Expert Spotlight: Karly Regan

Karly Regan - Smithsburg, MD

If you’ve ever wondered how biological products are tested, proven, and trusted for growers in the field, you’ll find the answer in the work of Karly Regan, Field Development Manager for the Northeast at Certis Biologicals.

Karly plays a critical role in bringing science to the field. From designing and managing field trials to collecting data on product performance across diverse crops and climates, she ensures that growers and partners can rely on real-world results. By connecting research with practice, Karly helps translate innovation into solutions that support healthier crops and successful harvests.

What is your role at Certis Biologicals, and how long have
you been in it?

I’m a field development manager and cover the Northeast territory of the US.
In this role, I coordinate research trials throughout the northeast, Great Lakes, and mid-Atlantic states, as well as provide technical knowledge and product support for our sales reps and their customers throughout those states. I joined Certis in May 2023.

Why agriculture?

I love cooking and being more aware of where our food supply comes from has always been interesting to me. Plus, it’s such an essential part of any country’s culture and success. We can’t survive without food!

What was your dream job as a child, and how does it compare to your current role?

I wanted to be a veterinarian when I was a kid. My current role is quite different since I wanted to help keep animals healthy and instead, I’m often helping to kill a subset of animals (insects and mites). I do help keep plants healthy, though!

What is the most challenging part of your role?

We balance a lot of different tasks in our roles and often have to switch between them on a moment’s notice if the phone rings and someone has a time-sensitive product question. That frequent task-switching can make it harder to focus and get caught up again.

What's your favorite Certis product and why?

My favorite is Sil-Matrix. It was the first Certis product I worked with in a trial as an extension agent before I joined the company. I like that it has so many different uses since it can help control diseases and arthropod pests, as well as help with fruit finish.

What's your go-to way to unwind and recharge after a busy week?

I take lessons in West Coast Swing and various other partner dance styles, so stopping by a lesson or social event when I’m not on the road is my go-to. I picked dance up in grad school as a way to socialize, exercise, and learn a new skill all in
one when my brain needed a break from writing my dissertation. I’ve been hooked ever since!

How do you adapt trials and recommendations across different crops, climates, and geographies?

We rely on the relationships we build with our research cooperators to help keep us informed. They can be knowledgeable resources on what to expect from their location, what challenges growers face, and what practices are commonly used. That helps us fit within a context that’ll work in that region.

How does your work support grower education and confidence in biological solutions?

We can demonstrate that something has worked well in trials or with other customers and that can help reassure them if they’re nervous about trying a product for the first time. We can also give them guidance on the best way to use a product in terms of rate, timing, and mixing, which helps increase the chances they’ll succeed when they try it. 

Whether it’s overseeing field trials, gathering performance data, or supporting growers with trusted insights, Karly’s work ensures that Certis products deliver proven results where it matters most, in the field. We’re grateful for the expertise and dedication she brings to advancing biological solutions for growers in the Northeast.

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About Certis Biologicals

Certis Biologicals is the leading developer, manufacturer, and distributor of biological innovation such as biofungicides, bioinsecticides, bionematicides, bioherbicides, and plant health-promoting products, servicing the agriculture, turf, greenhouse, home, and garden markets globally. With a proven, broad portfolio of products and a continuous pursuit of new solutions for conventional and organic production, Certis Biologicals is a leader and partner in sustainable crop production trusted by farmers in the U.S. and more than 50 countries across the world. To learn more about Certis Biologicals and their portfolio of proven solutions, visit  CertisBio.com.