Who We Are

Morven McLean, PhD, MSc

Morven McLean is Executive Director of Networks & Innovation and Professor of Practice in the School of Public Health, and she additionally serves as the inaugural Director of WashU’s Food and Agriculture Research Mission (FARM). An agricultural scientist with more than 25 years of experience, Morven has dedicated her career to developing and implementing applied agricultural research and capacity building programs that address scientific, regulatory and trade issues related to agricultural innovation and food security. 

Morven joined WashU from Gates Agricultural Innovations (Gates Ag One), where she was Director of Global Strategy, Regulatory, and Public Affairs. She has served as a technical expert for the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, the World Bank and the United States Agency for International Development, as well as many national governments in sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and South America.

She received her Bachelor of Science in agriculture from McGill University, her Master of Science in environmental biology from the University of Guelph, and her doctorate in molecular plant virology from the University of British Columbia. In addition to serving on the Governing Council of the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Morven is co-chair of the Global Steering Council for the Agricultural Model Intercomparison and Improvement Project.

Lauren and Lee Fixel Distinguished Professorships

FARM Professors are prestigious faculty who have demonstrated a track record and potential to make great strides in the food and agriculture lifecycle. FARM is honored to name its inaugural Lauren and Lee Fixel Distinguished Professors.