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 says. Encouraged by her supervisor, she explored advanced degree options and discovered Iowa State University’s Online Graduate Program in Seed Technology and 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. 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: 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, but she 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. “When you want something badly enough, you make it a priority.”
The STB program not only filled knowledge gaps but also broadened her perspective and helped her connect science, agriculture, and economics. “It was like putting together a puzzle—I finally saw the big picture,” she says.
Earning her master’s degree helped Aideen gain confidence 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. And leadership and organizational behavior courses provided skills that extended beyond agriculture.
For Aideen, completing the program wasn’t just about earning a degree. “The day I defended my research was one of the happiest days of my life,” she says. “It reminded me that it’s never too late to chase your dreams.”
