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

Webinar RECORDING

Originally Aired: 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 – Vice Chair, Agrochemicals Division, American Chemical Society

Webinar Recap:

Part 1: Automation and AI in Discovery

Dr. Shah highlighted that the future of drug discovery depends on high-quality data to train generative AI, noting that AI is a critical tool for shortening the R&D timeline to combat pest resistance. He emphasized that strategically automating bottlenecks—not necessarily every process—is key to efficiency.

(Note: Due to intellectual property (IP) restrictions, Dr. Shah’s presentation slides and visuals on automation and generative AI are not included in the video recording. However, the discussion is summarized here.)

Part 2: Sustainability, Trade, and Post-Harvest Chemistry

Dr. Walse addressed the “agricultural conundrum”—the conflict between consumer demands for cheap, chemical-free food and the producer’s need for profit and pest control. To bridge this gap, he proposed post-harvest fumigation as a highly controllable and reproducible solution.

• Sustainable Fumigation: Unlike residual field sprays, modern fumigation allows for effective pest control with engineering controls to mitigate risk, including the use of scrubbers.
• Ethyl Formate Innovation: Dr. Walse showcased ethyl formate as a methyl bromide replacement. This chemical is hydrolyzed by the fruit’s own water content into GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) compounds (ethanol and formic acid), eliminating the need for scrubbing and supporting certified organic produce. This strategy is critical for guaranteeing “no bugs in the box” and securing valuable U.S. export markets.

If you missed the live event or want to watch it again, you can find the full video below.

[Link to YouTube Video Here]

A special thank you to our moderator, Dena Barrett, our tech host, Kyle Sawyer, and our sponsor, Eurofins Agroscience Services.

We hope to see you at our next webinar!

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.