Kaitlin Diggins (she/her) is from Mondamin, Iowa, and a recent graduate of Iowa State University (2022) with a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science and a minor in Horticulture. Kaitlin grew up on a small, diversified hobby farm in the Loess Hills, where a deep passion for nature, science, and sustainable, small-scale agriculture was catalyzed. 

Her previous experience with specialty crops and commercial farming started when she was hired for her first job on a local family-owned fruit farm. From there, she made it a personal goal to participate in interdisciplinary projects that work toward a sustainable future for farmers.  

Kaitlin’s research interests evolved as she progressed through her academic career, starting in agriculture and soil science, moving to plant biochemistry and climate change, and finally progressing to integrated pest management in organic farming systems.  

Kaitlin is currently a Ph.D. student in the Department of Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology at Cornell University. She works in the EVADE lab with Dr. Sarah Pethybridge, collaborating with UK and ISU to expand resilient climate and pest protection systems in organic specialty crops.