Technology and Chemistry Shaping a Sustainable Future: Lunch and Lessons from Two MORE Award-Winning Researchers

UPCOMING Webinar

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW!

When: 12 PM EST USA, September 17, 2025

Presenters: Dr. Tejas Shah, Principal Investigator at Corteva Agriscience, member of the C&E News’ 2025 Talented 12; and
Dr. Spencer Walse, Research Chemist, USDA-Agricultural Research Service and winner of the 2025 AGRO Award for Innovation in Chemistry of Agriculture

Moderator: Dena Barrett – Program Chair and Vice Chair, Agrochemicals Division, American Chemical Society

Description:

Discover how technology and chemistry are shaping a sustainable future for agriculture in this exclusive webinar. Learn from two award-winning experts on topics that sit at the forefront of the agrochemical industry.

In their presentations, Dr. Tejas Shah will discuss “Automation and Generative AI Driving Innovation in Crop Protection,” and Dr. Spencer Walse will present his work on “Postharvest fumigants as phytosanitary treatments for future regulatory demands.”

Presenter Bios: Dr. Tejas K. Shah obtained his B.A. in Chemistry and Molecular Biology & Biochemistry from Rutgers University in 2011 and went on to complete his doctoral studies in Professor Neil K. Garg’s laboratory at UCLA. Alongside his research, he developed online tutorials called BACON that connected organic chemistry to biology and pop culture. Upon graduating in 2016, Tejas joined Dow Agrosciences where he has held roles in Discovery Chemistry and Enabling Capabilities including leading the chemistry automation & HTE team. Currently, he is a Principal Investigator in the Integrated Discovery and Bioprocessing group.

Dr. Spencer Walse is a Research Chemist at the USDA-ARS-San Joaquin Valley Agricultural Sciences Center and teaches environmental toxicology classes at UC Davis. His experiences have led to an understanding of how biologically active compounds, including fumigants, move through the environment. Nationally and internationally recognized for chemical expertise as related to horticultural pest control and trade, Dr. Walse’s research directly contributes to US exports valued at ca. > $4 B annually.

For past webinar recordings, please visit the Lunch and Learn Webinar Archive.