b'The Breakthrough MomentIn 2009, Daums team managed to get their trait into a plant, marking a signifi-cant milestone. From there, the project went through multiple phases, evolving with BASFs strategic shifts and endur-ing the painstaking process of field trials, program developments and relentless tweaking. The ultimate goal? To develop a product that could provide effective nematode controla persistent problem for farmers that affects crop yields and soil health worldwide.While her work with the Cry14 protein may seem highly technical, she explains it with clarity and purpose. The stakes were high, and the team faced the challenge of deciding the direction to pursue. We started with one plan, but as we learned more about the Cry14, we adopted and incorporated those learn-ings to create the final product, she recalls, emphasizing the fluidity required in scientific research.The persistence paid off, and after nearly 20 years, Daum could finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. Ive seen many projects that never see the light of day for one reason or another, she says. And this one has always just been the one that keeps moving.A Legacy in the MakingWhat sets Daum apart is not just her scientific acumen but her humility and grounded approach to her work. Even as she stands on the cusp of a groundbreak-ing achievement, she expresses excite- Comparison of soybean plants without (left) and with the new trait.PHOTO: BASFment not for herself but for the broader impact her work will have. Its really exciting, she says, becauseform nematode management and openpractical and heartfelt advice to those someone in my field rarely sees some- up opportunities for other companies tocoming behind her. She encourages thing advance from the start to a finishedpartner with BASF.aspiring scientists to pursue what makes product. Especially a traityou know,As far as I know, nobody else hasthem happy. there arent very many out there. even come close to advancing anythingWhat I would say is, do what you The product is now patented, markinglike this, she says, underscoring the nov- like, and dont put yourself in a job that a rare achievement for any scientist, letelty of her work. doesnt make you happy, she advises. alone one in an industry where projectsShe emphasizes the importance of find-are often shelved long before they reachWords of Wisdom for the Nexting joy in the work, sharing that shes the market. Daum speaks about theGeneration driven by a love for science, not the potential for this technology to trans- Reflecting on her career, Daum offersaccolades.SWDECEMBER 2024SEEDWORLD.COM /9'