Pamela Marrone

Pamela (Pam) Marrone is a prominent figure in the field of agricultural biotechnology, particularly known for her work in developing biological products for pest management. She is the founder of Marrone Bio Innovations (MBI), a company she established in 2006, which focuses on creating environmentally friendly alternatives to chemical pesticides. Under her leadership, MBI went public in 2013 and has developed several patented products aimed at sustainable agriculture.136

Education and Early Career

Marrone holds a Bachelor of Science in Entomology from Cornell University and a Ph.D. in Entomology from North Carolina State University. Her career began at Monsanto, where she led the Insect Biology group, before moving on to establish Entotech, Inc., and later AgraQuest, which was sold to Bayer Crop Science for $425 million in 2006.145

Achievements and Contributions

Throughout her career, Marrone has been recognized for her contributions to sustainable agriculture. She has received numerous awards, including the "Sustie" award from the Ecological Farming Association and the Kathryn H. Hach Award for Entrepreneurial Success from the American Chemical Society. Marrone is also a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and holds over 500 patents related to her work.234

In addition to her role at MBI, she is involved in various organizations aimed at promoting women in science and technology, serving as a board member for the Foundation for Food and Agricultural Research and as treasurer of the Association for Women in Science.57

Current Endeavors

After stepping down as CEO of Marrone Bio Innovations in 2022, Marrone continues to influence the field through her advisory roles and as co-founder of the Invasive Species Corporation, which focuses on developing biological solutions for controlling invasive species.35 Her passion for sustainable agriculture and innovation remains a driving force in her career, as she actively mentors young entrepreneurs and participates in various initiatives to foster growth in the agtech sector.6