CFANS alumna selected as AAAS IF/THEN® ambassador in honor of Women's History Month

During Women's History Month, explore the If/Then She Can digital exhibit at the Smithsonian Institution featuring 120 women in STEM. Selected as an American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) IF/THEN® ambassador, CFANS alumna Magan Lewis (BS '07, MS '08 Plant Breeding) discusses her work of enhancing agriculture research with new technology and mentoring young scientists globally through STEM outreach.

Magan Lewis, PhD, is a plant scientist by training who is now an agricultural innovator for agriculture technology across the globe and wants to change the world ⁠Magan is the integrated field sciences global innovation lead at Corteva Agriscience and is dedicated to mentoring young scientists in her community.

⁠She launched the annual “You Be The Chemist” quiz bowls for fifth through eighth-grade students in North and South Dakota, co-founded a STEM Camp with her husband, and serves on the Science Center of Iowa Board. Learn more about what led Magan to find her passion below.

Personal Statement

When I think about my STEM journey, the nightly trips my family took after supper come to mind. I remember racing my brother to the best seat in the back of our 1988 Bronco with my mom and dad up front. We would bounce around the countryside, with my Dad pointing out different plants and my brother and I competing to be the first to holler out the genus species or family name. This was our version of “family time” and those car rides continued through college. When I close my eyes, I can still hear the crickets chirping and feel the evening wind brushing across my cheek. Even at that young age, I knew that my passion would be in STEM. It grew from there. From science fairs to science majors, I wanted to be a leader in feeding the world. Today, that passion lives on. I aim to be a strong role model for my girls like my Dad was for me, by bringing the excitement I feel for STEM into their childhood. They may not be on a first-name basis with our local plant species yet, but insects and rocks will do. 

Modernizing Where Our Food Comes From

The agriculture journey is fascinating. From seed development, planting, harvesting, trait improvement, proximal imagery, drone technology, and traditional plant breeding, scientists have made an impact in helping feed the growing population. It is important that we humanize these scientists. I am a plant breeder, and I feel safe putting food from my fields on my table for my family

Investing in our Future Scientists

Showcase the importance of investing in and engaging our next generation of scientists at the next Lewis Path Finders STEM Camp in the Des Moines, Iowa-area. Learn about Magan’s journey in STEM from North Dakota to Europe, and from opera singing to planting corn fields. Magan and her husband, RJ Lewis, co-founded Lewis Path Finders STEM Camp. They feel passionate about viewing STEM like many view sporting events. It is critical that we change the mindset, gain support, and educate what it means to dive into a STEM field.

Biography

Magan Lewis, PhD, serves as the Integrated Field Sciences Global Innovation Lead for Corteva Agriscience. In her role, she oversees the development and implementation of new technology across the globe to enhance product development and agriculture research. From working with UAVs during the day to STEM outreach at night, Magan’s award winning leadership and outreach passion has allowed her to launch “You Be The Chemist” quiz bowls and mentor young scientists globally through Science and Engineering Fairs. Magan is an active member of the Food Security Global Steering Team and has recently co-founded a STEM Camp with her husband. Magan holds a Ph.D. in Plant Breeding and Genetics from North Dakota State University and M.S. and B.S. degrees from the University of Minnesota. She resides in the Des Moines, Iowa-area with her husband and two daughters. The Lewis family enjoys bike rides, catching frogs, identifying insects, tumbling rocks, traveling, playing piano, and NDSU Football. Explore Magan's video statement.

The  AAAS IF/THEN® Ambassadors Program is a key element of the IF/THEN® Initiative designed to further women in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) by empowering current innovators and inspiring the next generation of pioneers. IF/THEN® is proud to recognize talented women STEM professionals across a variety of industries as IF/THEN® Ambassadors who served as high-profile role models for middle school girls from 2019 through 2021. IF/THEN® supports the Ambassadors and their inspiring work by showcasing them on a national platform.