At the Seed Science Center, our student employees are essential to everything we do. From lab work to logistics, our student team—roughly 40 strong each semester—keeps the Center running smoothly. Among the many students who’ve left their mark here, Ava Shovein stands out as a shining example of dedication, teamwork, and growth.
Ava joined the Customer Care Office two years ago after spotting an opening for a student position in the Seed Lab. “My major is in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences,” Ava explained, “so I knew this would be a perfect fit to get more involved in my college.” Her instincts were right—she quickly became a valued part of the team.
“She’s been such a consistent and positive presence in our office,” said Tess Howard, Customer Care Office Manager and Ava’s supervisor. “Ava is dependable, quick to learn, and always willing to take on something new. She’ll definitely be missed!”
Ava graduated from Iowa State University in December with a degree in Animal Science and a certificate in Equine Science, though her interests evolved into a stronger emphasis on dairy. That passion led her to her next chapter: graduate school at UW–Madison, where she’ll study Dairy Science with an emphasis on Nutrition.
“I’m excited to join my lab group and live in such a fun town,” Ava shared. “My goal is to become a nutritionist for dairy cattle, and working at the SSC helped me build time management skills and the confidence to take on new challenges—things I know will help me in grad school.”
She also made time for a little fun along the way. “One of my favorite memories at the SSC is decorating our office door for Halloween!” she said, laughing.
As she prepares to leave, Ava offers this advice to current and future student workers at SSC: “Find fun in your work and befriend your coworkers. Thank you to all my SSC coworkers who made my time here so memorable!”
From all of us at the Seed Science Center—thank you, Ava. We’re proud to be part of your story and wish you all the best in Madison!
Interested in becoming a student employee at the Seed Science Center? Learn more at seeds.iastate.edu.