2018 Outstanding Achievement in STEM

Carla earned her PhD in Plant Pathology from Iowa State University. In 1999, she joined Dow AgroSciences’ Crop Protection Discovery Research division, where she built and led a world-class fungicide discovery program for 15 years. 

Her life work has given farmers tools to address devastating crop plant diseases, and has improved global agricultural production. Dr. Klittich is an internationally-recognized expert on crop disease management, with 17 refereed journal articles, 37 conference presentations, 25 patent submissions, and 14 granted patents. 

Through her numerous and valuable scientific contributions, Dr. Klittich rose to the highest levels of technical recognition at Dow AgroSciences, and was named Fellow in 2014. 

Carla’s enthusiasm for learning, and boldness to accept new challenges has inspired many women over the years. She has lead young girls to careers in science, and has provided continuous and selfless mentoring to support and inspire early career scientists. She is truly a model for technical achievement and leadership in the Agricultural Industry and her legacy is clearly evident in the women (and men) that follow in her footsteps.