Aideen’s journey into the seed industry began with a passion for science and a desire to make a meaningful impact on the environment. Growing up along the Chesapeake Bay, she saw firsthand the effects of agricultural runoff, sparking her interest in sustainable solutions. This early exposure led her to pursue a degree in Biochemistry and a career in analytical chemistry, where she spent over two decades supporting agricultural research and regulatory studies.
Despite her experience, Aideen recognized gaps in her knowledge when she relocated to Iowa in 2016 and began working closely with multidisciplinary seed industry teams. “I was interacting with field experts and realized I didn’t know the nuts and bolts of how things worked,” she recalls. Encouraged by her supervisor, she explored advanced degree options and discovered Iowa State University’s Seed Technology & Business (STB) program.
For years, Aideen had put off her dream of earning a master’s degree. Life, career, and self-doubt convinced her it was too late. “I thought I was too old,” she admits. But a conversation with a colleague changed everything.
“I told them my biggest regret was not getting my master’s degree. And in that moment, I had an epiphany: I’m not dead yet. There’s still time.”
Determined, she enrolled in the STB program, drawn to its interdisciplinary approach and online flexibility. Returning to academia after two decades was daunting. “I wondered if I could still keep up,” she says. “But I didn’t want to live with regret.”
Balancing studies with her demanding job at Corteva required discipline. She took one class at a time, dedicating nights and weekends to coursework. The online format provided flexibility but also demanded self-motivation. “You have to be disciplined to succeed in an online program,” she says. “But when you want something badly enough, you make it a priority.”
The STB program not only filled knowledge gaps but also broadened her perspective. “I didn’t know anything about corn or nitrogen use before this program,” she admits. Her research project on nitrogen biofertilizers helped her connect science, agriculture, and economics. “It was like putting together a puzzle—I finally saw the big picture.”
Earning her master’s degree helped Aideen gain confidence in decision-making and a deeper understanding of the seed industry. “I can now walk into a plant and understand everything, from conveyor belts to seed treatment processes,” she says. Leadership and organizational behavior courses provided skills that extended beyond agriculture, helping her to be a better team leader.
For Aideen, completing the STB program wasn’t just about earning a degree—it was about proving to herself that she could do it.
“The day I defended my research was one of the happiest days of my life, it reminded me that it’s never too late to chase your dreams.”
She hopes her journey inspires others. “Whether you’re 25 or 50, if you’re willing to put in the work, you can achieve your goals.” Looking ahead, she’s excited about the future of the seed industry and her role in driving innovation. “We’re feeding the world, and that’s something I’m proud to be a part of.”
Her advice to others considering the STB program? “Don’t let fear or self-doubt hold you back. If you want it badly enough, you’ll find a way to make it happen.”
