Pioneer Member

Kelly Backscheider – I remember meeting Terry nearly twenty years ago during an internship that I had at Dow AgroSciences in Indianapolis. Terry took advantage of the opportunity to help me learn even as a young college intern. Those internships fostered a desire to study weed science and I went on to pursue a MS and PhD in weed science as a result. I didn’t know much about weed science at the time, but little did I know that Terry and I would be colleagues several years down the road with the formation of Corteva Agriscience. The list of accomplishments that Terry has accumulated is truly remarkable. Terry spent a large portion of his career developing and leading the development of the Enlist trait and herbicide. The Enlist trait is currently on nearly 65% of the soybean acres in the United States and is growing in other regions and crops as well. This trait and herbicide have provided a solution for growers who continue to battle herbicide-resistant weeds including waterhemp and Palmer amaranth. It’s truly a remarkable accomplishment. Few individuals in weed science or agriculture in general, can say that they have accomplished something as significant as developing Enlist. Despite the list of accomplishments, roles, and the fact that Terry works harder than anyone I know…he is not just focused on himself. Terry is willing and wants to give back to those around him. He wants to help others learn and grow and is always so willing to give of his time. I’ve gotten to know Terry very well the past couple of years, and he has given countless hours to help me learn and grow. I’ve learned a ton and I’m very thankful. I’m thankful Terry and I have had the opportunity to collaborate and that I’ve had the chance to learn from Terry these past couple of years. He will truly be missed at Corteva. In conclusion, thank you for your consideration of Terry as a Pioneer of ASPB. He is incredible deserving to be recognized as such.

Piero Barone – Terry’s career exemplifies his dedication to innovation, excellence, and the development of others. Over three decades, he has consistently pushed the boundaries of knowledge and technology, making significant contributions to groundbreaking projects across various R&D subfunctions. His work has been instrumental in the discovery and development of key products, notably Enlist (TM). Terry’s impact goes far beyond his technical achievements. He is a passionate mentor and coach, fostering the growth and development of his colleagues. He believes in empowering individuals to reach their full potential, and he creates collaborative and inspiring work environments. His leadership style emphasizes continuous learning and knowledge sharing, leaving a lasting impact on the teams and individuals fortunate enough to work with him.

Jared Bell – Terry has been a significant influencer to the global community through his scientific prowess in bringing forward weed mitigation solutions such as Enlist to farmers worldwide. It takes a unique and tenacious soul to champion and steward such a technology in the face of numerous challenges. Truly impactful. Thank you for your legacy.

Chad Boeckman – Although our opportunity to collaborate has been relatively recent, Terry’s knowledge and thoughtfulness were immediately appreciated. Since having the privilege of working with Terry over the last several years, I have admired his command of the science, his drive and work ethic, and his respect for people. Terry consistently demonstrates a high standard in all three areas, and as such, serves as a mentor for me personally and those who know and work closely with him. External recognition in any one of these areas: Science, work ethic, or humanity, is something of great value. In my opinion, throughout his career, Terry has managed to establish an outstanding legacy in all three areas that is unique in our community. Thank you, Terry; I wish you all the best in the next chapter!

Sreekala Chellamma – I am honored to provide this testimony for Terry Wright, whose remarkable contributions to Corteva have left an indelible mark on our company and the agricultural industry as a whole. As a mentor to many and a visionary inventor, Terry’s work has significantly advanced our mission and transformed our product offerings.

Terry’s most notable achievement is the invention and development of the Enlist products, which have revolutionized weed control and crop management. His innovative approach and relentless pursuit of excellence have resulted in a suite of products that provide farmers with effective, sustainable solutions to some of their most pressing challenges.

Beyond his technical expertise, Terry has been an exceptional mentor to countless colleagues. His willingness to share knowledge, provide guidance, and foster a collaborative environment have empowered many to reach their full potential. Terry’s mentorship has not only enhanced individual careers, it has also strengthened our collective capabilities as a team.

Terry’s impacts on Corteva and the Ag industry are profound and far-reaching. His contributions have driven significant advancements in our product portfolio, improved agricultural practices, supported the success of farmers worldwide, and served as an example to those aspiring to impact agriculture and food production around the world. We are deeply grateful for his dedication, ingenuity, and leadership.

Razvan Dumitru – Dear Terry,

Enlist franchise will not be possible without your direct contribution, and it is the golden standard to be followed for generations of weed scientists to come. For the last 4 years I have had the opportunity to call you friend, mentor, boss and more importantly an example to follow in both my professional and personal life. Your dedication and work ethic have been an inspiration to us all. I will miss your sense of humor and positive spirit, but I am excited for you to start this new chapter.

Sincerely,
Razvan

John Everard – Terry. It has been a great pleasure and privilege to have had the opportunity to work with you over the last five years. Your career and character provide templates for others to aspire to. I wish you all the very best.

Ricardo Garcia de Alba – Terry Wright has been a true pioneer in agricultural innovation; his vision and dedication led to the creation of the Enlist System, the #1 Soybean system in the U.S. His work revolutionized weed control, providing farmers with a more effective, flexible, and sustainable solution. Terry’s contributions not only transformed soybean production but also set a new standard for the entire industry.

I am honored that Terry has been a wonderful colleague, mentor, and most importantly, friend. His passion for innovation was matched only by his generosity in sharing his knowledge and wisdom. His legacy will live on in every acre planted and in the countless farmers who benefit from his groundbreaking work.

David Griffin – I had the opportunity to work for Terry during our early soybean transformation efforts at Dow AgroSciences. It was an absolute pleasure to work with him. He is extremely knowledgeable, an excellent scientist, very hard working, and a great mentor and friend! I will always be thankful for this time period in my career and will always cherish it.

Don Kyle – I have worked with Terry for only 3 years, but I greatly respect his level of knowledge and passion for agricultural research and crop protection. Terry is a life long learner, and I quickly noticed his inquisitive nature. Terry is dedicated to developing others and collaborating broadly. He has also been a leader within our Corteva Laureate Scientist community.

Eric Patterson – Through his role at Corteva as the herbicide tolerance strategy leader, Terry has supported a tremendous amount of research both within his company and through collaborations with academic and government researchers around the world. Terry has gone out of his way to support me and my program, spending time organizing research and discussing new directions in weed science. He has been instrumental in the success of the International Weed Genomics Consortium, and for that I will always be thankful.

Mark Pobanz – Dr. Terry Wright has been a leader and at the forefront of innovation across many teams and organizations at Corteva Agriscience. His decades of research and experience have led to the discovery and development of the Enlist franchise of herbicide tolerant crops and weed control products, impacting farming practices across the agricultural industry. A leader that can both focus on the big picture and also dig into the details, Terry is a sought-after resource from biotech traits to weed science and intellectual property. As a Distinguished Laureate within Corteva R&D, Terry has spearheaded technology initiatives and mentored hundreds of scientists and leaders across multiple departments. I have had the privilege to work with Terry for the past 15 years and I am a better scientist and leader because of his guidance and mentorship. Congratulations Terry, and we are all grateful for what you have done for Corteva but more importantly what you have contributed to plant science and ASPB. You are a true Pioneer. Sincerely, Mark Pobanz

Damilola Alex Raiyemo – I first met Terry at the International Weed Genomics Consortium conference that was held in Kansas City, MO in 2021, and subsequently had the opportunity of working briefly with him during a postdoc at Corteva Agriscience. His legacy, including his contributions to the discovery and development of the Enlist Weed Control Systems, has not only impacted the field of agriculture, but continues to inspire many plant biologists, including me. I wish Terry good health, and all the best in his future endeavors.

Dilpreet Riar – Terry Wright – aka “the Father of Enlist® Technology” – has had a remarkable career as an industry scientist and leader. Terry played a critical role in the discovery and/or development of multiple blockbuster technologies, including but not limited to the Enlist® Weed Control System, acetochlor, cyhalofop, and penoxsulam. These technologies are backbone to the successful and sustainable weed management solutions in different cropping systems globally, a testament to Terry’s great contribution and commitment to the purpose of feeding the growing world population. Along with innovating novel agricultural solutions, Terry’s great leadership and mentorship skills positively impacted the careers of numerous scientists across the weed science community and in the agriculture industry. He inspired young scientists like me to be disciplined, diligent, effective communicators, curious and overall, a better version of themselves in both science and as human beings. Terry is a pioneer at Corteva and in the plant/weed science community whose contributions will be cherished and remembered for a long time.

Marcos Rivas – Terry is the perfect scientific colleague: a resolute spirit with expert knowledge who looks at problems from many sides, and a joy to work with.

Mary Rupe – Terry Wright is among the precious colleagues that I’ve worked with in the biotech industry that are not only widely respected for their scientific knowledge and contributions, but also for their mentoring and leadership. One thing I’ll always remember about Terry is his genuine interest in developing people, and how he carved out time for this in his already extremely busy schedule. I’ve had the honor and fortune of working with Terry for the past five years and am grateful for the tremendous amount I’ve learned from him.

Norbert Satchivi – I have the pleasure of knowing Dr. Terry Wright for almost 20 years. I came to Dow AgroSciences, now Corteva, in 2006 for a three-month sabbatical assignment in the Weed Management Discovery Group which was led by Terry. These three months led to more than 15 years in Herbicide Discovery where I had the privilege to participate to the discovery and development of great herbicides such as ArylexTM and RinskorTM. Among the many amazing scientists and leaders with whom I have had the honor to work with over the years at Corteva, Terry is one of the most brilliant plant biologists coupled with a scientific breadth that overlaps chemistry, herbicide physiology and biochemistry, and trait discovery. Terry is a great teacher and mentor. Taking me under his wings when I moved from the Canadian Field Science organization to Herbicide Discovery has allowed me to quickly understand and master the complexity of discovery research. I was blessed to work alongside with Terry in my early years in Herbicide Discovery.
For your candor, humility, dedication to others and commitment to scientific excellence, I am forever grateful. Merci l’Ami!

Lyudmila Sidorenko – It is with great admiration and respect that we honor Terry Wright for his exceptional contributions to Corteva. Terry’s scientific leadership has been instrumental in driving innovation and excellence within our organization. His unwavering commitment to advancing our research capabilities has not only propelled Corteva to new heights, it has also set a benchmark for scientific rigor and integrity.
Terry’s mentorship has profoundly impacted multiple generations of researchers. His guidance, wisdom, and encouragement have nurtured countless careers, fostering a culture of curiosity and continuous learning. Terry’s ability to inspire and empower others is a testament to his dedication to the growth and development of his colleagues.

Beyond his professional achievements, Terry is an outstanding individual whose integrity, kindness, and generosity have touched the lives of many. His unwavering commitment to ethical principles and his genuine care for others make him a role model for all. Terry’s contributions extend far beyond the realm of scientific research, enriching our community and leaving a lasting legacy.

We are deeply grateful for Terry Wright’s remarkable contributions to Corteva and the broader scientific community. His legacy of leadership, mentorship, and integrity will continue to inspire and guide us for years to come.

Lars Swanson – Terry has been an invaluable asset to Corteva and the global agricultural community, particularly through the success of the Enlist® herbicide system, which has significantly boosted farm productivity worldwide. During my time working with Terry, I’ve observed his ability to empower others and enhance effectiveness among diverse stakeholders and colleagues. His unique approach to work, combined with his scientific expertise and business acumen in agriculture, create a formula for success that drives outstanding results.

Patrick Tranel – I am fortunate to have known Terry since we overlapped as graduate students at Washington State University. So many adjectives can be used to describe him, and all of them positive. He excelled as a leader and mentor. He worked tirelessly and selflessly while exuding positivity and optimism. He is a tremendous scientist with an even greater character. Thank you for being a role model and a true friend to so many of us. Enjoy your well-earned retirement!

Rao Uppalapati – Dear Terry, Thank you for your pioneering contributions to plant science, the crop industry, and biotechnology. The herbicide tolerance mechanisms and products you developed have not only had a great impact on farmers, but also on many of your colleagues at Corteva and the company itself. Thanks for all the mentoring you have provided for everyone in your path! Congratulations! Best, Rao

Becca Vickroy – Terry’s breadth and depth of knowledge within his field of expertise are exceptional. But more so, he is an outstanding and gracious leader. He welcomes people and ensures their comfort through inclusion and being open to other’s ideas. He champions collaboration, innovation, and integrity. Terry has inspired me to emulate his leadership approach with my own team. He has had an amazing career, and his legacy will continue in those that have worked alongside him for many years to come.

Aaron Woosley – Terry has not only been a scientific pillar that has pushed the boundaries of herbicidal chemistry but has been a champion of lifting up those around him. He has served as a mentor to countless people during the course of his career and helped develop networks for scientists to mentor and share ideas with each other through various forums and symposia. However, Terry has always taken the time to get to know his teammates – to interact and bond with them – to see what drives and then challenge and develop their growth and increase their impact. So, he is not only pushing the forefront of what we collectively know about plant chemistries but is also impacting the contributions of the many people associated with his projects (directly and indirectly) to help them grow and have an even bigger effort on our collective work. Truly a humble superhero.

Jingrui Wu – Terry is an exceptional science leader, colleague, and mentor. His contributions to the field of herbicide tolerance are truly extraordinary. His dedication, expertise, and vision have paved the way for groundbreaking achievements, including the discovery and development of Enlist E3 soybean. Terry’s leadership, collaborative spirit, generosity, and ability to inspire those around him have made every project a rewarding experience. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with Terry on the next-generation soybean HT project, creating many great memories over the four years. Congratulations and best wishes, Terry!

Yang Yang – Terry has not only demonstrated his vision when he came up and pushed for the concept of multiple herbicide tolerant traits, he has also been a great leader, a mentor, and most of all, a passionate and caring friend. It’s been an honor to have the chance to work side-by-side with a giant in science and in in life.

Kerrm Yau – Terry is a cherished colleague, an exceptional scientist, a dedicated servant leader, and a devoted mentor. I have had the privilege of working with him since the beginning of my career. Even after 22 years, I continue to seek his guidance, advice, and support. His boundless energy in nurturing others and advancing scientific research is unparalleled, setting a new standard for future generations. Terry’s ability to inspire and motivate those around him is truly remarkable. He possesses a unique talent for identifying and fostering potential in others, always encouraging them to reach their highest aspirations. His unwavering commitment to excellence and his genuine care for the well-being and development of his colleagues make him an invaluable asset to our team and the scientific community at large. He continues to challenge the status quo and invite others to challenge him back. When situation arises, he would go out of his way to defend and support his colleagues. Examples can be found all around us. Terry is truly a leading pioneer and a friend in the ag biotech industry.

Carla Yerkes – Throughout his nearly 30 years of dedication to science, Terry Wright has influenced, and will continue to impact, plant biology, weed science, and the agricultural industry in both tangible and intangible ways.

Terry has discovered and/or led the discovery and development of numerous plant protection products and plant improvement genes, including novel herbicides and herbicide tolerant traits. His most significant contribution includes the discovery and development of the aryloxyalkanoate dioxygenases which confer tolerance to 2,4-D and for some traits, the ‘fop herbicides. Terry’s dedication and leadership in commercializing these traits (the Enlist system) has earned him the title of “Father of Enlist” by his colleagues.

In addition to products that benefit agricultural producers, Terry has built high-functioning teams of plant scientists and established a culture of scientific rigor throughout his own organization, Corteva Agriscience (formerly Dow AgroSciences), as well as the weed science industry. His dedication to the development of the next generation of scientists through mentoring and coaching as well as his focus on safety will benefit our discipline for years to come.

Terry Wright’s incredible accomplishments and influence on plant science have led to him earning the title of Distinguished Fellow in the Corteva organization, in addition to the many internal and industry-wide awards he has received. The title of “Pioneer of ASPB” is a perfect description of Terry and his career.

Gina Zastrow-Hayes – Terry Wright has been an influential scientist in the Agricultural Biotechnology field for over thirty years, bringing together deep technical expertise in both biology and chemistry to deliver to farmers. Terry’s technical achievements have been numerous; however, these only showcase a fraction of the impact he’s had on scientists and colleagues throughout his career. Personally, I would like to say Terry’s commitment to safety and the communication of safety principles is unmatched. He values each and every life and goes the extra mile to make sure people are keeping their health and safety front of mind. Terry has also impacted countless scientists through mentoring, sharing and caring feedback. The time he’s taken to develop those at every level has been inspirational.