Magan Lewis

Integrated Field Sciences Global Field Innovation Lead
Corteva Agriscience

Age: 35

Partner: RJ Lewis

Children: Two daughters, Madyson & Rylee

Mentor: Laura Higgins, integrated field sciences operations and scientific excellence lead, Corteva Agriscience

Why she’s a Forty: She is currently serving as a Science Center of Iowa board member. She is an If/Then Ambassador for the American Association for the Advancement of Science – a prestigious national program that brings together 125 women from a variety of science, technology, engineering and mathematics careers to serve as high-profile role models for middle school girls. She co-founded Lewis Path Finders STEM Camp. She co-leads Corteva Johnston Food Security Employee Network and is an active volunteer of the Corteva Homeless Assistance team, which supports Central Iowa Shelter and Services and the YMCA Supportive Housing Campus.

What are your goals in your role at your company? 

My focus is on the next evolution of agriculture research. Our team strives to increase the efficiency of data collection, while improving data quality and the safety of Corteva’s research scientists in the field. We do this through the development, validation and global deployment of high-impact, digital tools.

What are your goals for your community involvement? 

Enrich lives through STEM outreach. I guide young scientists as they build up their natural curiosity, explore the world around them, discover how it all works, and perhaps find a STEM path they are passionate about. STEM camps, science fairs, school outreach and my work as a board member at Science Center of Iowa are key drivers.

What's your biggest passion, and why? 

Helping individuals ignite their spark. Through leadership, mentorship and coaching, I strive to help everyone in my life activate the best version of themselves. I love starting early, too! Our children are our future leaders and problem-solvers, and the sooner we light their flame, the better our world will be. If that flame is STEM … bonus!

What is it that drives you? 

My pursuit of success is fueled by the lessons and drive instilled within me by my parents at an early age. My mother and late father devoted their professional careers to serving as educators and community volunteers. Often referred to by others as trailblazers in their fields, they impacted thousands of lives as the extracurricular became curricular. They incorporated us, as a family, in all aspects. In fact, I vividly remember performing my first science experiment in the lab at age 4.

What are your future aspirations? 

I aspire to bring my bold scientific leadership, influence and award-winning outreach to positions that directly impact strategy and direction of agriculture innovation. Agriculture has always been the bedrock of Iowa life, and the world is looking at us to drive innovative ideas to overcome the challenge we face in feeding the world’s growing population.

Three hobbies: Family camping and hiking adventures; discovering zoos and science centers around the world; composing and playing my own piano music.

Fun Fact: Magan composed and performed an original song for her brother’s wedding. She couldn’t find the right solo to sing, so she sat down at the piano and wrote her own.

ONE word: Influential.

What is your wish for the Central Iowa business community? 

With the world becoming even more interconnected every day, the fundamental ecological conditions we study and foster in Central Iowa are paramount. Maintaining hospitable soil conditions, lowering our carbon footprint and keeping family farming possible are lessons that can be applied globally.

Anything else you haven't addressed that people must know about you? 

As part of Magan’s AAAS If/Then ambassadorship, she will have a lifesize 3D statue on display in Dallas, Texas, this year.

Magan co-led the creation of a women in agriculture STEM coloring book available in English, Spanish and French.

The Dr. Magan Lewis Scholarship at North Dakota State University was created to help young female scholars in their pursuit of academic excellence and a future career in agriculture. Magan is an NDSU graduate and North Dakota native who pays it forward by promoting science, agriculture and opportunities for female scholars.

Magan’s career has taken her and her family to North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, and even overseas to Szeged, Hungary. Their holiday card list is long and growing.