Dow AgroSciences Displays Technology in Action

Indianapolis, IN - March 30, 2009

More than 1,000 minority college students studying agriculture, natural resources and science expanded their view of life science career options in central Indiana as part of the national conference of Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS).  The weekend conference showcased careers, provided workshops, and gave students from all over the country the chance to see technology in action in Indianapolis as students participated in the meetings sponsored by Dow AgroSciences. Major host institutions for the conference included Purdue University and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

“The conference theme of 'Expanding Horizons' rang true with the many students who visited our site and toured our global research and development facilities,” said Nick Gray, global vice president of Human Resources at Dow AgroSciences.  “We could see the excitement and enthusiasm in the students as we explained possibilities available to them in agriculture, which is a technology-driven industry expanding to feed a growing population.”

“MANRRS has given me the resources to learn about a multitude of companies that I would not have known existed,” said Marianela Montoya, a student of California Polytechnic State. “It has opened my eyes to what is available in the fields of science, agriculture, and natural resources.  I have also been able to learn more about the various cultures and how to interact with them.  MANRRS is a very productive society.”

"Over the last three years, MANRRS has provided me the opportunity to network with professionals and learn how my specific skill set, educational background, and interests can lead to an exciting career in agriculture. I feel that this year’s theme of 'Expanding Horizons' was realized,” said Lucinda R. Hagge, MANRRS Chapter president, University of Wisconsin–Madison. “At the conference I was able to meet with a variety of key players within Dow AgroSciences, go on a facility tour, and ask a professional panel questions about their job and the company culture. Being able to get a 360-degree perspective of a company enables MANRRS’ members to identify what type of culture, values, and work environment that they need to be successful in the future."

Gray points out that diversity of ideas, background and education is essential for global companies such as Dow AgroSciences, and having these students meet in Central Indiana was significant. “We’re looking for the best and brightest employees to help us continue transforming our company for the future, and having the MANRRS students here in Indianapolis gave them a positive impression of what it would be like to live and work here.”  Dow AgroSciences has hired many students and interns through contact with the MANRRS organization in recent years.
 
About Dow AgroSciences

Dow AgroSciences LLC, based in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, is a top-tier agricultural company that combines the power of science and technology with the "Human Element” to constantly improve what is essential to human progress. Dow AgroSciences provides innovative technologies for crop protection, pest and vegetation management, seeds, traits, and agricultural biotechnology to serve the world's growing population.  Global sales for Dow AgroSciences, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Company, are $4.5 billion. Learn more at www.dowagro.com.

For Editorial Information:

Robyn Heine
Dow AgroSciences LLC
1-317-337-4807