An English literature major at the University of Illinois, Christine was strongly against the genetic modification of organisms – so much so that she chose the subject for a class writing assignment. During her extensive research, she learned that plant modification has actually been a crucial part of breeding, farming and feeding the planet for thousands of years.

She was so intrigued by this sector of agbiosciences that she not only changed her viewpoint, but also her major – eventually earning her master’s degree in plant breeding. Today, she works to create improved corn for farmers through genetic and territory research.