Carol Mallory-Smith’s research has focused on the problem of gene flow between crops and seeds, a problem that has slowed progress in agricultural biotechnology and raised environmental concerns. Her work has placed her in the middle of disputes involving growers, companies, activists and regulators in Oregon. A former English major, Mallory-Smith turned to botany and earned a PhD in plant science at the University of Idaho, joining the Oregon State faculty in 1994. She has been president of the Weed Science Society of America and chaired its Herbicide Resistance Committee.