Co-founder
Missouri Science and Technology Policy Initiative
Rachel Owen, PhD, co-founded Missouri Science and Technology (MOST) Policy Initiative in 2016 and has served as the executive director since June 2019. As MOST director, Owen identifies key decision points in the state legislative process and provides timely and relevant scientific information to policymakers. Additionally, MOST equips scientists to effectively engage with decision makers and hosts science-policy workshops and events statewide.
Owen received her PhD in the University of Missouri School of Natural Resources. She researched the impact of a changing climate on wetland ecosystems and landowner perceptions of climate and agricultural threats in the Great Plains.
Prior to moving to Missouri, she completed her bachelor’s degree in agronomy and global resources systems at Iowa State University and her master’s degree in plant science from South Dakota State University. She serves on the board of directors for the Soil Science Society of America. Owen is also a soil science instructor at the University of Missouri, coaching the Mizzou soil-judging team.