Cybercriminals steal and extort businesses, governments and private individuals out of $600 billion yearly—nearly one percent of the global GDP. As this figure increases, so does the demand for information security analysts. Tasked with preventing security breaches, these professionals are the gatekeepers of computer systems. They develop security plans that fit the needs of a business or organization, and then monitor and respond to potential threats.
Manufacturing engineers use their prowess for efficiency to improve agricultural processes and systems. From manufacturing and industrial machines to entire greenhouse systems, they’re everyone’s go-to on making things work. And they know that the more efficiently and responsibly we use our resources, the greater impact we can have on the world.
Mechanical engineers are true mathematical thinkers. They combine their knowledge of engineering, physics and math to create functional and efficient mechanical systems. From design to installation, maintenance and repair—these engineers keep the systems that operate our world running smoothly.
No detail is too small for a microbiologist; they’re experts on microorganisms like bacteria, fungi and algae. But they don’t stop at the nitty gritty—they take their knowledge of these microscopic creatures to see the bigger picture. With this greater understanding, microbiologists can change the world.
Ever wondered how DNA was discovered? That was the work of a molecular and cellular biologist! These scientists study cells’ interaction and their diverse functionality to discover what fuels and sustains life. Their research is applied across many areas—including genetically engineering new crops, applying DNA-based technology for animal breeding, addressing environmental health and so much more.
You are what you eat, and it’s a nutritionist’s job to ensure that the food consumed by people has a positive impact on health, growth and wellbeing. Working in the agbioscience sector, they may evaluate the nutritional value of feed, make observations to better understand eating habits, or adjust nutrients in products.
Centuries ago, ears of corn were less than an inch long and only produced about ten hard kernels that tasted like dry, raw potatoes. The corn we grow and eat today is 100 times larger, with about 800 sweet and juicy kernels. The evolution from a tiny, tasteless crop to a flavorful food staple is the work of plant geneticists. By selectively breeding crops based on desirable qualities – such as yield, flavor, size and nutrient value – plant geneticists improve and create new varieties of crops and plants.
Plant pathologists evaluate plant species from both a micro and macro level to determine pathogens affecting the life and production of the plant. This career is vital for the innovation of plant growth and production practices that protect individual plants and are environmental safe and effective.
The number one cause of crop loss is fungi. Preventing crop loss is critical to our food supply, the food supply of production animals and our economy – which is why fungicide chemists are critical to farm production. Fungicide chemists formulate fungicides that prevent and kill harmful fungal parasites and diseases that pose a threat to crops and plants. They study chemical compounds to identify toxins that manage fungi and won’t harm plants, while adhering to environmental regulations.
Consulted your GPS the last time you took a trip? Geospatial analytic scientists use this technology daily to develop advanced methods and products that interpret environmental data like moisture, terrain features and climatic conditions to automate farming processes. This emerging technological approach is the future of modern farming.