United Kingdom
January 30, 2025
Tell us a little bit about your role at Corteva?
I oversee the Wellesbourne Research Station, where we conduct all our internal research trials. These trials span a wide range of areas, including fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, seed-applied technologies, biostimulants, biocides, and even some breeding trials. In addition, I serve as Principal Biologist, managing our current and discovery fungicide projects across the UK and Ireland as well as still carrying out a few trials too.
Can you describe your journey to becoming a Field Scientist & Field Station Leader at Corteva?
Before I joined Corteva I was an area Trials Manager with TAG in Hampshire and when the opportunity came around to join Corteva, I jumped at the chance. I started as a Field Scientist at Wellesbourne in 2010 and became Principal Biologist for discovery fungicides and herbicides. Eventually, the opportunity arose to become Field Station Leader at Wellesbourne, which was a natural progression building on my existing work and experience.
Do you have a connection to agriculture outside of Corteva?
Yes. Many of my family and friends are farmers. Although not directly involved in farming outside of work, I still do help if I can. My very first job was on a mixed arable and vegetable farm in the Cotswolds while I was at university studying at Silsoe. When I was younger, I loved to watch the farmers working in the fields behind my house and often went over for a ride on the tractor!
What has been the most interesting aspect of your work at Corteva?
Our Wellesbourne Research Station is quite unique in Corteva as there are not many scientists that get to carry out work across the entire Corteva development process, from discovery through to launch and beyond. The exciting part of working in research, and especially the early-stage discovery work, is that you never know what is going to happen and how well anything will work, and this makes the trials much more interesting. When you do get something that really works, it is incredibly encouraging, and being able to see the development of the product through to launch gives us a special insight into product development.
How do you keep up to date with the latest advancements and trends in agriculture?
Usually talking to friends, agronomists, and farmers to see what they are up to and get their view on life. Contact with the NFU is helpful for me too, as well as attending various training courses.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to follow your path in the agricultural industry?
Have a clear plan of what you want to do and work with your leader to develop this. Take any interesting opportunities offered to you as this is an excellent way to move around the business and experience many different departments. Trials work gives a good basis for working in a company like Corteva. Many people start off in research and then move on to commercial and beyond. In a company like Corteva the opportunities for progression are endless.
Why would you recommend Corteva as a great place to work?
It’s the people that make Corteva a great place to work and everyone is very passionate and professional about their work. My colleagues are all friendly and approachable, and this makes working fun, which is probably the most important part of a job.
If you are looking for a role with a difference, Corteva is the right choice, providing valuable learning experiences. Find out more about our talented team here.
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