Ames, Iowa – November 20, 2024 – Ashlyn Rairdin, a PhD student in Plant Breeding at Iowa State University, and Baker Center supported student, has been honored as one of the 2025 Women Impacting ISU. This prestigious recognition celebrates women who have made significant contributions to the university community through their leadership, service, and dedication.

Ashlyn's major professor, Arti Singh, praised her achievements, stating, “This award reflects Ashlyn's unwavering commitment, dedication, and the exceptional leadership skills in research and professional groups. Through her hard work, and passion for plant breeding and the Workforce in Ag and AI, she has set an inspiring example for fellow students, showing that leadership is built on perseverance and the pursuit of excellence.”

Ashlyn’s research focuses on using drone-based imagery within the mung bean breeding program for yield prediction. She is also exploring the genetic basis for protein content within mung bean for applications to the breeding program. This work aims to develop tools and pipelines that the breeding program can continue to use to make breeding decisions.

In addition to her research on mungbean, Ashlyn is involved in various projects with high-throughput phenotyping techniques, which enhance the efficiency and accuracy of plant breeding by using advanced imaging and data analysis methods. Her innovative approach has the potential to significantly accelerate the development of superior crop varieties.

Outside of her research, Ashlyn serves as a co-leader for the group Workforce in Ag and AI. Through this group, she has had the opportunity to lead activities and workshops with students ranging from elementary school to college. These efforts include engaging with programs such as 4H and Women in Science and Engineering. Ashlyn is passionate about sharing the exciting research happening at Iowa State and inspiring younger generations to imagine the possibilities of the future.

The Women Impacting ISU calendar, an annual project by the Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics, highlights the accomplishments of twelve women who have made a difference at Iowa State University. Ashlyn's inclusion in the 2025 calendar underscores her significant impact on the University community.