Kim R Ward

Title: Innovator Spotlight: Kim R. Ward - A Pioneer in Plant Genetic Engineering

Introduction: Kim R. Ward, an accomplished inventor based in Bear, Delaware, has made significant contributions to the field of plant genetic engineering. With a remarkable portfolio of nine patents, her work focuses on the regulation of gene expression in plants, particularly through the development of novel nucleotide sequences. Her innovative approaches have the potential to enhance agricultural practices and improve crop yields.

Latest Patents: Among her latest inventions are two notable patents that utilize unique promoters for regulating gene expression in plants. The first patent, titled "Inducible promoter which regulates the expression of a peroxidase gene from maize," outlines a method for expressing heterologous nucleotide sequences in maize. This invention provides compositions that include a novel inducible promoter for the ZmPOX24 gene. The method involves stably incorporating the nucleotide sequence linked to the promoter into a plant cell's genome, ultimately regenerating a transformed plant that expresses the desired sequence.

The second patent, "Maize Cr1bio gene promoter and its use to direct root-preferred transgene expression in plants," similarly provides compositions and methods for plant gene expression regulation. This invention features a root-preferred promoter for the Cr1Bio gene, detailing a method for integrating the promoter-linked nucleotide sequence into the plant cell genome for successful regeneration of a transgenic plant.

Career Highlights: Kim R. Ward has built her career at prominent companies in the agricultural biotechnology sector, including Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. and E.I. DuPont de Nemours and Company. Her expertise and inventions have played crucial roles in advancing research and applications in crop genetics.

Collaborations: Throughout her career, Kim has worked alongside esteemed colleagues, including Scott H. Diehn and Albert Laurence Lu. Their collaborations have contributed to significant advancements in plant genetic engineering, further solidifying her reputation as an innovator in the field.

Conclusion: Kim R. Ward's pioneering work and patented inventions reflect her dedication to advancing agricultural biotechnology. With a focus on enhancing gene expression in plants, her contributions hold promise for future agricultural innovations. As she continues to explore new frontiers in plant genetics, Kim remains a vital figure in the realm of scientific innovation.