The Seed Science Center (SSC) at Iowa State University has announced the recipients of its 2025 graduate scholarships and fellowships, supporting students dedicated to advancing seed science, technology, and business. These awards, funded by industry leaders and agricultural organizations, provide financial assistance to students excelling in their studies and contributing to the seed industry.
This year’s recipients include students from a variety of academic backgrounds, all with a shared passion for seed science and technology.
The Edda Sehgal Fellowship was awarded to Ghanshyam Kandel, a graduate student in Agricultural Education and Studies, recognizing his dedication to seed systems and education.
The Iowa Seed Association awarded two scholarships:
- Caitlyn Bruntz, an STB (Seed Technology and Business) graduate student, Fall 2025
- Daniela Avalos-Ochoa (pictured in her lab), also an STB graduate student, Fall 2025
The Bayer Graduate Fellowship was presented to Eleazar Tetteh, another Agricultural Education and Studies graduate student, supporting his research and studies in seed science.
The Committee for Agriculture Fellowship awarded scholarships to:
- Jeffrey Shimada, an STB graduate student, Fall 2025
- Ana Carolina Ferreira, an STB graduate student, Fall 2025
The Iowa Crop Improvement Fellowship awarded a scholarship to Daniela Avalos-Ochoa, Fall 2025. Avalos-Ochoa also works as a Seed Traits Specialist at the Seed Science Center.
Supporting Future Leaders in Seed Science
For scholarship recipients, these awards provide critical financial support that allows them to focus on their education while balancing professional responsibilities. Ana Carolina Ferreira, a second-year STB student originally from Brazil and now working in Fargo, ND, emphasized how the scholarship will help her pursue more coursework.
“Receiving a scholarship will help me a lot, especially by allowing me to take more classes during the year since I have a limitation on how much I can spend on courses,” Ferreira shared. “It makes me feel I am on the right path and motivates me to improve even more and aim for additional scholarships in the future.”
Ferreira, who has been involved in the seed industry since her undergraduate graduation, highlighted the program’s significance for her career. “Pursuing a master's degree and gaining deeper knowledge about the seed industry will open up opportunities in my future career. The program's focus on leadership and some unfamiliar subjects broadens my perspective and better prepares me for advanced positions.”
She also praised the support from the program’s faculty. “It’s not easy to pursue a master’s degree while managing daily work, but the program is crucial for achieving my career goals, and it was always one of my dreams. Also, the team of competent professionals and professors are really supportive throughout the process.”
A Commitment to Advancing Seed Science
The Seed Science Center continues to play a vital role in preparing the next generation of seed industry professionals through financial support, academic excellence, and industry collaboration. These scholarships and fellowships not only ease the financial burden on students but also help cultivate the future leaders of the seed industry.
For more information about scholarships and fellowship opportunities at the Seed Science Center, visit seeds.iastate.edu. For more information about the Seed Technology and Business Graduate Degree program, visit seedgrad.iastate.edu.