since 2019. She is also the leader of the Mechanization Division for the Feed the Future Soybean Innovation Lab, spearheading multi-state cover-crop breeding projects and African mechanization initiatives.

Dr. Clark earned her Ph.D. in Soil Science from the University of Missouri in 2016. She currently teaches Soil Morphology, Soil Genesis, and Pedology, and coaches the nationally competitive MU Collegiate Soil Judging Team.

Her research integrates soil pedology, cover-crop genetics, and international agricultural mechanization. On the domestic front, she leads a multi-state collaboration to breed and commercialize improved cover-crop varieties for U.S. farmers. Internationally, Clark’s mechanization team—comprising Ghanaian equipment designers—has trained over 200 manufacturers across 12 African countries, fostering local fabrication of affordable farm machinery for smallholder soybean producers.

Recent publications (2022-2025) reveal a dual focus: advancing soil-structure methodology, soil-health assessments, and organic farming systems in the U.S. Mid-South, while simultaneously exploring quinoa and legume cover-crop genetics, agro-byproduct valorization, and agricultural innovation ecosystems. The body of work underscores commitments to sustainability, education, and global food security.

Grants & Awards (selected):

• SIL MRA2 Mechanization (2022-2027) – $440,184 – University of Illinois System
• Agribusiness Development Activity (2021-2025) – $155,000 – Chemonics International Inc.
• Introduction to U.S. Gastronomy and Food Ingredients for Colombia (2024-2025) – $113,455 – USDA Foreign Agricultural Service
• Connecting Agricultural Innovation Ecosystems (2024) – $22,727 – Digital Harbor Foundation

Advising & Capacity-Building: While specific student names are not listed, Clark mentors numerous graduate and undergraduate researchers through the Soil Judging Team, multi-state cover-crop breeding projects, and USDA fellowship programs (Borlaug, Cochran, Scientific Exchange). CAFNR International Programs hosts visiting scholars and coordinates USDA-sponsored internships, expanding MU’s global engagement.

Laboratories & Teams: Dr. Clark leads the Feed the Future Soybean Innovation Lab Mechanization Team and directs the CAFNR International Programs office, managing a small professional staff that implements capacity-building initiatives in food safety, animal health, and plant health across sub-Saharan Africa.