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64 SEEDWORLD.COM DECEMBER 2015 allowed the AcreMax team to take an integrated refuge approach for corn rootworm that hadnt been brought forward in such detail before Higgins says. It was a challenging project but it was one we successfully accom- plished she adds. It delivered a great deal of value from an insect resistance management perspec- tive as well as eased the complexity of IRM compliance for the grower. It was very much based on the research our team developed over the years and it was gratifying to bring it to market. Stepping through Pioneers doors every day adds vitality to Higgins life because she believes the research she carries out makes a difference. I get a tremendous amount of energy from coming to work every day she says. Most of us walk in the door thinking we can change the world. Thats a very inspiring way to live your life. Developing technologies and strategies that enable growers to control insects in more effective safer and more convenient ways is game changing. Weve been competing with and trying to control insects for as long as weve been cultivating crops Higgins explains. The challenges are real and theyre constant as many tools as we develop for insect control they figure a way to adapt. Its a little bit of a chess game. Luckily Higgins doesnt have to go it alone when battling bugs. Input from colleagues other experts as well as contributions from scientists past help inform todays research. The scientists of today stand on the shoulders of the scientists who came before us she says. Well learn things that the people Im hiring today will take even further. I love the iterative nature of science and thats what changes the world. Pay it Forward If changing the world isnt enough changing lives happens to be another outlet for the entomologist. I get a tremendous amount of energy from coming to work every day. Most of us walk in the door thinking we can change the world. Thats a very inspiring way to live your life. Laura Higgins Most importantly take time to immerse yourself in science and nature. To me the fabulous thing about science whether youre a scientist or you work outside a sci- ence-related field is the amazing sense of wonder that exists in the world she says. You see kids get excited all the time about things they see outside. As scientists and as adults we are continually exposed to this wow factor thats all around us every day in biology and in our environment. If theres one thing to take away from science its to remember to be amazed. Were surrounded by things yet to be discovered. Sometimes we get too fixated on other things and forget to appreciate how amazing nature is. SW As a member of the Science Center of Iowas SCI board of directors a science technology engineer- ing and math STEM mentor for many outreach programs and a Girl Scout leader Higgins serves as a role model for many burgeoning scientists especially young girls. Last year she received the inaugural SCI Girls in Science Scientist of the Year Award which recognizes a local scientist who best exemplifies the organizations goal to empower and equip girls in science technology engineering and math. Girls need role models and mentors Higgins says. They need to talk to and see someone who is involved in science as a career then they can visual- ize themselves in that role. There are many ways we interact with the public as scientists and its our responsibility not to simply give people a position on scientific topics but to help mentor the public about how to find answers to their own questions related to scientific issues. According to Higgins living an inspired life is simple surround yourself with people who are passionate about what they do and put your time where you find the most value. Being able to balance work and family is a priority for DuPont Pioneers Laura Higgins who is pictured here with her husband David and their two daughters Emma and Ella.