Michael Olsen

Michael Olsen is an experienced agricultural scientist specializing in corn breeding and genetics. Currently serving as the Corn Pipeline Strategy Lead at Bayer since October 2022, Michael previously held the position of Triat Pipeline and Upstream Research Coordinator at CIMMYT from January 2013 to October 2022, where responsibilities included managing a global team of molecular breeders and co-leading the Improved Maize for African Soils project. Prior experience includes working as a Line Development Breeder at Monsanto from June 2002 to January 2013, focusing on developing elite inbred lines for the northern corn market and conducting experimental research on breeding methods. Michael's career began as a Corn Breeder at Wilson Genetics, LLC from June 1999 to June 2002, where efforts emphasized developing competitive hybrids with increased grain protein content. Michael holds a PhD in Agronomy and Plant Genetics / Plant Breeding from the University of Minnesota and a Bachelor of Arts in Life Science Secondary Education from Bethel University.