Sam Ordonez Jr.

Sam Ordonez Jr. is an accomplished professional in the field of plant breeding, with extensive experience in corn breeding and genetic research. Currently serving as the Regional Manager for Corn Breeding at AgReliant Genetics, LLC since January 2022, Sam leads a team focused on inbred line breeding and summer nursery operations in the US Corn Belt. Previously, as a Research Scientist and Principal Investigator at Corteva from January 2018 to December 2021, Sam managed a corn breeding program in Central Illinois and Indiana. Prior roles at Dow AgroSciences included leadership positions in corn trait introgression and research station management. Sam's early career features significant contributions as a Senior Science Research Specialist in hybrid rice breeding at the Philippine Rice Research Institute and as a Graduate Research Assistant at Louisiana State University, where Sam earned a PhD in Genetics and Plant Breeding. Educational achievements include a Master's degree in Plant Breeding from the University of the Philippines and a Bachelor's degree in Biology from Central Luzón State University.