With a passion for soybean breeding and high-throughput phenomics, Clayton Carley’s trajectory has been marked by valuable experiences and impactful mentorship. In an exclusive conversation recorded at the National Association of Plant Breeders (NAPB) annual meeting in Greenville, SC, last month, he shared his insights on how the Borlaug Scholarship has shaped his career path and offered advice for those just stepping into the dynamic field of plant breeding.
Seeds of Knowledge: From Singh Lab to Corteva
Carley is a recent graduate of Iowa State University, where he was a member of the Singh Soynomics & Breeding group. The lab’s focus on soybean breeding and high-throughput phenomics set the stage for his journey at Corteva Agriscience, where he now serves as field experimentation lead based in Johnston, IA.
Navigating Employment Pathways with the Borlaug Scholarship
Reflecting on the Borlaug Scholarship’s impact, Carley expresses gratitude for the network and mentorship it provided. “It was a phenomenal resource… having a mentor was truly an amazing opportunity.” Carley’s mentor, Corteva’s Dr. Klaus Koehler, played a pivotal role in his growth. “He was able to work with me one on one through practice interviews or coaching on what I should be potentially working on or how I can improve myself professionally as well.” The mentor-mentee relationship extended to the field, where Carley had the privilege of walking plots with his mentor, gleaning wisdom honed over decades of experience.
Advice for Aspiring Breeders
To fellow Borlaug scholars and those starting their careers in plant breeding, Carley’s advice is insightful. “Just like when we’re looking at genetic gain over breeding cycles, it’s important to look at people who have understood and worked with that genetic gain.” Carley emphasizes the value of tapping into the collective wisdom of experienced professionals. “The more I’ve looked, the more I realize I don’t know, and being able to sit down with people who can share institutional knowledge and projects that they’ve worked on… just being unafraid to sit down with someone and ask for wisdom.”
