By Drs. Isabel Warner and Jennifer Bean
On October 2nd and 3rd, the MOST Policy Initiative team visited Springfield to meet with partners and legislators in the region. Fellows held a meet and greet at the Springfield Library’s Schweitzer Brentwood Branch where they discussed the different impact of policies on rural and urban areas and shared notes on PFAS and Land Applications and Rural Students and Women in STEM.
Afterward, Fellows headed to Millsap Farms for locally made pizza and live music. "It was a fantastic way to spend a Thursday night in the fall,” said Dr. Jennifer Bean. “Getting out among the trees, connecting with people, and enjoying a delicious wood-fired pizza buffet was a truly memorable Ozark evening.”
The next day, Fellows made sure to get a picture with the famous Springfield sign and the World’s Largest Fork. Dr. Warner, who completed her PhD in Australia, known for its many “Big Things,” remarked, “I’m continuing my tradition of going to see the ‘world’s largest’ something wherever I can!”
Afterwards they headed to the STD Central Flea Market to peruse the wide variety of offerings. Even the long-time local Dr. Bean made a surprising discovery: ‘STD’ stands for Springfield Tool and Die. The group enjoyed exploring the original, central location and picked up a few treasures.