Originally from Canada, Kristin Carpenter moved to Iowa with her family as a child. She grew up curious and in love with science and the outdoors. She initially focused her studies on medical science but pivoted her interest towards agriculture. After graduating from Grandview College, she began her career at Corteva Agriscience (then Pioneer Hi-Bred Inc) in a research laboratory working with corn. Her role has since evolved to include other crops (sunflower, cotton, canola, and wheat) and more demanding responsibilities. She also found a passion for mentoring, coaching, and helping others grow.
During her seventeen years in the agriscience industry, Kristin has developed both professionally and personally. As a senior research associate, she has expanded her science and presentation skills to fully understand concepts in research and development, apply them in lab-based settings, and share her technical knowledge with colleagues. Additionally, she has strong planning and organization skills while managing multiple timelines and priorities, and experience leading teams of people to work towards common goals. As a mentor, she influences and motivates others to continue to expand their skill sets and grow within their current space. As a lab operations lead, she is skilled in inclusion and bringing all voices to the table to accomplish tasks in efficient and safe ways. As a woman in science, she has built a strong network with other women across different companies, functions, and locations to share values and experiences and learn new perspectives and ideas. As a mother of two daughters and a woman of faith, she hopes for a world that sees women in science and agriculture, hears them, and feels them. Kristin is passionate about helping to provide opportunities to enable women to thrive in the ag industry.
Outside of work, you can find Kristin spending time with her husband and two teenage daughters. Her favorite activities include camping, baking, reading, and spending time outdoors. She looks forward to someday being on an acreage, growing her own food, raising chickens and bees, and creating lasting memories with her family and friends.