404
Downloads
11
Episodes
Welcome to GermiNation—the podcast where seeds tell their stories. I’m your host, Cindy Hicks, coming to you from the Iowa State University Seed Science Center, a global leader in seed research, education, and outreach. Each episode, we dig into the beauty, wonder, and science of seeds—those tiny powerhouses at the heart of agriculture, biodiversity, and global food security. Through conversations with scientists, farmers, industry leaders, and changemakers around the world, we explore how seeds connect us, sustain us, and shape our future. This is GermiNation—where every great story starts with a seed.
Episodes
Monday Feb 02, 2026
Monday Feb 02, 2026
What does it really take to become a Registered Seed Technologist (RST), and why does the credential matter more than ever?
In this episode of GermiNation, we sit down with two leaders who know the RST journey inside and out: Jessica Blake, Seed Quality Labs Manager at the Iowa State University Seed Science Center, and Quinn Gillespie, President of the Society of Commercial Seed Technologists.
Together, they break down the path to becoming an RST, from early training and hands-on experience to preparing for certification exams, and share practical advice for technicians just starting out. They also discuss how foundational skills in seed purity and germination testing build confidence, open doors across the seed industry, and support a career rooted in quality, accuracy, and trust.
Whether you’re new to seed testing, considering certification, or mentoring the next generation of seed professionals, this conversation offers insight, encouragement, and a clear roadmap for growing your career in seed science.
Because every great seed analyst starts somewhere, and the path matters.
No comments yet. Be the first to say something!