Dr. Mikaela Breunig is a Senior Scientist in Bayer CropScience’s Global Breeding organization. With a Ph.D. in Plant Pathology from Michigan State University, she specializes in disease epidemiology, fungal pathology, and disease phenotyping. At Bayer, Mikaela partners with growers, product managers, and plant breeders to define industry needs and accelerate the development of disease tolerant wheat and corn varieties. Throughout her career, Mikaela has been committed to bridging science and practice—mentoring students, collaborating across disciplines, and delivering research-based insights to growers through field days, extension events, and industry outreach. Mikaela is a UW-Madison CALS grad and legacy AWA alumnae. She lives in St. Louis, MO and is active with the Society of St. Vincent De Paul, working with the poor in downtown St. Louis and serves as a conference treasurer.